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Health Articles -
Herpes
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What is Herpes?
Herpes refer to a condition in which fluid filled blisters occur on the skin, adjacent to mouth. Usually, they appear on the chin, nostrils, fingers and genitals. Herpes is more commonly known as Fever blisters and Cold sores. Cold sores are often mistaken for canker sores, however the two terms are very much different. Herpes are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV).
Genital Herpes is an Infection caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV. There are two types of HSV, and both can cause genital herpes.
HSV type 1 most commonly infects the lips causing sores known as fever blisters or cold sores, but it also can infect the genital area and produce sores there.
HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth during oral sex. A person who has genital herpes infection can easily pass or transmit the virus to an uninfected person during sex.
Herpes is contacted primarily through sexual intercourse (i.e. genital-genital contact) with someone infected with the herpes virus. However, it can also be spread through oral sex or close skin-to-skin contact. Although infection is most common when one partner has visible symptoms of herpes, it can be spread at any time, even in the absence of apparent symptoms.
What are the main causes of herpes?
Primary HVH is the leading cause of childhood gingivostomatitis in children ages 1 to 3. It causes the most common form of nonepidemic Encephalitis and is the second most common viral infection in pregnant women. It can pass to the Fetus transplacentally and, in early pregnancy, may cause spontaneous Abortion or premature birth.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. However, in many people the infection causes no recognized signs or symptoms and can still be spread to a partner. Because the virus dies quickly outside of the body, it's nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person.
Genital herpes is usually spread from one person to another by having sex. This includes oral sex, when it can be passed from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth.
Herpes can also be spread from one place on your body to another, such as from your genitals to your fingers, then to your eyes or to other parts of your body. So try not to touch your sores. If you do touch them, wash your hands well. Herpes can also be spread from a mother to her baby when she gives birth if the baby passes through an infected birth canal.
Since the same virus that causes genital herpes also can cause cold sores (herpes labialis), HSV can be spread from a genital sore to the lips or from a cold sore to the genital area. Some other causes of herpes:
By direct contact (touching, kissing, rubbing) with the sores or blisters
By having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral), especially if not using a condom
From mother to baby during childbirth.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 30 May 2008 )
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