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Facts on Herpes

Herpes is a relatively common viral infection which, according to Herpes.com, is present in nearly 80 million adults in the United States. Herpes simplex-1 (or oral herpes) is present in approximately 50 to 80 percent of American adults. Genital herpes (herpes simplex-2) is diagnosed in approximately 500,000 or more Americans each year. In addition to oral herpes and genital herpes, there is also herpes zoster which is otherwise known as shingles.

  1. The Facts

    • The virus enters your body and attacks your immune system. Your immune system fights back and while doing so; your body is at increased risk of developing other viruses. For this reason, keeping outbreaks under control is particularly important for overall health. Additionally, when your immune system is compromised, you are also more likely to develop additional herpes outbreaks. As of 2009, there is no cure for herpes; however, the virus can be suppressed with antiviral medications which help to control outbreaks.

    Oral Herpes

    • Oral herpes is characterized by cold sores, which are small blisters filled with fluid. Cold sores are usually painful and can appear on the nose, chin, throat, cheek, mouth and lips. Often, the emergence of the blisters is preceded by tingling, itching or pain at the site. The herpes virus is also characterized by recurrent episodes.
      According to the Mayo Clinic, in some cases, treatment is unnecessary as the outbreaks are mild. With more severe outbreaks, your doctor may recommend an antiviral medication like topical Zovirax (acyclovir).

    Ocular Herpes and Herpes Whitlow

    • Herpes simplex virus type 1 can also cause ocular herpes (occurring in the eyes) and herpes Whitlow (which occurs on the fingers). According to Herpes.com, approximately 400,000 people in the United States are affected by ocular herpes, which usually begins with keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). The infection, if left untreated, can result in scarring and vision loss.
      Herpes Whitlow is caused by touching cold sores. Using good hand washing practices can help decrease your risk of transmitting the virus to your fingers.

    Genital Herpes

    • This sexually transmitted disease is also caused by the herpes simplex virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, many people who are infected with the virus are asymptomatic (have no symptoms). Symptoms are generally localized to the genitals and are characterized by clusters of lesions or open sores. Women may have sores in the cervical area, anus, buttocks, vaginal area or external genitals. Men may have sores in the anal area, buttocks, thighs, inside your urethra or on the penis or scrotum.
      Antiviral medications like famiciclovir, acyclovir or valacyclovir may help to reduce recurrences of herpes outbreaks and minimize the symptoms.

    Herpes Zoster

    • Herpes zoster (commonly referred to as shingles) is characterized by painful blisters on your skin, usually on one side of the body. If you have had chickenpox, the virus remains in your body, dormant within your nerves. For unknown reasons, the virus becomes active in the nerves, resulting in shingles. Symptoms usually begin as tingling, burning pain. This is usually followed by red patches on your skin from which small blisters form. Additional symptoms include chills, fever, abdominal discomfort, hearing loss, headache, drooping eyelid, joint pain, loss of eye motion and vision problems.
      The condition may resolve on its own or you may need an antiviral medication like famiciclovir, valacyclovir or acyclovir to minimize pain and minimize the disease's course.

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