Cold Sores Caused By Herpes

                

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Cold sore, fever blister, herpes. The first two are generally thought to be typical conditions, benign, a part of life. The third condition has a darker reputation: a dreaded disease and one often linked to sexual behavior. In reality, all three conditions are the same. Cold sores and fever blisters are actually common terms for the symptoms caused by herpes.

To put it simply, a cold sore is herpes.

Specifically, a cold sore is Herpes Simplex Virus 1, or HSV 1 (cold sores are sometimes caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 2, the strain of the herpes virus that typically causes genital herpes, but this is rare). Cold sores, or fever blisters, occur when the herpes virus travels along nerve paths and appears at the surface of the skin. Are all instances of cold sores herpes? There are blemishes that appear on the skin that aren?t cold sores; but if the blemish is a cold sore, or a fever blister if you prefer, then it?s herpes.

Surprised? Dubious? These kinds of reactions aren?t unusual on learning that herpes causes cold sores, and that?s almost certainly due to the negative association that the word ?herpes? has for some people. Why is this? Yes, there is a variation of the herpes virus that typically causes genital outbreaks (HSV 2), but the strain of herpes that causes cold sores, HSV 1, can also be spread to the genitals; and herpes in general is an exceptionally common condition: among US adults, roughly 20% have HSV 2, and up to 90% have HSV 1.

HSV 1 is often spread by kissing, and after HSV 1 infection takes place a cold sore outbreak can appear within a week or so -- or may never appear at all. Many people with HSV 1 don?t have cold sore outbreaks, and there?s no absolute reason why some HSV 1 infected people have cold sore outbreaks and others don?t. The first HSV 1 outbreak a person has can be the most uncomfortable, with a fever and a general ill feeling sometimes accompanying the initial appearance of cold sores. Subsequent outbreaks are typically less severe, aided by the body?s production of herpes antibodies, which help fight future outbreaks more effectively. Treatment for cold sore outbreaks is available and typically shortens the duration of an outbreak, but treatment for a cold sore isn?t necessary as outbreaks will eventually clear on their own.

While cold sore outbreaks are usually not a serious condition, it is possible to spread the HSV 1 virus to the eye(s). This condition is known as ocular herpes, and unlike a general cold sore outbreak, ocular herpes requires medical attention. Ocular herpes is not common, but it does happen. Ocular herpes usually occurs from a mouth to eye contact, such as placing a contact lens into the mouth to moisturize it, and then placing the contact lens into the eye. Don?t go from your mouth or someone else?s mouth into your eye(s)! Most people likely wouldn?t do this anyway, but it?s worth reinforcing.

Get more cold sore information at herpes outbreak. Visit cold sore eliminator for cold sore treatment answers. Chas Oliver can be reached here.

Health Complications With Genital Herpes

                

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Genital herpes in some people may never show symptoms, but for others, the symptoms become so severe that complications develop, especially if sores or herpes blisters appear in other areas of the body.

Cold sores on the lips, called ?herpes labialis?, are normally mild and may be considered a mere nuisance. But if these become prolonged, frequent, or severe, the use of antiviral treatments is recommended.

Blisters on the hands and fingers can also occur and it is called ?herpetic whitlow?. Since the hands can practically reach all parts of the body, it has the greatest capacity to spread the virus. To prevent such a disaster, the hands must be covered with plastic or rubber gloves.

There can be blisters on the anus, too. The infection is called ?herpes proctitis?. This infection is usually more painful and more distressing than genital herpes.

The eyes, especially that of the newborn, is also susceptible to the herpes virus. The infection is called ?herpes keratitis? or ?ocular herpes?. When this happens, or even when you only feel a painful irritation in your eyes, consult the doctor immediately. If ignored, herpes keratitis could lead to blindness.

Women who experience genital herpes outbreaks may also have vaginal yeast infections, called ?vulvovaginal dandidiasis?. There will be swelling, itching, and pain when the woman urinates or engages in a sexual activity. This is due to the presence of too many yeast organisms in the vagina. If you have vaginal yeast infections, it doesn?t mean that you also have genital herpes. The excess growth of yeast occurs for many reasons, such as when the woman is taking antibiotics or birth control pills, or when she is pregnant, or when she is wearing tight body-hugging clothes. Fortunately, with good hygiene, this type of infection disappears on its own.

Sometimes, the genital herpes virus can infect the cerebrospinal fluid and the tissues that surround the brain. This will result to meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is life-threatening especially when these occur: changes in vision, photophobia, drowsiness, bulging on the baby?s head, and seizures. Encephalitis happens when the brain becomes swollen. It is also a life-threatening complication and have similar symptoms to that of meningitis. It can also lead to coma.

Other internal organs, such as the joints, lungs, and liver, may suffer complications when a person has genital herpes. These complications occur in people with ineffective immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes or cancer and those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

To avoid complications, you must again recall that HSV survives in mucus and may affect any part of the body where mucus is found.

These sites about genital herpes and good health are both dedicated to help you find the best information available about genital herpes and other health issues.