What Does Herpes Look Like and How Do You Recognize It?

What does herpes look like? Identification of symptoms is an important part
of early diagnosis and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases like
herpes. Not all STD's look alike, and some have no physical appearance at
all, making it all the more difficult for infected persons to seek
treatment, either medical or alternative, for their herpes infection.

Herpes is caused by the Simplex 1 and Simplex 2 virus, which more often than
not are responsible for the oral and genital versions, respectively. The
actual presence of the virus in the body exhibits no signs at all. During a
flare-up of the virus, however, the skin is the predominantly affected area
on the body, and the severity of the symptoms vary from case to case and can
range from mild redness to clusters of painful blisters on the skin.

When answering what does herpes look like, it depends on what part of the
body is exhibiting the symptoms. Let's take a closer look:

What does genital herpes look like?

Other than the location of the sores, the symptoms of genital herpes are
almost identical to those of oral herpes, and the sores look similar. With
genital herpes, lesions appear in and around the genital area of the
infected person. They can appear on and around the penis and testicles in
men, on the exterior and interior vaginal areas of women, and in the anal
area and inside the urethra of both sexes. Particularly in the vagina,
genital herpes lesions can be impossible to see, unlike oral sores that are
more obvious.

What does oral herpes look like?

You might be surprised at how often you've actually seen the symptoms in
those you have contact with on a regular basis. An oral herpes blister is
what is commonly referred to as a cold sore. The outbreak of such a sore
begins with a tingling and mild redness of the skin that then develops into
a blister that can be quite large and painful. These blisters are usually
located very near the lips of the infected person.

The blister contains clear fluid and will burst in time and dry up as the
cycle of the infection comes to a close. It is important to note that this
fluid is highly contagious, and when it is present in and around the sore,
the infected person is most likely to pass the disease to another.

Because many people are not sure of what does herpes look like, and because
symptoms can mimic other skin disorders and sexually transmitted diseases,
it's important to have unexplained sores checked by a professional. If oral
or genital herpes is the cause, there are many treatment options available.

Medications, both prescription and over the counter, exist for the treatment
of herpes symptoms, and alternative, natural remedies have also been found
that are often as effective or more so than their conventional treatment
counterparts. The key is for people who think they might be infected to get
information first so that they can make informed decisions about their own
health, coping with symptoms, and limiting the spread of this highly
contagious disease.

Sheldon Miller is a health researcher who has been studying natural
remedies for various disorders for many years. He is a regular contributor
to Herpes Treatment Guide. Find out what does oral and genital herpes look
like on our site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheldon_Miller

Genital Herpes - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection. It is a transmitted disease.
Genital Herpes caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2.
It is affected of men and women. This may be due to male-to-female
transmissions being more likely than female-to-male transmission. One of
several strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus responsible for chickenpox,
shingles, mononucleosis, and oral herpes (fever blisters or cold sores,
HSV-1). About 45 million Americans, age 12 and older have genital herpes. It's
estimated that up to one million people become infected each year. Genital
Herpes (HSV-2) is more common in women than men. Genital HSV-1 is spread
mainly through oral with a partner who has a sore on the mouth or lips.
HSV-1 is much less likely to cause repeat outbreaks of genital herpes than
HSV-2. Almost all people who have recurrent genital herpes are infected with
HSV-2.

Symptoms of herpes are called outbreaks. Genital herpes usually is pain or
itching, beginning within a few weeks Symptoms of genital herpes vary from
person to person. Once exposed to the virus, there is an incubation period
that generally lasts 3 to 7 days before a lesion develops. Person may have
flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Some
people have severe symptoms, such as many painful sores, while others have
mild symptoms. An initial outbreak of genital herpes usually brings about
symptoms within two weeks of having contact with an infected person and can
last from two to three weeks. Other conditions such as jock itch, yeast
infections, razor burn or allergic reactions to detergents. Women's symptoms
can include is Sores, the cervix, on the external genitals, near the anus or
on the thighs or buttocks; and tender lumps in the groin (lymphadenopathy).
Men's symptoms can include is sores, near the anus or on the thighs or
buttocks.

Genital herpes is manageable. There are several available treatments for
Genital herpes. Certain drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and
famciclovir can shorten outbreaks and make them less severe, or stop them
from happening. Pain relievers include simple analgesics (such as aspirin
and paracetamol), ice (which can be soothing if applied directly to the
sores) and creams with an anaesthetic component. Creams, however, can slow
down drying and should therefore be used sparingly and only for pain relief.
Do not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches.
Keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent secondary infection from
developing. Try to avoid touching the sores. Salt Bath use to wash hands
after contact with the sores. Avoid contact from the time symptoms are first
recognized until the sores are completely healed, that is, until scabs have
fallen off and new skin has formed over the site of the lesion.

Treatment of Genital herpes Tips

1.Wear loose clothing during outbreaks

2.Drinking large amounts of fluids will decrease pain during urination, and
urinating in the bath may be less painful

3.Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch an infected area, and in
particular, do not rub your eyes or touch your mouth after touching infected
skin

4.Avoid further infection by keeping the infected area clean and dry. When
drying actively infected areas, use a hair dryer or lightly pat the area dry

5.Epson salts in bath water can help clean and dry out infected areas

6.Wash bath towels before reusing and wash underclothing frequently

7.Salt Bath used to wash the genital area, can clean, soothe and dry the
sores. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow
bath.

8.A healthy lifestyle including proper diet, adequate rest and low stress
levels can improve your immune system, and reduce the likelihood of
outbreaks.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health care clinic and home remedies.
She also writes articles on beauty tips.

What's the Best Herpes Treatment for You?

There are many herpes treatment options available. If you’ve already seen your physician about your condition, he or she may have already recommended a medication for you to take. But odds are, you probably wonder if there’s something better out there. Today I’m going to share with you your options for herpes treatment.

Typically, when you’re first diagnosed as having herpes your physician will suggest a particular herpes treatment product. However, the product your physician may suggest may entirely be based upon nothing more than a clever sales pitch by a pharmaceutical rep. Many health care industry watch dogs believe that doctors end up being nothing more than retail outlets for the pharmaceutical giants. There may indeed be some truth to this charge.

In terms of what kind of herpes treatment is best for you, it will depend on your particular situation. The first type of herpes treatment consists of pharmaceutical drugs; many of which are pills that you take on a daily basis or as a breakout begins.

If you have frequent herpes outbreaks and or you have a partner who doesn’t have herpes, your physician may suggest what’s called suppressive therapy. Suppressive therapy does what the name implies; it suppresses outbreaks of herpes so your partner doesn’t contract this virus. Plus, with suppressive therapy, the number of outbreaks should decrease.

If you are pregnant, especially during the third trimester, your physician may recommend a particular type of drug for you to take so your baby doesn’t contract the herpes virus.

Besides drugs for herpes treatment, there are other options. There are various alternative remedies designed to treat herpes. However, the pros and cons of these herpes treatment options are that these alternative remedies do not reduce the viral population like pharmaceutical drugs may do. Also, these alternative remedies primarily work to clear up breakouts rapidly. The bonus with alternative herpes treatments is that they tend to be free of common side effects associated with pharmaceutical herpes treatments.

Pharmaceutical herpes treatments tend to come with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches.

Fortunately there is another herpes treatment option available. It’s a product that was developed by scientists in Australia back in 1995. To date, this product has a good track record behind it as it works for approximately 95% of all people who use it. This product is called Dynamiclear and it is an odor-less, color-less topical solution that’s applied to the site of a herpes outbreak. The only known side effect to this natural herpes treatment is that it may sting when applied.

But that momentary sting outweighs the benefits of this product, as it is known to dramatically reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks. Plus, when this herpes treatment is applied to sores and lesions, they clear up within 1-3 days and rarely come back. Many users are reporting they haven’t had an outbreak since using Dynamiclear herpes treatment.

Additionally, you can use Dynamiclear herpes treatment whether your frequency of outbreaks is often or if you’re in your third trimester of pregnancy. There are no known drug contradictions as Dynamiclear herpes treatment is not taken orally but applied topically. You may want to find out if Dynamiclear herpes treatment is right for you.

Click Here to Learn More About Dynamiclear Herpes Treatment http://www.dynamiclear-herpes-treatment.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Wicker

Herpes: How did I get it? How can I live with it? by William McRand

For most people, the diagnosis of genital herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus 2 or HSV2) is a shock. Forothers, the diagnosis maybe a confirmation of suspicions they have had about their own health or their partner's behavior. Seeking to answer the question of how the patient contracted the condition often leads to a search for blame and then self-recrimination. Living with herpes is something that initially may take some psychological adjustment for some patients.

It need not mean the end of your sex life or that you will need to remain celibate for the rest of your life. Firstly HSV2 and HSV1, better known as the cold sore virus, are just two of a related group of seven viruses that are known to infect humans. Others include the Varicella-Zoster virus, commonly known as chicken pox and shingles. Diagnosis of infection with either HSV1 or 2 can be established with a blood test known as the Western Blot test; the upside of this test is that a patient who does not have active lesions may be diagnosed through the presence of antibodies to either strain.

Accuracy of this test is only 90-95% depending on the lab involved. Some instances have occurred where patients were diagnosed with either a false positive or a false negative. The most accurate diagnosis is with a physician taking the top off a fresh lesion, obtaining a swab from the base of the lesion and a lab growing a viral culture from it. Extracting a viable swab from the lesion can be quite painful for the patient. HSV2 traditionally involved infections in genital areas, with the virus lying dormant in the sacral nerve at the base of the spine during periods when the patient is not experiencing lesions. HSV1 traditionally involves infections around the mouth and nose and lies dormant in the trigeminal nerve in the neck during non-active phases of the disease. Current epidemiology studies across the Western World indicate the incidence of HSV2 to be around one in eight people, or 12% of the population. Only one in five of those with antibodies have been diagnosed.

In real terms, in a room containing forty people, five have HSV2 but only one knows they have it. A further three of the five may have had an isolated symptom once or twice. This would have appeared so insignificant that they mistook it for a pimple, infected hair follicle or a boil. The final one in five is someone who has never had a symptom and may never do so. For this patient, and the other three undiagnosed patients, accusations of infection (generally followed by accusations of infidelity) from a partner are often met with counter accusations and disbelief. A conservative estimate of the world population with HSV1 antibodies and the ability to infect others is around 90%. Of these, roughly 45% are symptomatic. If you have been diagnosed with either infection, it is very possible you contracted it from someone who has no idea they have it themselves.

People have received the messages about safe sex and changed some of their practices, believing that only penetrative sex requires safe sex. Sexual health specialists now report that half the new HSV diagnoses in clinics have been microbiologically confirmed as HSV1 on the genitals, in the general community it is now estimated that 20% of all herpes infections in the genitals are in fact HSV1. On the plus side for the infected patient, when the HSV virus is not living in its ideal host environment (i.e. HSV1 infection of genitals, oral HSV2 infection) infections have been generally documented to be less severe and happen less frequently. Another mistake many patients make, is assuming that they are not infectious during a dormant or asymptomatic phase of their disease.
Studies have shown that even when a couple who are clinically discordant (i.e. one is positive and the other is negative) use what is recognized as gold standard treatment for reduction of risk to partners, the rate of transmission in a 12-month period is still 10%. This management of infection control involves the use of condoms during all sexual encounters and complete abstinence from sex during the positive partner's symptomatic phases. Interestingly, sexual health experts report that if one partner has remained negative for 10 years in a clinically discordant partnership, it is very unlikely that they will contract the disease after this time. It is speculated that they have some immunity/protection either natural or acquired that science has not yet managed to identify.

A true primary infection of HSV2 can last for up to ten days, it involves a systemic response, where all the glands in the body are swollen, much as if the patient has influenza, as well as the obvious genital burning, itching, pain with urination or complete inability to urinate. Many patients think they are presenting with a primary infection, but, severity of symptoms indicates to the physician, this is in fact a recurrence. In these cases the patient's primary infection would have been asymptomatic, but, for some reason, they have become run down and their immune system is not responding as it did when they were first infected. These and subsequent recurrences of HSV2 are usually around five days in duration, unless there is a serious immune system deficiency. In this case, the treating physician should refer the patient for further testing.

Because HSV transmission requires skin-to-skin contact and viral shedding to occur, typically an infection of HSV2 is specifically confined to the genitals. Affected areas include the vulva and labia in women and penis and scrotum in men, due to penetrative intercourse being quite localized. Where a patient has been infected with HSV1 on the genitals, the area is usually larger and vesicle
distribution more extensive due to oral sex skin-to-skin contact covering a more extensive surface area of the genitals. Both viruses may be treated effectively with anti-viral drugs. As stated earlier, each virus has its ideal host environment. For the patient infected with HSV1 on the genitals, this means subsequent infections are usually less virulent, and in some cases may only ever recur once or twice in their lifetime. For the patient infected with HSV2 on the genitals, the incidence of recurrence can vary greatly. Recurrences are related to the health of the immune system.

Triggers may include stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, sunburn and in some women, their menstrual cycle. During the first year of infection, the number of recurrences may range from one to twelve, with an average being four to five. During subsequent years the immune system responds better, the patient learns what will trigger a recurrence and usually tries to avoid it. Eventually most patients can experience as few as one to two recurrences per year. Also, as the patient learns to better recognize the symptoms of an impending recurrence, they are able to administer anti-viral drugs earlier. This can minimize the length and duration of the attack, and possibly prevent lesions altogether. It is important for the patient to remember that despite avoiding a recurrence, they are still shedding the virus and they are still potentially infectious to their partner.

Maintenance doses of anti-virals may be taken daily to reduce the number of recurrences. Up to 50% of patients on these therapies report an absence of recurrences in a 12-month period. Where this therapy is discontinued, patients almost certainly will experience a recurrence within three weeks. This is generally followed by a reduction in the number of annual recurrences. There are a small number of female patients who have required this maintenance therapy with anti-viral drugs continuously since they first became available, over 15 years ago, in earlier forms. As recurrences reduce in frequency and severity, most patients eventually come to terms with their diagnosis. For some, this is never the case, sexual health physicians report that they need to refer between 10-20% of their patients for further psychological counseling.

This is in spite the fact that they are very experienced with the disease counseling required for this diagnosis. What is important, regardless of how well patients appear to cope with the initial diagnosis, is ensuring access to information. This can be obtained readily and anonymously from www.herpes.com, www.herpeshelp.com or www.genitalherpes.com these sites contain up to date facts and also links to other sites. These provide names and contact details of support groups, local clinics and sexual
health specialists. Although HSV2 is a lifelong infection, with the right management and care it is not necessarily symptomatic, nor should it impede the patient from enjoying a loving and long-lasting, secure relationship.

About the Author
William McRand Sr, Holds down A full time job and is also involved in Internet Marketing (Affiliate Programs). He has taken his love of marketing and developing web sites to the top in his marketing business, that offers love of marketing to others.

Recovering Swiftly from Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster by Jim Lorenz

Several diseases are classified as "infectious" as they are caused by infective agents (commonly known as germs) which enter the body. Herpes is one such disease. People suffering from this disease, no matter how long, can easily recover with the proper treatment program.

There are two types of herpes - herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Herpes simplex is further distinguished as any of the following: primary, recurrent, genital, or cold sore. In primary herpes simplex, the illness occurs when the particular virus that causes herpes first makes its way into the tissues of a person susceptible to it. Small blisters may become evident on the tissues of one eye, on the mouth and gums, or even on the genitals. Primary herpes simplex may present no symptoms at all and it can continue without even being noticed. A reactivation of the virus, which remained quiescent since it first entered the tissues, can cause subsequent manifestations. This is known as recurrent herpes simplex. Certain circumstances may cause the reactivation of the latent virus. Examples are emotional stress and excessive exposure to sunlight.

The type I virus is known to cause herpes simplex which manifests on the lips and face. Commonly known as "cold sores" or "fever blisters," the lesions which appear around the mouth or on the lips first consist of tiny fluid-filled pouches. Later, these turn into yellowish scabs. On the other hand, the type II virus causes herpes simplex infection which affects the genitalia. This infection is classified as a venereal disease and is actually the most common disease of this class, with the exception of gonorrhea.

Herpes Zoster (shingles) is a harshly painful virus disease involving the nerve fibers and the skin overlying them. This disease is characterized by assemblages of small blisters on inflamed skin areas. The skin eruption emerges with such suddenness, breaking out in crops. Each ensuing crop tends to settle closer to the end of the affected nerve fiber. The blisters then dry and turn into scabs after about a couple of weeks. Scars often remain once the scabs fall off. Sometimes, the blisters become pimple-like elevations (with pus) before they dry. In harsher cases, the blisters may turn into spots of dead tissues.

Herpes simplex, like any other infection, may be treated with antibiotics. For herpes zoster, temporary relief may come in the form of either an electric heating pad or compresses applied to the painful skin area. But did you know that there is a specific program that is designed to cure your herpes permanently regardless of how long you have been suffering from it?

Do you know that it is very easy to recover from herpes no matter how long you have been suffering from it? Be herpes-free in one month or less. Visit Stop Herpes Now, and from Coming Back for Good at Round the Clock Health Guide.

About the Author

Jim Lorenz writes informative articles on various subjects including Recovering Swiftly from Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that the author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Symptoms of ( herpes simplex virus) HSV1 & HSV2

Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection that affects an estimated 45 million Americans. To place this in a broader more mentally visible picture, genital herpes is affecting as many as one in every four people who are sexually active. There are an estimated 1 million new cases each year that are believed to occur. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two types of HSV and both can cause the herpes symptoms. HSV type 1 most commonly causes sores on the lips and is often referred to as fever blisters or cold sores, but it can cause symptoms of genital herpes infections as well. HSV type 2 is most often related to infections and symptoms of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth. The virus remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life, causing periodic symptoms of genital herpes in some people. Many people who are infected with HSV never develop any symptoms of genital herpes at all.The infection is usually acquired by sexual contact with someone who has symptoms of genital herpes. People with oral herpes can transmit the infection to the genital area of a partner during oral-genital sex and result in symptoms of genital herpes. A person who is infected with HSV but has no noticeable symptoms of genital herpes can also transmit herpes infections. Such asymptomatic shedding of the virus may be fairly common, occurring from 5 percent to 20 percent of the time in infected individuals.
Symptoms of genital herpes in a primary episode vary widely from person to person. They usually occur within two to 10 days of exposure. Typically the symptoms associated with genital herpes that are recognizable involve small red bumps that may develop into blisters and open lesions. These “bumps” appear at the site of infection, which may be in or around the vaginal area, the cervix, the penis, urinary tract of both men and women, and around the anal opening, buttocks or thighs. Sores also may appear on other parts of the body where broken skin has come into contact with HSV. Over a period of days, the sores become encrusted and then heal without scarring. Symptoms associated with genital herpes in a primary outbreak tend to take longer to heal because the body has yet to build up an immune system resistance to the viral outbreaks.Other herpes symptoms in a primary episode may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands in the groin area, painful urination or vaginal discharge.Some of the most common symptoms of genital herpes that are often misdiagnosed are misdiagnosed as yeast infection, insect bites, jock itch, urinary tract infections, abrasions or razor burn, ingrown hair follicles, and even hemorrhoids. If you suffer from recurring infections or symptoms of any of the listed conditions, it is advised to see a medical professional for observance and testing when symptoms occur. It is quite possible the recurrence of such conditions could actually be symptoms of genital herpes.

It is never safe to assume that condoms will protect you from a herpes infection and prevent you from ever knowing what symptoms of genital herpes really are. Condoms do not cover herpes infected areas in many of those infected with the herpes virus. The best way to protect yourself from every knowing symptoms of genital herpes is to practice abstinence. Getting to know your partner, engaging in proper STD testing prior to intimacies and being as completely honest and forthright as possible is the most assured way to combat a future infection.With so many people who are infected with the herpes virus never showing any symptoms of genital herpes, the increase for proper testing is recognized and strongly encouraged.If you are a person that suffers from symptoms of genital herpes, there are a number of treatment options available. Antivirals are available by prescription from your health care provider and a number of over-the-counter treatments are available and are affective in treating symptoms of genital herpes. One such product is Dynamiclear. When used as directed, this product can help minimize the duration of symptoms of genital herpes and promote healing. Although genital herpes is affecting such a large number of the population and it does carry with it the social stigma associated with promiscuity, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people from all age groups, social classes, races and both genders are being affected by genital herpes. Taking a proactive approach in caring for your own health will help minimize the number of outbreaks you will actually have. This in turn can contribute to minimizing the risk you will pose to your potential partners.If you do suffer from symptoms of genital herpes, you must always disclose your infection to your intimate partners regardless of what precautions you believe you are taking to protect them. It has to be their choice to continue the intimate acts it is the law.