Oral Herpes - cold sores, is caused by the virus
Herpes Simplex 1 and sometimes Herpes Simplex 2.
It is a very common disease. It is estimated that 50-80 % of the world's
population has the Herpes Simplex 1 virus.

Once you've caught Herpes Simplex 1, it stays in your body
for life. It may be latent for years and it is not known why it
activates, resulting in Oral Herpes, although there does seem to be a
strong connection to a low immune defense system. Oral Herpes
may break out only once in a lifetime or up to several times a month.

The symptoms of Oral Herpes is a rash that turns into blisters
which then turns into a dry scab. The symptoms are usually visible
for about a week and you will probably feel an itching or irritation
prior to this. This is when you need to take action to keep the
outbreak at a minimum.

Although you can't cure Oral Herpes, you
can and should treat it with an antiviral agent that is a
available in a cream at pharmacies without a prescription. The
active ingredient is either Penciclovir or Acyclovir and the most
common brands are Vectavir and Zovirax. They work best if applied
just before an outbreak. They will reduce the severity, frequency and
duration of the outbreak as well as reduce the risk of spreading
the virus.

Treatment and Prevention of Oral Herpes

The common term cold sore says quite a bit about Oral Herpes
although Oral Herpes has nothing to do with having a cold. It does
have a few things in common with a cold though: It is nearly as common as
a cold, it is not curable, it comes back again and again and it
is fairly harmless.

If you suspect that you have Oral herpes, you should see a
doctor for diagnosis and advice even though the treatment can
be obtained without a doctors prescription.

Precautions to Minimize Spreading Oral Herpes

If you have Oral Herpes you should take precautions to
avoid spreading the virus. When you have an outbreak you
should

• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid touching the effected area
• Do not kiss, or engage in sexual activity
• Use an antiviral cream

Unfortunately Herpes Simplex 1 is not only contagious when you
have an outbreak. It is also contagious just before the outbreak
and in the viral shedding period when the virus reproduces itself
and sheds virus which is contagious without symptoms.

Do not despair though. Herpes Simplex 1 is very common and is a
harmless condition. There are plenty of support groups and
counseling if you feel lost and alone. Start by SEEING YOUR
DOCTOR

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• Should you see a Doctor for cold sores?
• How common is Herpes Simplex?
• Is there a cure for Oral Herpes?

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