Herpes Doctor

Herpes keratitis, or Eye Herpes, is caused by a reactivation of the already present virus Herpes Simplex. It is not known why theses viruses can
cause Keratitis in some people and not others.

It is usually a reactivation of the Herpes virus that causes
Keratitis, and usually there are no other symptoms. Reactivation
of a Herpes virus may be due to

• Stress
• Other illness
• Low immune defense system
• Vitamin A deficiency

Another factor of reactivation may be permanent makeup also
known as micropigmentation or cosmetic tattoing. The process can
be so disturbing that a Herpes virus flares up. In fact, some people
get their first cold sore or a case of Herpes Keratitis after
permanent makeup and believe that they caught it from this, but this
is highly unlikely.

A Herpes virus has to be present in the body to cause Keratitis.
All Herpes viruses stay in the body for life, but normally stay
latent after one outbreak or at least most of the time. Most people carry at least one type of Herpes virus
and often they are not even aware of this.

So What Triggers an Eye Herpes Outbreak?

There has to be a trigger to cause Keratitis, like the above
mentioned stress, other illness etc. but in most cases it is not
possible to pinpoint exactly what caused the reactivation of the
Herpes virus that resulted in Keratitis.

Usually the Herpes virus will spread via the body's nervous system
to the cornea of the eye and cause Keratitis, but it may
also spread via cross contamination, for example from a cold sore
via your fingers to the eye. Good hygiene may therefore prevent help
Keratitis.

Related Links

• Is Eye Herpes contagious?
• If you suspect Eye Herpes - See your doctor!

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