Herpes Doctor

Herpes is a very common virus. The most common forms of the condition are:

• Herpes Simplex 1:
  Causes Oral Herpes or cold sores
• Herpes Simplex 2: Causes Genital Herpes
• Varicella Herpes Zoster: Causes chickenpox
  and shingles

This article will give you an overview of the most common Herpes viruses, their treatments and links to relevant resources.

Herpes Simplex 1 - Oral Herpes - Cold Sores

It is estimated that 50 to 80 % of the world's population have
Herpes Simplex 1 but many don't even know it. This is because
it can be years before the virus activates and you get Oral Herpes
but also because the frequency of outbreaks can be as low as once
or twice in a lifetime. Many people don't receive a doctor's diagnosis
because they don't recognize it for what it is but think it's just
a sore.

Kissing is the Main Way to Catch Oral Herpes

Most people catch it in childhood from relatives. Kissing
is the most common way of catching Herpes Simplex 1 and it is not
only contagious when there is an outbreak but also just before and
in the viral shedding period which is when the virus reproduces
itself without symptoms. To
reduce the risk of spreading you should avoid kissing (and giving
oral sex as this may result in your partner getting Genital
Herpes) when you have an outbreak but as you can't tell when
you have a viral shedding period there is not much you can do to avoid passing on the virus at that stage.

The symptoms of Oral Herpes are a
rash around the mouth area that
turns into blisters which then turn into a dry scab. This will take
about a week and may occur from once in a lifetime to several times
a year.

Once you've caught the virus you risk
outbreaks of Oral Herpes for the rest of your life because the
virus stays in your body although is latent most of the time. You
can't cure Oral Herpes (or the Herpes Simplex virus) but you can
and should treat it.

Treatment Options for Oral Herpes

You can use a cream containing the antiviral
agent Acyclovir or Penciclovir, the most common brands being
Vectavir and Zovirax. These creams are available over the counter
in pharmacies but you should SEE A DOCTOR for diagnosis and further
advice.

The creams will reduce the risk of spreading and also the
severity, frequency and duration of outbreaks. They work best if
applied before the outbreak starts which you will usually feel
by a tingling, itching or irritation around the mouth.

Herpes Simplex 2 - Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is also very common. 1 in 5 adults have it but
as many as 90% are unaware it. The symptoms can be very mild or
appear not on the genitals but anywhere between the knees and waist.
Genital Herpes is often mis-diagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

It is very important to see a doctor if you suspect you have
Genital Herpes

The doctor will be able to tell if you do have
Genital Herpes and if you do, give you a prescription for an
antiviral agent in tablet form. Genital Herpes is not curable but
can and should be treated as the antiviral agents are very
efficient. They are only available on prescription and will
reduce the risk of spreading and the severity, duration and amount of outbreaks considerably. The antiviral agents are:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir or
• Valacyclovir

There are quite a few brands available.

Genital Herpes is contagious via sexual activity, not just
traditional intercourse. Any physical contact between your
genitals and your partners genitals or mouth (if your partner
gives you oral sex this may result in him or her getting Oral
Herpes) when you have an outbreak has the potential to spread
Genital Herpes. Unfortunately not only the outbreak period is
contagious, the period just before is also contagious as is
the viral shedding period which is when the virus reproduces
itself and sheds virus that can be spread without symptoms.

Herpes Zoster - Chickenpox - Shingles

Varicella Herpes Zoster is very common. 90 % of all children
have one outbreak of chickenpox in their early years and 1 in 5 adults experience shingles in later life.

Chickenpox

Most countries now recommend
a chickenpox vaccine for all children. This will not protect
children 100% against chickenpox but will reduce the risk
considerably.

The symptoms of chickenpox are a rash that turns into blisters
that turn into a dry scab. This can be seen anywhere on the body
and is usually followed by headaches and fever. Chickenpox is
not usually treated as the immune defense system will fight it
without help. The rash can be very irritating or painful and
you may use pain killers and / or a local anesthetic cream
to ease this.

Shingles

Of the 90 % that had chickenpox as children, 1 in 5 will
experience one outbreak of shingles in later life, usually
the seniors. It is not certain why some people get shingles
and others don't but a low immune defense system appears to
be a big factor.

The symptoms of shingles are similar to those of chickenpox.
Shingles is usually treated with antiviral agents in a tablet
available on prescription
from your doctor. Most older people do not have an immune defense
system good enough to fight the virus on their own. The antiviral
agents are:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir or
• Valacyclovir

There are quite a few brands available.

Conclusion

As you can see, the main problem with Herpes is that it is
so contagious and that many people are not even aware of having
the latent virus. Luckily Herpes is by no means a life threatening disease and there are rarely any complications. Although Herpes
Simplex can't be cured, it can be treated with very good results.
Varicella Herpes Zoster usually only causes one outbreak of
chickenpox and one of shingles in some people.

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