The symptoms depend on the type of Herpes you have but most types of
Herpes have rash like symptom that turn into blisters and then a
dry scab. You may experience additional symptoms such as headaches, fever and
general discomfort.

Herpes is a virus that stays in the body once you've caught it but
is latent most of the time. It is very easy to catch Herpes. The
symptoms appear when there is an outbreak of herpes ie the virus
is activated and there are many different kinds of triggers to an
outbreak, one of the key factors is low a immune defense system possibly
brought on by other illness.

Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 are the most common
types of Herpes. It is estimated that 50-80 % of the world's population have Herpes
Simplex of one kind or the other.

Herpes Simplex 1 - Oral Herpes - Cold Sores

The Herpes Simplex 1 outbreak is usually Oral Herpes
also known as cold sores. The rash described
above appears around the
mouth area and may be preceded by a tingling or irritation of
the affected skin. The visible symptoms usually last less than
a week.

Herpes Simplex 2 - Genital Herpes

Herpes Simplex 2 usually results in Genital
Herpes with the visible
symptoms around the genital area, anywhere between the knees and
waist. Genital herpes may also be preceded by tingling or irritation.

Both Herpes Simplex types may result in repeated outbreaks which could
be have intervals of months or years. Some people only have one or two outbreaks
in a lifetime.

Also, both Herpes Simplex types are contagious from the affected area,
mostly when there is an outbreak but also when the virus is latent.

Herpes Zoster - Chickenpox - Shingles

Varicella Herpes Zoster results in chickenpox in
children and shingles
in seniors. This Herpes virus is contagious via the humidity
in the air and is therefore very easy to catch. Usually there is only
one outbreak of chickenpox and one of shingles per lifetime. As with
Herpes Simplex, the virus may be latent for years and need never break
out.

Treating the Symptoms of Herpes

Herpes Simplex can and should be treated because the symptoms are
repetitive in nature. The treatment is an antiviral agent, a
cream for Oral Herpes (available without a prescription) and tablets
for Genital Herpes (available with prescription).

Related links

• The Herpes Treatment Page
• Is There a cure for the common cold sore?
• Is there a cure for Genital Herpes?
• How do You treat chickenpox?
• Is there any treatment for shingles?
• Is there any treatment for mononucleosis?
• Is there any treatment for Cytomegalovirus?
• What treatment is there for Herpes Simplex Keratitis?

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