The symptoms of Herpes Simplex are an outbreak of either
Oral Herpes or Genital
Herpes, both of which cause a rash that turns into
blisters and then into a dry scab.

At first you will not have any symptoms at all.
This is because Herpes
Simplex is a virus that lies latent in the body and may be activated and
reveal the symptoms.
Herpes Simplex may be outbreak free for years before an visible outbreak and
just carrying this latent virus will not cause any symptoms.

There are two types of Herpes Simplex, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2. Herpes
Simplex 1 usually results in Oral Herpes whereas Herpes Simplex 2
usually results in Genital Herpes.

Oral Herpes - Cold Sores

Oral Herpes is also known as cold sores although it is not caused by the common cold. However Oral herpes does have certain
similarities with a cold:

• It is a virus
• Easy to catch
• Cannot be cured but occurs again and again
• Very common

It is estimated that about 50-80 % of all people have a Herpes Simplex
virus but many don't even know it. Oral Herpes is contagious via close
skin contact, typically kissing, but has been known to spread without
direct skin contact.

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is more or less the same as Oral Herpes, but the symptoms
appear around the genitals or anywhere between the knees and waist. It is
contagious via sexual activity.

Both types of Herpes symptoms are very likely to appear more than
once and not always with a pattern. Some people get the symptoms
once a year, others only experience them once or twice in their
life.

So is there a Cure for Herpes Simplex?

You can not cure Herpes Simplex, but you can treat the symptoms with
good results. Oral Herpes is treated with antiviral creams containing Acyclovir or Penciclovir. The main brands are Zovirax and Vectavir. They are
available at pharmacies without a prescription but you should still
see a doctor for a diagnosis. The creams work best if applied before
the symptoms appear. You may feel tingling or irritation around the
infected area prior to an outbreak.

Genital Herpes is treated with antiviral medicines:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir

These can be prescribed by your doctor. You may have to try several of
them to find out which one has the best effect for you. For some the
antiviral medicines may even prevent further outbreaks if used correctly.

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• How to prevent cold sore outbreaks
• Symptoms of the cold sore (more detailed)
• Genital Herpes symptoms (more detailed)
• Preventing Genital Herpes outbreaks

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