Herpes overview, symptoms, causes and treatment

Table of Content

• What is the herpes simplex virus?

• Types of herpes

• Transmission of herpes

• What is Genital herpes?

• What is Oral herpes?

• Symptoms of herpes

• Treatment of herpes

• Home remedies for herpes

• Prevention of herpes

• When to see a doctor?

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Herpes

Introduction 

Have you ever heard of one of the most widespread STDs, herpes ? Today, we will discuss this widespread viral infection. Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is common globally and is a frequent sexually transmitted infection. 

Herpes is a chronic illness that can result in painful blisters or sores in the mouth or genital region. Moreover, it may result in flu-like symptoms like fever and swollen glands. Even when there are no symptoms, the virus still persists in the body, and outbreaks can recur over the course of a lifetime. 

Herpes has no known treatment, however it is treatable and can lessen the risk of recurrent outbreaks and partner transmission. Read ahead to know more about herpes, its symptoms and cure.

What is the herpes simplex virus?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a viral infection that causes herpes infection. In this infection, patients complain of sores or blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. HSV causes oral herpes and genital herpes. There are two main types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Many people have HSV that is asymptomatic, which means they never have an outbreak or active bout of herpes.

Others may occasionally get tiny, fluid-filled blisters or sores. The mouth, lips, or genitalia are where these blisters most frequently show up, but they can also develop on the hands, fingers, or other areas of your body.

HSV usually spreads through sexual contact, but it may spread via other ways too. Herpes is stigmatized a lot, yet it's actually quite common and nothing to be ashamed of.

According to WHO, in 2016, 67% of the world's population, or 3.7 billion people under 50, had HSV-1 infection (oral or genital). The majority of HSV-1 infections occur in children.

An estimated 491 million (13%) people in the age range of 15 to 49 have genital herpes caused by HSV-2 worldwide (2016 data). Because sexual transmission from males to women is more effective, women contract HSV-2 almost two times more frequently than do men. Whereas the number of new infections is highest in teens, prevalence rises with age.

It might be upsetting to have oral and genital herpes symptoms repeatedly. Genital herpes and associated stigma can have a negative effect on sexual relations and partnersas well. Yet, most individuals with any type of herpes eventually learn to live with the virus.

Types of herpes

The HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains of the herpes simplex virus are the two primary types.

HSV-1 - This strain mainly causes oral herpes, which is characterized by fever blisters or cold sores that develop around the mouth or on the face.

HSV-2 - This strain is the main culprit behind genital herpes, which results in sores on or near your genitalia, anus, buttocks, and inner thighs. Furthermore, sores can form inside the vagina.

Both HSV 1 and HSV 2 are capable of causing either oral or genital herpes.

Transmission of herpes

The virus can be spread via skin-to-skin contact with a herpes lesion or sore as well as through sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

It's vital to remember that herpes can spread even when no symptoms or blisters are apparent. This is due to the possibility that the virus may still be shedding asymptomatically from the skin.

HSV 1

HSV-1 can be contracted or transmitted through close contact with a herpes sore, saliva, or other bodily secretions when an episode is in progress. Someone who comes into contact with the infection site directly from you could catch the virus if you're shedding it.

Direct contact examples include:

• Oral sex

• Skin-to-skin contact

• Kissing

Even though rare, it has been seen that the virus could be transmitted through shared lip balm, razors and utensils like glass and water bottles.

HSV 2

Infographic- transmission of HSV 2

Similar to HSV-1, HSV-2, also known as genital herpes, can be contracted or transmitted through direct contact with a herpes sore, saliva, or other bodily secretions while an episode is in progress. Additionally, HSV-2 can spread during viral shedding.

Direct communication may involve:

• Kissing

• Oral sex

• Skin contact with sores or infected area

• Penetrative sex without protection 

• Use of contaminated sex toys during the coitus without protection 

By using barrier contraceptive techniques during sexual activity, such as condoms, avoiding sexual activity during outbreaks, and reporting one's herpes status to sexual partners, one can lessen the chance of herpes transmission.

What is Genital herpes?

HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes, but HSV-1 can also be to blame. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The symptoms of genital herpes, however, may be absent or minimal in some cases. Most people might not be aware that they have it. 

Usually, the only way to contract HSV-2 is through vaginal contact with a person who already has the illness. By engaging in oral sex with someone who has an oral HSV-1 infection, a person can potentially contract a genital HSV-1 infection. It is impossible for the genital herpes virus to spread through routine touch with items like towels, doorknobs, or toilets.

Small blistering lesions, which are also known as cold sores when they appear on the face and are typically located near the mouth, rectum, or genitalia are the defining signs of genital herpes. The fluid-filled blisters break open and evolve into small, uncomfortable sores, which can persist for two to four weeks.

People can also have additional symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, urine infection, eye infection etc.

What is Oral herpes?

HSV-1 is largely responsible for oral herpes, however HSV-2 can also cause it.

A person with oral herpes may initially experience tingling, burning, or itching in the mouth, on the lips, or on the tongue. Subsequently, anywhere on the skin, including these places, may develop cold sores or tiny blisters.

These cold sores begin to heal by creating a crust four to six days after they begin to leak. Oral herpes outbreaks can last for two to three weeks, which can be less time than a genital herpes outbreak, which can last for two to six weeks.

Symptoms of herpes

Most HSV carriers are unaware of their infection. They could have no symptoms at all or just very minor ones. Herpes can cause tingling, stinging, or burning before sores or blisters start to appear around the mouth or genitalia in affected individuals. After being exposed to the virus, symptoms often appear 2–20 days later.

Symptoms of Oral herpes

Most people with oral herpes infection don't experience any symptoms, however they may experience painful blisters or open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth (cold sores).Before sores develop, infected individuals may feel tingling, stinging, or burning sensation around their mouth. The frequency at which these symptoms repeat varies from person to person.

Symptoms of Genital herpes

There are cases where genital herpes is asymptomatic or only manifests infrequent, minor symptoms.One or more genital or anal blisters or ulcers are present when symptoms of genital herpes first appear. Fever, bodily aches, and enlarged lymph nodes are additional signs of a fresh infection. It's possible for symptoms to return after an initial episode, which can be quite severe. HSV-1-induced genital herpes seldom recurs in most cases. Recurrent symptoms of HSV-2 are typical. Yet recurrences are less severe than the initial episode and tend to lessen over time.

Symptoms of Primary herpes infection

Usually, the primary infection or first episode's symptoms will show up between a few days to a few weeks after the patient has contracted the virus

The patient experiences flu like symptoms, like: 

• Fever 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

•  Unusual exhaustion or fatigue

• Body aches 

• Headache

• Pain at site of infection or sore

Generally, people complain of tingling, burning or itching sensation at the site of infection before tiny blisters appear. There can be a single blister or a few. Before they start to heal, which may take upto 6 weeks, these blisters will eventually pop and become crusted over.

People with genital infection also complain of burning sensation or pain near the sores during urination.

Recurrent episode symptoms

The recurring symptoms are the same as the primary ones. But, they typically aren't as severe and don't stay as long.

Recurrent episodes frequently become less common over time because your body starts to produce antibodies against the virus. Additionally, they typically feature less severe symptoms that get better faster.

Blisters that develop during a recurrent episode might heal entirely in a few days compared to a few weeks in case of primary infection. Moreover, during recurrent episodes, blisters could become less painful or less conspicuous.

Treatment of herpes

Although there is no known treatment for herpes, there are various treatment options that can reduce the symptoms. 

Medication

Though there are no drugs available so far that can completely cure herpes, there are many antiviral drugs that can reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks

For those with HSV infection, antiviral drugs including acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are the most effective treatments. Although they cannot treat the illness, these can hasten the healing process, lessen discomfort, and stop the virus' spread.

Meanwhile, over-the-counter medications like ointments for herpes can help with tingling, itching, and pain management. To drastically shorten the time, start treatment within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, for instance, as soon as the tingling starts.

Starting antiviral medication as soon as symptoms start helps relieve the symptoms 1-2 days earlier than had the medications not been started. Always remember to consult a doctor before starting the treatment regimen in case of both primary and recurrent infections.

Home remedies for herpes

It's crucial to remember that while there are numerous natural therapies that can ease herpes symptoms, there is no proven treatment for the illness. A healthcare expert should be consulted in order to acquire an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Here are some natural therapies that could help with herpes symptom relief:

• Warm baths: Taking a warm bath while experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes can help ease the pain and discomfort.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel can be used to soothe irritated skin and lessen inflammation.

• Lemon balm: A herb with antiviral qualities, lemon balm may help shorten and lessen the intensity of herpes outbreaks. You can use cream or ointment made from lemon balm on the affected areas.

• Tea tree oil: Due to its antiviral qualities, tea tree oil may shorten the time that herpes outbreaks last. Apply tea tree oil to the afflicted region after diluting it with a carrier oil.

• An amino acid called lysine may help to lessen the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks. You can consume lysine-rich meals like chicken, fish, and dairy products or lysine supplements.

• Maintaining proper hygiene is very important in case of herpes. So try to keep the areas clean. If the sores are very painful, you can also try cold and warm compress.

• Wear loose clothes and avoid intercourse during active infection.

Remember, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate herpes diagnosis and course of treatment.

Prevention of herpes

Here are some prevention tips that can help prevent contracting as well as spreading herpes :

1. Avoiding sexual intercourse is the best approach to prevent herpes.

2. Correct and consistent use of barrier contraceptives like condoms.

3. Avoid oral sex and kissing if there is a sore in or around the mouth.

4. Maintain proper hygiene by regularly washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes or mouth after coming into contact with someone who has a herpes lesion.

5. If you have herpes, stay away from sexual activity while an outbreak is active because that is when the virus is most contagious.

6. As stress can cause herpes breakouts, controlling your stress with breathing exercises like yoga and meditation may help fewer outbreaks occur more frequently.

When to see a doctor?

It might be difficult to decide when to go to a doctor for the diagnosis and treatment because a person may not exhibit symptoms even if they have herpes.

As soon as someone notices sores on or around their genitalia, it is advised that the individual sees a doctor. Syphilis is one STI that can have similar symptoms but calls for a different course of action. The American Sexual Health Association also advises getting a culture of any lesion or cold sore one detects before visiting a doctor.

Take-Home Points

• Herpes is a virus that can cause sores or blisters to appear around the mouth or genitalia, though some people never experience any symptoms.

• Herpes is contagious through physical contact with wet skin. By using safe sexual practices and maintaining good personal hygiene, such as hand washing during an outbreak, people can stop the transmission of herpes.

• A person who contracts HSV will do so for the rest of their lives. Herpes is not yet treatable with medicine. However, there are drugs to stop or reduce outbreaks, aid with symptom management, and reduce the risk of genital herpes transmission to a partner.

• Anyone who thinks they might have herpes should consult a doctor.