What is Herpes? Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Although “Herpes Simplex” is not a life-threatening condition, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications. Let’s explore what herpes is, its causes, and how to effectively manage and prevent it.

Understanding Herpes Simplex

Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), a virus that spreads through direct contact. There are two main types of herpes:

HSV-1 is commonly found around the lips or mouth, causing blisters, also known as mouth herpes. These blisters can spread to the genital area through oral sex.
HSV-2 is typically responsible for herpes in the genital area, which is transmitted through sexual contact.

However, identifying the type of herpes virus just by looking at the blisters can be difficult. Both types of herpes, HSV-1 and HSV-2, can appear on various parts of the body. For instance, HSV-1 can sometimes show up on other skin areas or mucous membranes, while HSV-2, although usually found in the genital area, can also spread to other parts of the body through contact.

Therefore, having herpes blisters around the mouth doesn’t always mean it’s HSV-1, and genital herpes doesn’t always mean it’s HSV-2.

Factors That Cause Herpes

What causes mouth herpes, and what factors increase the risk of infection? These are the main elements to be cautious about:

Direct contact with the virus through blisters or sores from an infected person, including kissing or sexual contact.
Sharing personal items with an infected individual, like drinking glasses, towels, or everyday items.
A weakened immune system, which can trigger the reactivation of the dormant virus, causing herpes symptoms to resurface.

Herpes Symptoms

When infected with the herpes virus, the following symptoms may appear:

In the initial stage, flu-like symptoms, like a fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue, may develop.
Afterward, small blisters or clear fluid-filled sores may form at the infection site. These may rupture and become open sores, accompanied by pain, burning, itching, or discomfort.

Herpes Complications

Though herpes (Herpes Simplex) is generally not considered a severe condition, untreated cases can lead to dangerous complications, such as:

Spreading to the eyes: If the virus infects the eyes, it can lead to a condition called herpetic keratitis, which, if left untreated, may cause vision loss.
Brain infection: In rare cases, herpes can lead to encephalitis (Herpes Encephalitis), which is inflammation of the brain tissue. This serious condition can result in permanent damage or even death if not treated promptly.
Transmission from mother to infant: If a mother has herpes during pregnancy, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to the baby during childbirth. Neonatal herpes is a severe condition that can lead to infections of the brain, liver, or other organs, which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosing Herpes

If you suspect you have contracted herpes due to close contact with an infected person, it’s essential to consult a doctor for diagnosis. A commonly used method is the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, which analyzes the DNA of the virus, providing accurate results quickly. Additionally, it can also identify the specific type of herpes virus.

Herpes Treatment Options

Treatment for herpes varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Common treatment methods include:

Antiviral medications: Drugs such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Topical treatments: Creams like benzocaine can relieve pain, while lysine and docosanol help speed up healing.
Self-care: Keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching or picking at sores. Cold compresses can also help alleviate pain and swelling.

How to Prevent Herpes

The best way to manage herpes is to prevent infection in the first place. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:

Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of herpes.
Do not share personal items like drinking glasses, clothes, or towels.
Always use condoms during sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of genital herpes transmission.
Maintain a strong immune system to help the body defend against the virus.

Herpes is a contagious condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right precautions and treatment, it can be controlled. If you suspect you’re at risk of contracting herpes, either oral or genital, consult a healthcare provider or schedule a screening as soon as possible.

For those seeking herpes treatments and testing, you can schedule an appointment with ReadyCheckGo for a consultation and appropriate screening. Services are available at our Silom, Thonglor, and Samui locations, or you can request a home visit in Bangkok and nearby areas. Anonymous testing for sexually transmitted infections is also available.

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