It is also known as cold sores or fever blisters. It is a viral infection of the skin which can occur repeatedly. It happens because when the immune system clears the virus, it hides in the nerves and is therefore never completely removed from the body. This infection is quite common. It is projected that nine out of ten people have been exposed to herpes. People infected by herpes don’t even realize that they are suffering from it. Unluckily those suffering from herpes can spread the infection unknowingly.

Herpes simplex starts as a group of small red bumps that blister. In some of the cases it is preceded by burning and itching of the area. The blisters dry up after a few days and turn into a yellow crust. It then begins to fall of and the redness goes away slowly. The whole course takes about ten to fourteen days. Rarely scars are formed. A few people can experience some burning or itching in the area while most of them don’t experience any symptoms.

Cause

It is caused by two kinds of herpes virus, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 virus results in sixty percent of the cold sores common on the lips and face. The rest of the forty cases are caused by the type 2 virus. It is generally transmitted by kissing, sexual contact or other forms of close contact. The linen or towels of the patient should not be shared with the family members. Once a person has been infected by the type 1 virus, it cannot re- infect him again, however the type 2 virus could infect the patient.

The trigger factors of herpes simplex are fever, menstruation and sun exposure which cause the virus to travel down the nerves to the skin and cause the outbreak. It is caused by the herpes hominis virus.

Symptoms

The symptoms of herpes simplex include mouth sores, genital lesions in both male and female which may be preceded by a burning sensation. The symptoms also include fever blisters and enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

Treatment

No treatment is required for mild uncomplicated eruptions of herpes simplex. In cases of severe infection treatment is done using antiviral agents. Although antiviral drugs can stop the herpes simplex virus from multiplying once it reaches the skin or mucous membrane but it cannot be completely eradicated from its resting stage within the nerve cells. The attacks can be shortened and prevented and repeated courses may be required to prevent frequent attacks.