Generally called cold sores, oral or facial herpes is typically caused by type 1 of the herpes virus (type 2 generally causes genital herpes).

Oral herpes is a very common condition and about 90% of Americans are thought to be infected. Unlike its genital counterpart, oral herpes is not necessarily contracted through sexual contact. Oftentimes, the virus is contracted at an early age, perhaps by being kissed by an adult who has a cold sore. Sharing eating utensils, razors and towels with a person who has an active oral herpes outbreak can also contract the virus.

Oral herpes is common and incurable, but it is not fatal. Most of the time individuals who have oral herpes have no symptoms at all or the symptoms may be so mild that they are undetected. Even still, a person may confuse oral herpes with a number of other conditions. If symptoms do occur, they may include the following:

* Tiny, fluid-filled blisters or sores located around the mouth, surrounded by red (or inflamed) skin
* Soreness or tingling around the mouth days before blisters appear on skin
* Discomfort and appearance of blisters generally last between 7 and 10 days

While the mouth area is the most common location for cold sores, there have been cases where the outbreaks occur on nostrils, chin or even fingers.

One misconception about cold sores is that they are related to canker sores. The two are very different, however, in nature and in function. Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and are contagious, while canker sores are not caused by a virus, but rather are noncontagious ulcers that occur inside soft tissue of the mouth, where cold sores rarely occur.

Cold sores can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. Greatest risk of contracting the virus is during the time the blisters appear until they have completely disappeared. However, it is still possible to spread herpes even after the skin has healed and the infection is no longer visible.

* Do not kiss or have skin contact with infected persons during an outbreak. Herpes is passed most easily when there are moist secretions from cold sores.
* Do not share items like eating utensils, towels, lip balm because these can carry the herpes virus during an outbreak.
* Wash your hands carefully and regularly prior to touching others during an outbreak.
* Use caution when touching other body parts.
* Avoid activities known to trigger outbreaks. Try to avoid stressful situations, like cold or flu, lack of sleep or prolonged sun exposure without sunblock.
* Use sunblock on lips and face prior to prolonged sun exposure.

In most cases, cold sores clear up without the need for treatment. However, if a person experiences complications associated with the virus, then it is a good idea to seek treatment.

Here are complications that may indicate the need to consider treatment for oral herpes:

· The blisters don’t go away within one to two weeks
· You have a pre-existing health condition that has put your immune system at risk
· Symptoms are severe
· You have frequent outbreaks
· Eye irritation occurs

There are many natural treatments available for the management of oral herpes. Natural treatments have been shown to reduce the number of oral herpes outbreaks experienced as well and the duration and the severity of the outbreaks.

Dylan Morris

Additional Reading: Stop Herpes Now & From Coming Back for Good by Dr David Hogg

When we speak about transmission, we are finding out about how the virus enters the body. Both HSAV 1 and HSV2 can enter the body through tiny cuts in the skin (even microscopic) and through the mucous membrane. Our inside of mouth, inner genitals, anus, are all covered with mucous membrane. If you get in contact with saliva of an infected person or the lesion or skin, which is shedding virus, your chances of getting herpes are high. Let us discuss this further.

Genital herpes is transmitted by sexual contact. If a partner is infected he/she can transmit the genital herpes virus to the partner. Some facts are given below-

The risks of transmission are very high when the infected person is having active outbreak of herpes.

If a partner has cold sores and performs oral sex on the other partner, transmission will take place.

Both HSV1 and HSV2 can cause genital herpes. HSV1 infection is commonly found in the mouth. Kissing will therefore transmit herpes virus causing oral herpes in the other partner.

The transmission can take place even if active outbreak is not seen. Many people shed the virus without showing any outbreak this is called asymptomatic shedding. So if you are involving in sexual activity with someone with no outbreak signs, you may still get herpes if the other person sheds the virus.

The possibility of transmission is high during the prodrome phase. Genital herpes has a phase called the prodrome phase. This phase occurs before the outbreak and indicates that an outbreak will occur soon. During this phase, one gets sensations such as tingling, itching or some pain in the genital area. Active outbreak takes place in a day or two or more after that. Beware of this phase in your partner.

CD Mohatta

Additional Reading: Stop Herpes Now & From Coming Back for Good by Dr David Hogg

The herpes simplex virus has been aggravating the world since time immemorial. It is indeed a scourge because there is no known herpes cure. Because the virus retreats and hides in the nerves between outbreaks (it then lies dormant), your body has a very hard time dealing with it.

Herpes announces itself in an outbreak of tiny blisters mainly around the genital area which later turn into open sores. After an attack the herpes virus retreats back to the nerve endings and hides, making it difficult to treat or to find a cure.

A Cure For Herpes Studies

We know there is no herpes cure available, there are prescription drugs that can help suppress the herpes virus and also natural creams and lotions that will kill the virus on contact

The simple fact that herpes is a virus is what makes it difficult to find a herpes cure. As a rule the immune system will deal with and destroy any viruses it finds but that fact that the herpes virus retreats and hides so well in the nerves when in the dormant phase makes finding a cure for herpes a more difficult task.

Herpes Cure Drugs

There is not a herpes cure, but precautions do work…

Just using some common sense can go a long way to ensure you don’t come into contact with this incurable virus. Always wear a condom. This is not infallible but will help in most cases.

Also oral sex is another primary source of herpes infection. Oral infections on the inside of the mouth are occurring more and more every day. So when any oral sexual activity is being considered one must also use some form of protection as well. Again, the protection is not a cure for herpes but it greatly reduces the risk of becoming infected.

Chastity is the only way to not get infected from any form of sexual intercourse.

John Currie

Additional Reading: Stop Herpes Now & From Coming Back for Good by Dr David Hogg

Can you get genital herpes from a sexual partner with a cold sore on their mouth? Yes indeed. Although most cold sores on the face and mouth are caused by theHSV1 virus and genital herpes is generally cause by HSV2 virus, both these herpes viruses can occur in other places.

If you or your partner have an active cold sore on your mouth while indulging in oral sex, you can potentially give your partner genital herpes. Although the virus may be slightly different, the outcome will still be the same. Painful sores on the genitals that will flare up from time to time.

The herpes virus is infectious when active. Those painful little lesions are best kept away from others until the sores are healed over with new skin. Using the latest herpes treatments will shorten the length of time your cold sore will be on your face.

Living with herpes of any nature can be made much simpler and less painful with the latest medications. At the very first tingle, or pain sensation, start your medication or topical cream straight away. Often by doing this you can prevent a full blown outbreak. At the very least you will minimize the length and severity of the outbreak.

At the slightest tingle anywhere, it is good practice to keep that part of your body away from skin contact with anyone else. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying any creams or lotions.

There are people out there who will tell you that they always kiss their boyfriend or girlfriend when they have cold sores and the other one has never caught it. These people have some sort of resistance and are the fortunate minority.

Genital herpes (HSV2) and cold sores on the mouth (oral herpes or HSV1) can both occur on other parts of your body. Care should be taken when you are dating someone with oral herpes with an active outbreak on the mouth to minimize the risk of infecting the other’s genitals.

Billy Baker

Meet Supportive Friends who are in the same boat, check out Positive Singles

If you think you may have contracted genital herpes, it is very important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms, so you can organize treatment as soon as possible. Genital herpes is not the taboo disease it is made out to be, but due to social stigma, beside the painful symptoms, sufferers can often be plagued with feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a loss of self worth.

Remember, if you do believe you’ve contracted the virus, it is a very common condition (with around 1 in 5 Americans carrying the virus) and nothing to be ashamed of. Modern medical and homeopathic treatments can control symptoms and prevent outbreaks very effectively, provided you start regular treatment.

Genital herpes signs and symptoms can take many forms, and can occur on varying parts of the body. The classic signs of herpes are the weeping blisters that occur on the genitals or anus. This type of outbreak starts with a tingling sensation, which is followed by tenderness and reddening of the groin area. This will then develop into blisters which can be small like pimples, or larger similar to cold sores. These blisters will burst and crust over. This sort of outbreak can be very uncomfortable or painful, and without treatment can last anywhere from nine days to two weeks.

Other signs and symptoms of genital herpes include an itchy rash that can occur on the genitals, buttocks and thighs, a fever, muscle soreness, and a general run-down or tired feeling.

If you’ve had any of these symptoms it is important to see a doctor for a test to confirm whether or not you’ve contracted the disease, followed by a treatment regime of pharmaceutical or homeopathic medicine to control and prevent future outbreaks.

Judith O’Shea

Additional Reading: Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

There are herpes support group’s found in certain states in America. There are some herpes support groups in other countries as well. Herpes support groups are very good sources of information and assistance to infected patients. These support groups help a member feel he is not alone in his battle with the disease.

Herpes support groups are helpful both to those who have just been diagnosed with the disease and to long-term herpes patients. Herpes support groups provide a safe and comfortable environment where participants can share their personal experiences about the symptoms and treatment of their oral and/or genital herpes. They get to discuss the severity and duration of their outbreaks, what they do to relieve them of the pain and discomfort and the negative side effects of their therapy. They also get to talk about their fears and how they feel about their condition freely without fear of being judged and condemned. Moreover, they get to contribute advice to fellow members on how to deal with the disease. A really important factor in these herpes support groups is confidentiality as people with herpes are afraid of the social stigma because many in the community look down, judge and even alienate them.

Herpes support groups also include conferring with physicians so they get accurate information about the symptoms, treatment and prognosis of herpes simplex. The doctor’s may convene lectures and open forums where members can find answers to their queries.

Some herpes support groups meet personally on a regular basis while some herpes support groups just confer online. The group?s website usually contains medical literature on the virus or have updates on new medications. Chat forums and message boards are also easily accessed. Members of the herpes support group can join the discussion with the other members and/or doctors.

By Kent Pinkerton