Herpes simplex type 1 virus which causes an infection is called herpes. There are two main types of viruses which can cause herpes; Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV 1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2). The basic difference of both the virus is HSV 1 causes herpes around mouth and face which is also known as cold sores and HSV 2 causes genital herpes which affects in the areas of genitals, anal and buttocks. However, with the oral sex genital herpes simplex 1 is possible. An interesting figure states that around half the U.S. population gets affected with HSV 1 by the time they reach to the age of 20.
Herpes Simplex 1 Treatment
Picture 1 – Herpes Simplex 1
Once affected by with the virus there are no remedies that can eradicate the virus from the body. Once entered the body, viruses invade the body cells. After they invade the cells it is not possible to kill them as it will also destroy the cells. However, there are number of medicines available in the market which can reduce the symptoms like pain, itchiness, blisters and redness. There are other medicines which help in reducing the frequency of outbreak.
To prevent the outbreaks and ease the pain one should concentrate on 4 things; 1) Immune System 2) efforts to reduce the chance of herpes simplex 1 transmission 3) reducing the stress 4) Topical relief.
One can take care of the below points when affected with the virus:
1. First of all make sure what you are suffering is herpes simplex 1 cold sores only and not mouth ulcer or canker sores.
2. Wash your hand frequently especially after touching your face. Cleanliness can avoid herpes simplex 1 transmission.
3. Avoid kissing or mouth-to-body activities. Avoid sharing the eating utensils with the infected person.
4. Try the prescribed antiviral medicines which would not help in curing the herpes simplex but will definitely help in reducing the outbreaks.
5. Using the ice pack, tea bag or applying whole milk may help to reduce the pain.
6. Avoid squeezing the sore. The outbreak will not last more than 2 weeks.
Herpes Simplex 1 Symptoms
Picture 2 – Herpes Simplex 1 Picture
Few people get early signs of herpes simplex type 1 cold sore before getting the outbreak.
Here are some of the symptoms:
1. Some patient feels burning sensation, itchiness, or rashes before a day or two.
2. Swollen and painful red blister around the face and especially at the edge of the lips.
3. It later transfers into fluid-filled blister.
4. On few occasions bunch of small blister together creates a bigger blister.
5. The outbreak generally last for short time and then the blisters get dried up.
6. A person may feel difficulties in eating and drinking.
7. The pain and active virus some time causes fever as well.
8. Swelling in throat.
9. Swollen lymph nodes within the neck.
The severity of symptoms and pain can differ person to person and the strength of their immune system.
Herpes Simplex 1 and Simplex 2 Virus Test and Vaccine
Test:
The HSV testing in generally used for those who have genital sores due to Herpes simplex 2 virus and when the herpes simplex 2 virus transmission is possible to the newborns. The testing detects the presence of the virus by testing the herpes culture and HSV DNA. At first, the acute blood samples get collected and after several weeks the convalescent blood sample. HSV igG antibody levels will then be compared to notice if they have increased significantly which indicates a current infection in the body. On few occasions, spinal fluid, urine and tears are also used for testing.
The HSV infections can be very dangerous to newborns as their immune system is not strong as the grown -ups. One should also know the fact that herpes infected individual is more susceptible for HIV infection and at the same time HIV infected person get more infectious of HSV Virus.
Vaccine:
Currently there is no vaccine available for herpes. A lot of researchers are working on the same and investigating. It is assumed that the effective vaccine should be available in the market in next 3-5 years. However, the vaccine would only be able to prevent the virus transmission to the new patient; it would not help in curing the infected person.
References:
http://www.herpes.com/Treatment.shtml
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cold_sores/page3_em.htm#Cold Sore Symptoms
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/11802/1/Why-There-Is-No-Herpes-Cure.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herpessimplex.html
