Herpes is condition that is caused by two kinds of viruses which include the herpes simplex type 1 virus and herpes simplex type 2 viruses. This condition results in eruption of painful sores and blisters. The type 1 virus causes cold sores in areas like the mouth, lips and gums. The herpes simplex type 2 virus on the other hand is mostly responsible for blisters in the genital areas. Herpes causes a great deal of discomfort and people have to live with this condition for the rest of their lives.

The herpes causes include sexual intercourse and direct skin contact with the infected areas. This virus can enter in the person’s body on contact with an infected person. Such entry can occur from a break in the skin. Herpes is spread when the sores or blisters are present but the transmission of the virus can occur even when no symptoms are present.

Sex including oral sex (transmission of virus occurs from genitals to the mouth) may be one of the herpes causes. Herpes virus can also be transmitted from one part of the body to another. The herpes virus often can also spread from a person’s genitals to the fingers in some cases. It results in a condition called herpes whitlow.

Herpes patients should avoid touching the sores so as to ensure that the virus is not transmitted to other areas of the body. If the sores are touched then patients should immediately wash their hands with soap and water. Babies suffer from this condition and transmission of the virus from the mother to the child through an infected birth canal can be one of the herpes causes.

Herpes causes eruption of blisters in clusters or groups and these blisters are filled with clear or cloudy liquid. With time the blisters scab over and heal. The skin underneath the blisters is red and patients having these blisters in the genital areas may also experience pain during urination. After an outbreak the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells and is reactivated due to stress, menstruation and other reasons.

Transmission through saliva can also be one of the possible herpes causes besides skin and sexual contact. Even though this condition is contagious it cannot be spread through air or by contact with infected objects like toilet seats and soaps. This is because the virus tends to die rather quickly once it gets out of the human body.