Herpes is commonly seen in many people and it is a viral infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus. This infection can be transmitted by direct skin contact and sexual intercourse as well. Herpes facts indicate that different individuals may experience differing symptoms of this condition. Some of the common symptoms include muscle aches and pain in the affected region, tingling and itching of skin, eruption of blisters and penile or vaginal discharge.

Herpes facts state that before the eruption of blisters the area may appear red and become inflamed. This tingling or itching of skin is a part of the prodormal symptoms. The herpes simplex virus includes the HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus. The HSV-1 virus causes cold sores or fever blisters in the region of the mouth and lips. The HSV-2 causes blisters in genital areas such as the vagina, penis and the rectum.

Herpes facts state that a cold sore includes small blisters that are filled with fluid. The herpes infection goes through phases wherein the infection is active followed by period during which the virus lied dormant or latent in the nerve cells. The blisters usually ulcerate with time and scab is formed. This is followed by crusting of the blisters and then the skin heals. Such an outbreak may last between 8 to up to 12 days.

Once the herpes virus becomes active it travels from the nerve paths to the skin’s surface and this can result in outbreak of symptoms. The first outbreak of herpes as per the herpes facts is the worst and the recurrences are normally not as bad. In many cases the recurrences may not be experienced for years after the first outbreak.

Herpes facts also indicate that the recurrences may be related to certain factors such as weakening of the immune system, illness, stress and a possible surgery. Exposure to sunlight can also activate a herpes attack. The blisters in herpes are caused as a result of destruction of cells by the virus. The virus inhabits the human cell and reproduces in the cell.

Herpes facts indicate that in facial herpes the location of the virus is within a cell cluster called trigeminal ganglion while in genital herpes it is in a location called sacral ganglia. In women genital herpes sites include the vulva along with the entrance of vagina while among men the blisters and sores are seen on the foreskin, shaft and glans of the penis. The blisters in some cases are also seen in the anus and the buttocks as well.

Herpes can be transferred by sexual contact. The virus may be present and can be transmitted even if there are no symptoms or lesions. It is advisable for individuals infected with this virus to avoid sex while the symptoms are present. Likewise using condoms between outbreaks can ensure that the possibility of passing on this disease is reduced.

Diagnosis of this disease is done with the help of physical examination, blood tests and testing of the fluid in the blisters. Pregnant women with herpes can pass on the infection to their baby and so treatment should be taken. In some cases a pregnant woman with herpes may need to undergo a caesarean section.

Treatment for herpes includes taking antiviral medication. This helps in reducing the severity of the symptoms and shortening the duration of the outbreak. Herpes facts reveal that the medicines taken by herpes patients include such antiviral tablets as famciclovir, valaciclovir and acyclovir.