Herpes Symptom Treatments

Herpes simplex is a viral infection that attact the skin. The most visible symptoms are cold sores, basically seen as small painful blisters filled with fluid located on the mouth and face or other parts of the body.

Basics on cold sores

Herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex type 1 or herpes simplex type 2, which appears during or after a fever. The virus is usually dormant until a trigger activates it. Hence, aside from fever, cold sores may also be triggered by stress, menstruation, or even sun exposure. Symptoms include an itchy feeling around the mouth followed by the actual appearance of the blisters after a few days or sometimes even hours.

Treatment for cold Sores

Treatment for cold sores range from over the counter to home remedies. Ice is a popular treatment method to reduce the pain as well as prevent the virus from spreading. Salt as well as tea bags are also excellent when treating cold sores. Just steep the tea bags, let it cool and apply to the cold sores. After a few days, it should harden and crust naturally. Over the counter medicines are also available for those who do not want to be bothered with hourly applications.

Cold sores can be treated without going to the doctor. However, if you are experiencing high fever or any irritation in the eyes, then it is reccomended that you seek medical help. If your cold sores are also developing pus, then you might want to make a visit for medical check-up. Keep in mind that although the condition can be treated, this does not mean that you have to take the infection for granted.

Herpes is a disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and is usually transmitted sexually or by having sex with someone who is infected. This type of disease is remains in the cells forever and cannot be eliminated completely. Because of the nature of the virus, there have been many beliefs associated to the disease. Following are some of the myths regarding the virus.

You can get genital herpes from dirty toilets

The genital herpes virus usually dries out and can be easily broken down when exposed to air. Hence, the chances of the virus being spread through toilet seats are slim. In fact, there have been no known cases when toilet seats have facilitated the virus transfer.

Genital herpes can cause sterility

Herpes does not cause sterility. However, other sexually transmitted diseases can cause sterility, thus making it vital to regularly have yourself examined for possible diseases.

Although herpes does not bear the same weight as other STDs, they are serious in their own way and thus must be treated as early as possible. Keep in mind that herpes is transferred through direct contact. Hence, the possibility of contacting the virus is lessened by using sex barriers such as condoms.