Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Skin Conditions > Herpes: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Herpes: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

July 28, 2022 - Updated on July 29, 2022
4 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Causes of Herpes
  • Symptoms of Herpes
  • Treatment of Herpes
  • Diagnosing Herpes
  • Risk Factor for Herpes
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Final Word

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes painful lesions and sores on the skin. (1) Two major types of herpes infections are caused by the two virus strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2. (2)

herpes: signs, causes, and treatment

HSV-1 is more associated with oral herpes and eye infections, whereas HSV-2 commonly causes genital herpes. (3)(4)

Causes of Herpes

HSV spreads via direct contact with an infected person. It is usually not transmitted through a person’s belongings such as bedsheets and commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact.

The virus stays in the body forever once you get it. After the first bout of lesions and other symptoms are treated, the virus travels to the nerve cells and stays dormant. However, factors such as compromised immunity, illnesses, UV exposure, or stress can reactivate it. (5)

Advertisements

Some people may get infected with HSV and show no symptoms. They are called “asymptomatic carriers” and may unknowingly spread the infection to other people. (6)

Symptoms of Herpes

Herpes symptoms may appear a couple of days or even weeks after the infection. The most common symptoms of herpes are: (7)

signs and symptoms of herpes
  • Skin irritation, burning, or itching
  • Blisters and sores around the mouth (8)
  • Sores in and around the anus and genital area
  • Fever and inflammation
  • Painful urination associated with genital herpes
  • Eye infections (9)

Note: Some people may get infected but have no symptoms at all. If you suspect you have been infected by herpes or have come in close contact with an affected individual, it is best to get yourself tested and consult a doctor.

Treatment of Herpes

treatment for herpes

There is no complete cure for herpes. The virus can stay in your body forever after the infection. However, once the initial outbreak of blisters is cured, you can hopefully prevent recurrence by avoiding stress and other aggravating factors. (10)

The blisters and sores caused by HSV usually clear on their own. Your doctor can shorten the healing time by prescribing antiviral medications and painkillers.

Commonly prescribed medicines for herpes are:

  • Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir
  • Painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen (7)

Diagnosing Herpes

Your doctor can diagnose a herpes infection simply by examining your sores and lesions. In some cases, they may take a sample from the lesions to confirm the diagnosis. They may also ask you to undergo a blood test or a Tzanck test. (11)

Advertisements

Risk Factor for Herpes

Some people are more at risk of getting infected by herpes. These include:

  • Immunocompromised individuals (people with immune disorders or those infected with HIV)
  • People suffering from diabetes (12)

When to See a Doctor

when to consult a doctor regarding herpes?

Consult a primary care doctor or dermatologist immediately if:

  • You have cold sores near the eyes.
  • You have a weakened immune system due to disease or medication.
  • Your sores are not healing even after a couple of weeks.
  • Your blisters are extremely painful. (13)
What you may ask your doctor
  • What is my treatment plan?
  • What are the side effects of this medication?
  • Can oral herpes lead to genital herpes?
  • Is herpes contagious even when I do not show symptoms?
  • How can I prevent future outbreaks?
What your doctor may ask you
  • How long have you had these sores?
  • What medications are you taking right now?
  • Have you come in contact with anyone who has herpes?

Final Word

Herpes is a very common viral infection. More than 40% of Americans are estimated to have genital or oral herpes. Most of these individuals are asymptomatic and do not develop sores.

If you suspect you have herpes, consult a dermatologist immediately and seek proper treatment to avoid the recurrence of blisters. (14)

References
  1. AR; G. Natural remedies for herpes simplex. Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16813459/.
  2. Whitley R, Baines J. Clinical management of herpes simplex virus infections: Past, present, and future. F1000Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213787/. Published October 31, 2018.
  3. Herpes simplex type 1 – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482197/.
  4. Herpes simplex type 2 – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554427/.
  5. Herpes simplex: Who gets and causes. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-causes.
  6. Genital herpes: Overview – informedhealth.org – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525769/.
  7. Herpes simplex virus. (HSV): Overview, Symptoms and Treatment. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/herpes-simplex-virus.
  8. Herpes simplex: Signs and symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-symptoms.
  9. Oral herpes. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes. Published August 8, 2021.
  10. Herpes simplex: Diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-treatment.
  11. Herpes simplex virus (cold sores). https://www.anticoagulationeurope.org/conditions/herpes-simplex-virus/.
  12. Herpes simplex. Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/herpes-simplex.
  13. Cold sores: Tips for managing. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-self-care.
  14. Herpes – American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). https://www.aocd.org/page/Herpes.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.