What is herpes?

Hey friend, since you're asking about herpes, it's true that it can be quite bothersome, and many people misunderstand it. I'll try to explain it to you in plain language.

A Few Things You Need to Know About Herpes

Simply put, Herpes is an infection caused by a group of viruses called "herpes viruses." This virus family is quite large, with many types, but the ones we most commonly refer to are primarily two types, which cause small blisters on the skin and mucous membranes.

Two Most Common "Troublemakers":

1. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

   • Commonly known as: "Oral herpes" or "cold sores."
   • Common symptoms: Many people may have contracted it as children. The most typical manifestation is the appearance of small, clear blisters around the mouth, on the lips, or near the nostrils. They are itchy and slightly painful, and will scab over and fall off after a few days. What people often refer to as "blisters from internal heat" are often caused by this virus.
   • Transmission: Primarily spread through oral-to-oral contact, such as kissing, or sharing lip balm, utensils, towels, etc.

2. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)

   • Commonly known as: "Genital herpes."
   • Common symptoms: As the name suggests, it mainly causes similar small blisters and ulcers in the genital area.
   • Transmission: Primarily spread through sexual contact, and is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Important Note: Although these two viruses typically "reside" in their usual areas, they can occasionally "cross over." This means that HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes through oral sex, and HSV-2 can similarly infect the area around the mouth.

Key Characteristics of Herpes

1. It Can Be "Latent" and "Recur"

This is the trickiest aspect of the herpes virus. Once you're infected, the virus is not completely cleared from the body. It quietly "hides" and "sleeps" in your body's nerve ganglia (latency period).

You can imagine it as a villain that hibernates. Most of the time it's dormant, but when your body's immunity is weakened, for example, due to colds, fever, excessive fatigue, stress, or menstruation in women, it can be "reactivated" and reappear, causing symptoms again in the same area where you previously had blisters. This is what's called a "recurrence" or "flare-up."

Therefore, someone who has had herpes once is very likely to experience repeated outbreaks in the future.

2. Highly Contagious, Even Without Symptoms

• Most contagious during outbreaks: When there are obvious blisters or ulcers on the skin, the viral load is highest, and contagiousness is strongest. During this time, avoid close skin-to-skin contact with others.
• Can also be transmitted during latency: The most problematic point is that even if the other person doesn't show any visible blisters or ulcers, the virus might still be in an active state of minor "shedding," and contact at this time can also lead to transmission.

3. The First Outbreak is Usually the Most Severe

For many people, the first time they contract herpes, the symptoms can be more severe, possibly accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise. Subsequent recurrences usually have milder symptoms and heal more quickly.

How to Deal With It?

• Can it be cured?

  • Frankly, there is currently no medication that can completely eradicate this virus from your body. All treatments aim to manage symptoms and reduce recurrences.

• Does it need treatment?

  • It depends. If it's just an occasional cold sore around the mouth that clears up in a few days, many people don't bother treating it.
  • However, if outbreaks are frequent, symptoms are severe, or if it occurs in the genital area, then you must see a doctor. Doctors can prescribe antiviral creams or oral medications (such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, etc.). These medications can:
    • Help blisters heal faster.
    • Relieve pain.
    • Reduce the frequency of recurrences.
    • Lower the risk of transmitting it to others.

In Summary

• Herpes is a very common viral infection; don't think of it as too terrifying, many people have had it.
• Its main characteristic is that it can be latent and recur, and currently, there is no cure.
• Maintaining good lifestyle habits and boosting your immune system is the best way to reduce recurrences.
• During an outbreak, practice good personal hygiene to avoid transmitting it to family members or partners.
• If you suspect you have it, especially in the genital area, don't hesitate, see a dermatologist promptly. Correct diagnosis and medication are very important.

Hope this information helps you understand it better!