What is the Most Important Herpes Indication

Herpes is a virus that causes eruptions of sores on the skin. There are several of the virus, and every strain causes a similar but different type of flare up.

Two herpes strains are dominant. The virus responsible for affecting the upper body (above the waistline) is herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV 1. This virus is responsible for causing mainly herpes of the mouth.

Spreading Genital Herpes

The second strain of herpes is HSV-2. This strain affects the parts of the body that are below the waist. This strain is typically transmitted through sexual contact and causes eruptions on the genitalia or the surrounding pubic area. Below we will more specifically get into the types of lesions caused by this virus as well as the location of these lesions.

Not many are aware of the fact that although HSV 1 causes mainly herpes of the mouth, it can also easily be spread to the genitals through oral sexual activity. It is highly contagious although it is actually a more gentle member of the herpes family of viruses.

This is known as oral herpes. These lesions occur when the immune system is weakened or stressed. Hence the name fever blisters, or cold sores, refer to these lesions occurring around the time a cold appears.

Herpes simplex 2 is the most commonly talked about form of herpes. HSV 2 is passed through sexual activity. The lesions that occur from this strain are similar to cold sores; they are blisters on private areas.

With genital herpes in males, the lesions may occur on the shaft of the penis, the genital region, or on the inner thigh, buttocks, or anus. Where as with females, lesions may occur on or near the pubis, labia, clitoris, vulva, buttocks, or anus. This often calls for careful examination; during delivery a flashlight is suggested. The appearance of herpes lesions and the experience of outbreaks in these areas vary according to each individual.

Eruptions of herpes on or near the genitals could look like cold sores. An outbreak may resemble a paper cut, chafing, or even appear to look like a yeast infection. Other symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak may include aches, pains in the area, excretion from the penis or vagina, and soreness when urinating.

It is common for the first herpes outbreaks to be far more severe and they often are preceded by feelings of fever and glands that are swollen. Subsequent outbreaks are normally never as harsh as that first outbreak and can occur 6 to 8 times a year, depending on your health. Extreme stress levels will almost always trigger an outbreak as will a lowered immune system. Depression can extend the length of your herpes outbreaks.