Herpes Simplex 1
Herpes simplex 1 is a type of oral herpes that causes cold sores on the mouth and lips. It’s not the type that causes genital warts, as these are normally caused by herpes simplex 2.
Herpes simplex 1 infects a person’s skin and mucous membranes. It has been a problem disease affecting humans for centuries. There are more than 80 kinds of herpes viruses. The word herpes comes from the Greek “to creep” and is called this because it “creeps” along a person’s nervous system pathways where it can remain dormant for years in some cases.
What Causes Herpes Simplex 1?
Herpes simplex 1 can be passed to its victims via oral fluids or sores on the mouth through kissing or if you share a toothbrush or silverware with someone who has Herpes simplex 1. It can, however, also be spread if there are no sores, as it is a virus and is always present in the body of those who have Herpes simplex 1.
Virtually any kind of skin to skin contact can pass the herpes simplex 1 virus from one person to another. Plus, even though this version of herpes is not technically an STD, if someone has a breakout of a cold sore from Herpes simplex 1 and does oral sex on their partner, it can cause their partner to get it on their genitals.
It can’t live outside the human body for long, so it’s not really possible to get it via something like a toilet seat.
Symptoms of Herpes Simplex 1
If you have Herpes simplex 1 it will manifest as one or more blister like pumps or sores on the mouth normally, but it can appear on the genitals or the rectum in some cases. Your doctor can confirm if your breakout is due to Herpes simplex 1 and not something simpler like acne. If necessary, they can culture it and do laboratory tests.
Herpes simplex 1 can be mild and have little to no symptoms in some cases and it is even possible to have it and not even know it is there. Then, it will cause an outbreak and the first time this occurs is said to usually be the worst incident. A Herpes simplex 1outbreak is said to be very painful and cause tingling and burning along with the characteristic blisters.
How Is It Treated?
Unfortunately there isn’t a permanent cure for Herpes simplex 1 , but you can get relief from the symptoms. Some drugs used include Famvir, Zovirax, and Valtrex. These can also work to make fewer outbreaks. There are also anti-viral medications that can help treat it, including Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir by relieving symptoms and reducing breakouts.
Taking a warm bath is also said to help the pain of Herpes simplex 1 if you soak in the bath for several minutes.
The virus that causes the Herpes simplex 1 is dormant in-between breakouts of the sores and can be triggered by things like nerves, environmental changes, stress and other factors. You never really know what may cause a new breakout, but some of today’s medications can lessen their occurrence. Some of the things that may “wake up” a dormant virus include stress, sickness, a fever, too much sun, a woman’s menstrual cycle and surgery.
Managing Herpes Simplex 1
Victims of Herpes Simplex 1 virus can do several things to relieve their symptoms and manage this uncomfortable problem. Some of the things that help relieve the symptoms are ice, benzocaine and l-lysine on the blisters.
Plus, if you are having symptoms you should try to avoid passing it on by not kissing, having oral sex or sharing any dishes, towels, utensils or lip balms and lipsticks. To keep sores from spreading to other locations on your own body you should always wash your hands if you touched the blisters or a cold sore, and use a cotton swab or Qtip to put on herpes medicine so you don’t have to touch it with your bare fingers.
Common Virus
Herpes simplex 1 is common and appears all over the world. It’s the main cause of things like cold sores and fever blisters. Nearly everyone has probably been exposed to the Herpes simplex 1 virus at one point in their lives, but not all will end up contracting herpes. It all depends on if their immune system wards it off.
For most people, Herpes simplex 1 is not serious or life threatening, but if a person has a lowered immune system it could cause dangerous symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes along with the blisters. But even though it isn’t life threatening, it’s not a simple disease and it’s definitely a problem that no one wants to deal with since it never goes away.
Another possible danger is if a pregnant woman has Herpes simplex 1 and it gets into her genitals. If she gives birth at this time the child could be affected. This is why pregnant women are tested and if the doctor knows she has Herpes simplex 1 or Herpes simplex 2, the child will probably be delivered via cesarean section.
Similar To Herpes Simplex 1
Two diseases that are sometimes mistaken for herpes simplex 1 are canker sores and thrush. Canker sores also appear on, in or near the mouth and tongue. They look like white or grey ulcers, not like round blisters as herpes does. They usually appear for no apparent reason and can last about two weeks. Thrush is a yeast infection that can cause a whitish growth to appear in the mouth. Babies are more prone to this disease, but anyone can get it. A breastfeeding mom can get it from her baby if the baby has thrush. It is treated with anti fungal and antibiotics.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that Herpes Simplex 1 is a very contagious disease that people pass from one to another by physical contact even when the blisters aren’t in an outbreak stage. This embarrassing disease is not curable and once a person has it, they have it for life. However, it can be treated and controlled in some cases and if a person is careful, there is less of a chance of passing it to someone else. There are also medications to treat the symptoms and to lessen outbreaks from occurring.