During the initial infection, the virus is transported through nerve cells to nerve-branching points, known as ganglia. It is there that the virus will stay in an inactive, dormant state, neither replicating nor presenting any signs that it's even there.
On occasion, the dormant virus may suddenly reactivate, starting the replication process anew. When this happens, the virus will travel back through the nerve to the surface of the skin. With this, many of the infected skin cells are killed, causing blisters to form.
The eruption of these blisters creates the characteristic ulcers that are recognized as cold sores or genital herpes. Certain triggers can cause the herpes virus to reactivate. This is known as a recurrence and can happen even if you have a healthy immune system. There are a number of known triggers that can stimulate recurrence:. These risk factors do not make you more likely to acquire the infection, however. Herpes is a particularly common virus, and there is an especially high risk of exposure associated with certain activities:.
Though it can be spread through sexual contact, this is not the most common method of transmission. In fact, oral herpes is often contracted during childhood due to direct contact with sores for example, a parent giving their child a kiss or items that are contaminated. Not necessarily. Cold sores oral herpes are typically caused by HSV-1, which is usually spread through non-sexual contact.
HSV-2—the sexually transmitted variant—can appear in or around the mouth if contracted through oral sex. However, it is rare that a cold sore is due to HSV No, but if the virus is dormant in your body, stress can trigger an outbreak. It is possible to contract HSV-2 without having any noticeable symptoms and remain asymptomatic for many years.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. American Academy of Dermatology. Herpes simplex. It can cause blisters and sores around the genitals and anus, but it may cause no symptoms. Anal herpes is a form of genital herpes. Like genital herpes, it is caused by HSV-2 and is passed on through sexual contact. Anal herpes causes…. Symptoms, causes, and treatment of herpes.
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Related Coverage. Valacyclovir Valtrex and cost. Medically reviewed by Purva Singla, PharmD. What causes genital sores in females? Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, MD.
Telling the difference between genital pimples and herpes. Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. What to know about genital herpes. Resistance to drugs that treat genital herpes — even after 20 years of use — is very rare. Herpes medications may not work as well in patients who are very immunosuppressed and have been treated with these drugs for a long time. In some cases, patients may need more drugs to suppress their viral outbreaks than others. It is important to avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy.
A first episode during pregnancy can create a greater risk of transmission to a newborn. Fortunately, it is rare for women with genital herpes to infect their babies. If you know that you have genital herpes before becoming pregnant, your physician will monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy. If you have an active outbreak at the time of delivery, a C-section may be recommended. Depending on individual diagnosis, though, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorses suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of C-section.
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus VZV , which causes chickenpox earlier in life. The natural history of varicella zoster infection is similar to genital herpes infection in that VZV also becomes latent in the sensory nerve roots.
Later in life the virus may exit, causing shingles. Recurrences in shingles cause blister lesions in a single area of skin called a dermatome. Shingles is not a sexually transmitted infection and is independent from genital herpes.
Herpes and HIV are caused by different viruses. But patients infected with these viruses are more likely to transmit either disease to their sexual partners. Patients with herpes are more vulnerable to HIV infection.
People newly diagnosed with herpes should be tested for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections. Patients who are infected with both herpes and HIV also may have a higher concentration of HIV viruses in their body because of the interaction between the herpes virus and the HIV virus.
What You Need to Know Herpes simplex virus HSV , also known as genital herpes, is most likely to be spread when an infected person is having an outbreak, but it can also be transmitted without any symptoms being present.
Genital Herpes Overview In the United States, about 1 in every 6 people ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes. What are the different types of herpes?
What causes genital herpes? Where does the herpes virus live in the body? How common is genital herpes? What does genital herpes look like? You can also have the following symptoms: Blisters on the mouth or lips Fever, headache or pain in the joints Trouble urinating The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks.
The following triggers can make outbreaks more likely to occur: Viral or bacterial infections Menstrual periods Stress Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on. Type 1 usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. Type 2 usually causes sores on the genitals sexual organs. But it is possible to have type 2 on the genitals and type 1 around the mouth. Symptoms of herpes Many people who get herpes never have symptoms.
If you experience symptoms, they may include: Painful sores in the genital area, anus, buttocks, or thighs. Painful urination.
Vaginal discharge. Tender lumps in the groin. Latent stage During this stage, there are no blisters, sores, or other symptoms.
Shedding stage In the shedding stage, the virus starts multiplying in the nerve endings. Recurrences Many people have blisters and sores that come back after the first herpes attack goes away. What causes herpes? How is herpes diagnosed?
Can herpes be prevented or avoided? Herpes treatment If you think you have herpes, see your doctor as soon as possible. Tips on dealing with herpes Talk to your doctor if you think you may have herpes.
Millions of people have herpes. Keep yourself healthy and limit your stress. Tell your sex partner and use condoms. Tips to soothe the pain Take aspirin, acetaminophen Tylenol or ibuprofen Advil, Motrin. Place lukewarm or cool cloths on the sore place. Take lukewarm baths. A woman may urinate in the tub at the end of the bath if she is having pain urinating.
Keep the area dry and clean. Wear cotton underwear. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Questions to ask your doctor What is the best treatment for me? Are there any side effects to my treatment? Can I give myself genital herpes if I also have oral herpes? What is the best way to prevent herpes outbreaks? Can I live a normal life with herpes?
Am I at risk of developing any other diseases?
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