Herpes Overview
Author: Rosilyn Rayborn

Genital herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex virus
(HSV), which is in the same family of viruses responsible for
chickenpox, shingles and mononucleosis (commonly called "mono"
or "the kissing disease"). HSV can occur in two forms: HSV-1,
which infects 80 percent of the U.S. population, usually appears
on the lips in cold sores; HSV-2 is usually found in the genital
area. However, if a person with HSV-1 (cold sores) performs oral
sex, their partner may contract HSV-1 in the genitals. Likewise,
participating in oral sex can spread genital herpes to the mouth
in some rare cases.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) more than 1
out of 5 teens and adults are infected with genital herpes. It's
more commonly found in African Americans than in Caucasian
Americans, and more common in women than in men.

Genital herpes occurrences are different for each infected
person. Outbreaks can be experienced for years. Some people have
frequent outbreaks each year, while others experience only a
few. Some factors that have been attributed to causing outbreaks
are:

* Stress

* Menstruation

* Immune system suppression, caused by medications like
steroids or chemotherapy, or infections like HIV

* Sickness

* Surgical procedure or organ transplant

* Friction, often caused by vigorous sexual intercourse or
exercise

* Tiredness

Genital herpes outbreaks
(http://herpes-virus.org/treatments.htm)often appear in the same
area each time. Symptoms, however, may not always appear in
exactly the same place. It is not uncommon for a lesion to
appear on the genitals in one recurrence and near the anus in
another instance. In some instances, the outbreak can be active
and transmittable even without the presence of lesions.

It is common for people who contract genital herpes to
experience mild to no symptoms at all. Therefore, they are
unaware of infection. If symptoms do occur, the initial outbreak
arises in the appearance of extremely painful skin lesions.

In women sores may emerge in and around the vaginal area and
within the cervix. In men, sores may appear on the penis and
scrotum. If the area under the foreskin is affected, scabs may
not develop, the sore will heal slowly without scarring. Both
males and females may also get lesions in other areas of the
body including, but not limited to: the urinary tract, around
the anal opening, buttocks or thighs. Once blisters have
ruptured, small sores appear. And if these sores are irritated
by water or urine, they may be painful. Ultimately, these sores
form a crusty overlay and scab over.

About 80% of people with genital herpes are undiagnosed which
means that the virus is passed on to other partners. Infrequent
diagnosis and ignorance about the virus make herpes the most
common STD in the world.

However, when diagnosed properly, people who have genital
herpes can become proactive about their health and take
advantage of treatments that may reduce frequency and duration
of outbreaks. Treatment
(http://herpes-virus.org/treatments.htm)can also reduce the risk
of transmitting genital herpes to sexual partners.


About The Author: Dylan Morris is a freelance writer and
supporter of nutraceuticals, natural, herbal treatments for
disease control and prevention. Visit http://herpaflor.com/ for
more information.