Herpes, a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by a viral infection known as Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV.
The HSV viruses are categorized as herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2, of which HSV-2 is the cause of this disease and is highly contagious.
Therefore, anyone who suffers from this disease must follow all the protocols to prevent its spread.
Herpes can occur either in the oral or genital areas or both.
This disease presents itself in the form of blisters that are filled with water.
These blisters can occur on the skin or in the mucous membranes.
When this heals, every blister leaves a specific scab that is a classic representation of Herpes disease.
This is a very painful condition and when healed, the virus remains dormant in the nerves of the area where the infection occurred.
Therefore, it has a tendency to recur and generally recurs in or near the area of the previous infection, again with water filled blisters.
Another interesting fact that needs to be mentioned here is that herpes is released from sores during HSV infection.
On the other hand, HSV infection also gets transferred during sexual contact from a partner who does not have an apparent sore.
It is also possible that individual does not know that he or she has a preexisting HSV infection.
This infection has the worst outbreak in individuals who have depressed immune systems.
It also has a great deal of psychological implications in individuals who are suffering from it.
Therefore, it is important that the individuals who are suffering from it are not only treated for this condition but also for psychological problems they suffer because of this illness.
This disease is diagnosed through blood tests.
In this test, blood is checked for antibodies against the HSV virus.
This test is helpful in diagnosing this problem, but does not help to make a clear-cut diagnosis.
After detection, this is treated with antivirals such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, which attacks the viruses and reduces the disease process.