Herpes Simplex

Introduction
The eruption of painful blisters on the skin is called Herpes simplex. People often mistake these as cold sores or fever blisters. This is categorized as type 1 and type 2. Type 1 causes infection on the upper abdomen whereas; type 2 causes infection in the lower abdomen.

Causes
You have at least 8 enemies to guard yourself from. These are eight different DNA viruses that cause Herpes Simplex, including Herpes Simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and three newly described human herpes viruses, types 6, 7 and 8. Herpes usually proliferates by first spreading to nerve cells within the body and then to other mucosal skin surface. It remains inactive in the body for sometime and then recurs from time to time. It is common in children between 1 and 3 years of age. It usually spreads through oral and respiratory secretions. Herpes simplex virus 2 causes inflammation in the genital areas and spreads through sexual contact.

Risk Factors

People who have had a direct contact with the infection of some other person.
People who have had a sexual contact with someone affected with Herpes simplex virus type 2

Symptoms & Signs

Cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, painful sores on the genitals or anus.
Fever, fatigue and symptoms of flu.
Muscular pain.
Swollen glands.
Tingling or extreme sensitivity on the affected area of skin.
Pus or dark blood filled blisters.
Enlarged lymph nodes on the neck or groin.
Vaginal discharge is often observed.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of herpes simplex virus is done very easily by the presence of lesion. However if the diagnosis is uncertain more complex tests are required. Viral Cultures: This is done by taking a fluid sample from the lesion as soon as possible. The result is almost 100% accurate if the blisters are in their clear blister age. This is the reason why this test is not effective for old ulcerated sores, recurrent lesions, since at these stages the virus does not remain active enough to reproduce for a viral culture. Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings: This test includes the microscopic examination of scrapings of the lesions. The presence of certain specific giant cells with many nuclei or inclusion bodies, confirm the presence of HSV infection. This test is a quick but less-reliable one.

Prevention
You could prevent yourself from catching herpes simplex by

Avoiding direct contact with the infected lesion of any one suffering from this condition.
Practicing safe sex and avoiding an intimate physical contact with anyone who is infected.
If you are pregnant with herpes simplex then you should receive weekly viral cultures of the cervix and external genitalia. If the lesions are present at the time of delivery, then a cesarean delivery could prevent the newborn from being infected.
It is generally believed that herpes simplex is caused by emotional stress, so a medication that could reduce stress and yoga are helpful in prevention.

Treatment
No method has been devised so far to eliminate the herpes virus. But do not get dejected since there are certain effective treatments available that could help you in healing the infection faster, and could even suppress most of the recurrences.

OTC topical medications: These medications are usually applied directly of the affected area by using a swab. But the draw back with this treatment is that it is said to be doing nothing except making the skin tingle.
Prescription-strength topical medications: Patients wit a prodrome (a tingling sensation telling the patients of the arrival of the appearance of cold sores) could apply these medications to reduce the duration of the infection. These are said to be no more effective then the earlier.
Oral medications: Certain effective anti-herpes antibiotics are also available in the market. These medications while taken during the prodrome could limit the duration of the infection and also help in preventing and minimizing their recurrences.
Lysine supplements: These supplements have been proved in the laboratory test tubes to suppress the growth of herpes, but outside the lab they have merely done any wonder

Primary Natural Supplements
HERBS

Lemon balm (Melissa cream)
Licorice (Glyecyrrhetinic acid)

VITAMINS

Vitamin C

QUASI VITAMINS

Bioflavonoids

MINERALS

Zinc

AMINO ACIDS

Lysine

Other Natural Supplements

Thymus extract

Dietary Guidelines

Add green leafy vegetables and olive oil and lemon dressings to your food.
Also include oat meal brown rice. Take more cultured food for 2 days with fresh apples and its juice followed by a low fat mild diet

Home Care Suggestions
Use ice packs for application on sores; frequently followed by Vitamin E. Nutrition resource nutribiotic grapefruit seed extract spray is good for application on the sores when needed.

Mind/Body Considerations
The best mind and body consideration for any disease is a mind free of all tensions, so is for Herpes simplex. Follow it and you will be very soon O.K.

Products


Contact Us Shipping & Return Policy	Shopping Basket Shop by Store Shop by Brand	About Us Privacy Policy Resources

© Copyright 2005 - 2012 PillPod.com
Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should carefully read all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your medical professional. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated product descriptions and/or images.