home conditions herpes simplex

An acute contagious viral infection of the skin and mucous membranes. Most commonly seen on the lips and the genitals. It is characterised by the appearance of small, fluid filled blisters (vesicles). The contagious condition is spread by direct contact with the fluid inside the blister.

Although most Herpes simplex infections are usually mild, or merely irritating, others can be extremely distressing, usually when the genitals are effected. The primary infection of the lip is usually encountered during childhood and often goes unnoticed, but a primary infection of the genitals is usually severe.

Recurrence is triggered by many factors and some are - stress, tiredness, sunlight, air travel and menstruation.

A tingling burning sensation surrounding the skin, as well as areas away from the site, are commonly felt before the eruption of vesicles (blisters). The length of an attack can vary form 5-14 days. The frequency of attacks can vary from one or two a year, to almost continual eruptions. The virus exists in two forms. Type 1 & Type 2 .

• Type 1 is usually associated with infections of the lip, mouth and face.
• Type 2 is usually associated with infections of the genitals and infections acquired by babies at birth.

However there is some overlap and Type 1 can appear where Type 2 is normally found, and vice versa.

The Chinese names for Herpes simplex can be translated as "Simple Herpes" or "Hot sore".

Treatment using Chinese Herbal Medicine can be very effective in the treatment of Herpes.

Treatment using Biomedicine is with antiviral drugs, if the sores become infected with bacteria then antibiotic drugs are employed.

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