Herpes Sores

Herpes Sores - Understanding The Disease

Herpes is a viral infection that causes herpes sores and blisters in the mouth and, or genital area. It is necessary to have a basic understanding of the disease so that you can protect yourself and your partner. The symptoms can sometimes be very mild as such many people with the disease are unaware about it. If often coincides with flu like symptoms causing many to assume it is just a general infection.

It can be transmitted by contact with the skin, thus it does not only spread through sexual intercourse. Kissing a person who has oral blisters or sores could cause you to become infected. The best precaution would be to refrain from touching the area during an outbreak. These can last between one to two weeks, before they are fully healed. If you have oral or genital sores, be sure to wash your hands if you touch them as it can spread to others of your body through cross contamination.

Herpes can only be diagnosed when the symptoms are present and active. Doctors need to conduct tests on a sample from the herpes sores to make a diagnosis. As such, is you break out in sores, be sure to get them tested immediately.

There is no cure for herpes but there are medications that will help you deal with the symptoms. Having good personal hygiene will also help them heal faster. Make sure that you keep the area clean and dry. Also avoid wearing tight clothes to prevent chaffing.

Those with herpes need to take the necessary precautions such as avoiding contact with others during an outbreak. It is also advisable to practice safe sex at all times.

It is possible to live with herpes and still have a full and active personal life. You just have to ensure that you take the necessary precautions during an outbreak of herpes sores.