Myxedema

                   Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Other herpes infections can affect the eyes, skin, or other parts of the body. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.

Types
There are two types of HSV:
1. HSV Type 1 most commonly causes cold sores. It can also cause genital herpes.
2. HSV Type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.

Risk of Developing Herpes Simplex Infections
- Having multiple sex partners
- Being female
- Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Having a weakened immune system.

Symptoms and Signs
1. Oral Herpes (HSV-1) Symptoms and Signs :
- Pain, burning, tingling, or itching occurs at the infection site before the sores appear. Sometimes these symptoms happen prior to the appearance of sores, bumps, pimple-like lesions, or blisters.
- Oral sores: The most intense pain.
- Neck lymph nodes often swell and become painful.
- The gums can become mildly swollen, red-colored, and may bleed.
2. Genital Herpes (HSV-2) Symptoms and Signs :
- Painful blisters and/or ulcers in the genital area
- Itching
- Burning or tingling sensations in the skin.
- Body aches, fever
- Swollen lymph nodes.

Related Article :
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-  Acyclovir [ Antiviral ]
-  Fever and Rash Diagnosis

Diagnosis 
This type of virus is generally diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may check your body for sores and ask you about some of your current symptoms. Your doctor may also request HSV testing, also known as a herpes culture, to confirm the diagnosis if you have sores on your genitals. During this test, your doctor will take a swab sample of fluid from the sore and then send it to a laboratory for testing.

Blood tests looking for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 may also be used to diagnose these infections. This is especially helpful when there are no sores present.

Treatment
There is currently no cure for this virus. Treatment focuses on getting rid of sores and limiting outbreaks.
1. Anti-viral Drugs :
Prescription antiviral medicines approved for the treatment of both types of herpes simplex include :
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir
Taken daily, these medicines can lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks. They also can help prevent infected people from spreading the virus.

Prevention
For Cold Sore OR Oral Herpes (HSV-1)
1. Always wash your hands before and after applying cold sore cream and after touching the affected area.
2. Do not share cold sore creams or medication with other people as this can cause the infection to spread
3. Avoid kissing and oral sex until your cold sores have completely healed
4. Avoid touching cold sores unless you are applying cold sore cream – creams should be dabbed on gently rather than rubbed in as this can damage your skin further.
For Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
1. Safer sexual practices.
2. Always use condoms unless you are in a monogamous relationship with an uninfected person.
3. Pregnant women who have visible ulcers from genital herpes at the time of delivery usually are encouraged to have a Caesarean section to prevent HSV from spreading to the newborn.

References
1. American Academy of Dermatology
https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/e---h/herpes-simplex/diagnosis-treatment
2. HealthLine : Herpes Simplex
http://www.healthline.com/health/herpes-simplex#Outlook7
3. eMedicine Health : Oral Herpes
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/oral_herpes/page3_em.htm
4. MedlinePlus : Herpes Simplex
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herpessimplex.html

Related Article :
-  Chickenpox (Varicella)
-  Acyclovir [ Antiviral ]
-  Fever and Rash Diagnosis