HERPES SIMPLEX 1

Herpes simplex, is a virus that attacks the human body.  There are two types of the virus and they are distinguished as herpes simplex one or HSV-1 and herpes simplex two or HSV-2.  Both types of the herpes virus can occur anywhere on the body; but, as a rule they tend to stick to their own territory.  HSV-2 generally attacks below the waist and causes infections known as genital herpes.  HSV-1 infections tend to occur above the waist and usually occur around the mouth area manifesting as cold sores or fever blisters.  Herpes simplex type one can also be referred to as oral herpes, mouth herpes, or the more scientific herpes simplex labialis.  

Just as genital herpes usually starts with an initial outbreak and continues with recurrent outbreaks, oral herpes mimics the same time table.  A person infected with herpes simplex one can expect an initial painful outbreak followed by recurrent outbreaks in the same location.  There is no set time line for reoccurrence.  The recurrent outbreaks can happen as infrequently as one or two times a year or as often as 4 or 5 times a year.

The first sign or symptom a person with herpes simplex one is likely to experience is a burning or tingling at the location where the blisters will appear.  This is the same precursor for genital herpes.  The burning or tingling around the mouth can start a couple of hours or days before the actual blisters area.  The next symptom is that the area will become red and swollen with some pain.  Finally, the blister will form on top of the red area of your mouth.  The blisters will fill with fluid and eventually erupt and drain. This whole process will last about two or three days.  The resulting sore will become scabbed and take up to ten days to fully heal.  In the meantime, they sores will be dry and crusty and will probably itch quite a bit.  It is best to touch them as little as possible; picking the scabs can be quite painful and delay the healing process.  The good news is that they should not leave any scars behind. 

Herpes simplex 1 basically has two phases: the primary outbreak and the recurrent outbreaks.  Most people infected with herpes simplex one contract the virus as a child.  The only good news is that not all people who contract the virus have a primary outbreak.  For those who do experience a primary outbreak of herpes simplex 1 it is quite painful and can be debilitating.  Blisters can form around the mouth, on the lips, and inside of the mouth.  The blister can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever and inflamed glands.  Also, a person experiencing a primary outbreak can suffer from bleeding gums.  These symptoms can last for several days.  They are followed by the scabbing of the sores until they heal completely and the skin returns to its normal state which can take two to three weeks in a primary outbreak. 

Still, the skin of the affected area can remain painful to the touch for up to six weeks after the primary outbreak.  The recurrent outbreaks are less severe than the primary episode.  Basically, after a primary episode, the virus travels up the affected nerve cells to the ganglion where is will lay dormant. 

The virus can become active again due to stress, illness that compromises the immune system, or for other unknown reasons.  When it is called back to active duty, it travels down the nerve pathway to its original site of occurrence causing blisters and painful sores.  The recurrent outbreaks are not as long lasting or as painful as the primary outbreak, if a person even had a primary outbreak.

Herpes simplex 1 is a very contagious virus.  It can be spread from an infected person to one not infected by kissing or other close contact with the infected area.  People with ulcerated sores are at the most contagious stage of the outbreak; but, even someone who does not have visible sores can still transmit the virus to others.  The virus can be transmitted through shedding skin even if there are no visible sores. 

Also, the herpes simplex 1 virus can be transferred from one person to another through infected saliva.  Many claims have been made that you can "catch" the virus from using the same towel as an infected person or eating and drinking from the same plate or cup.  However, these are just "old wives' tales" and the virus is nearly impossible to transmit except through direct contact with infected skin or saliva. 

While cold sores are thought to be fairly benign, they can have more serious complications.  Excessive sores or pain around the mouth can cause a person to limit their food and beverage intake which could lead to a serious case of dehydration.  Other risks include the virus being spread to the fingers or eyes by touching the infected area with your fingers.  Keep the infected area clean and finger free.