HSV-1 vs HSV-2
Herpes simplex is a common viral infection that can be categorized as HSV-1 vs HSV-2. Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), or oral herpes, is a viral infection that causes blisters to form around the mouth. Whether you call this a fever blister vs cold sore, it’s still HSV-1. These blisters can also form inside the mouth and on the face. Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) is more commonly known as genital herpes. These sores are generally found below the waist, although they can occur in other locations.
Symptoms of HSV-1 vs HSV-2 are often similar, with the biggest difference being where blisters appear. Many people don’t have any symptoms at all. Common symptoms that do occur include a tingling or itching sensation on the skin. Following a day or two of tingling or itching, blisters may appear. These blisters or sores are often painful and occur as a singular sore or as a patch of blisters.
Sores often appear within 20 days of contact with a person infected with the herpes simplex virus. Sores can last from 7-10 days and often break open and leak pus. Other symptoms can last up to three weeks and include fever, muscles aches, and swollen lymph nodes, specifically in the neck.
Herpes Simplex Causes
Most people are exposed to HSV-1 as an infant or child. It is often spread through skin-to-skin contact and can still be spread when sores are not present. HSV-1 can be passed to others by kissing, sharing items such as Chapstick, and touching someone’s face.
HSV-2 is often passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Approximately 20% of sexually active people in the United States carry HSV-2. If a pregnant person has HSV-2, they can pass HSV-2 to the infant during childbirth. While anyone can obtain HSV-2, some are more likely to get it. These people include:
- Those who were sexually active for the first time at a young age
- Someone who has had a sexually transmitted disease in the past
- Someone who has a weakened immune system
- Someone who has had many sexual partners
- Women
Once the virus is present in your system, it will remain in your system forever. During the first outbreak, the virus is present in your skin cells. In reoccurring outbreaks, the virus has spread to your nerve cells, where it will remain permanently. While no symptoms are present, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are considered dormant.
What Triggers Herpes Outbreaks?
While herpes simplex is a viral infection, there are certain scenarios that can trigger an outbreak. Common triggers for outbreaks include:
- Trauma to the infected area
- Immunosuppression caused by medications
- Physical or emotional distress
- Fatigue
- General illness, ranging from mild to severe cases
- Menstruation
- Surgery
- Sun exposure
- Fever
How is Herpes Simplex Treated?
Before herpes simplex can be treated, your dermatologist will examine your sores. Your dermatologist may take a swab of the area to send for testing to confirm a herpes simplex diagnosis. If sores are not present, your dermatologist may request bloodwork to confirm a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, but sores associated with HSV-1 or HSV-2 will heal on their own. However, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms and shorten the outbreaks associated with the virus. Antiviral medications are most commonly prescribed for herpes simplex treatment.
Antiviral creams and ointments can help relieve symptoms such as burning, tingling, and itching. Antiviral medications in a pill or shot form can help shorten the length of the outbreak. Common medications include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir.
At-home treatments, such as putting ice on blisters can also help. There are also non-prescription medications that can be used to lessen the severity of symptoms and decrease outbreaks. These include benzocaine and L-lysine. Chapstick with SPF 30 can be applied to your lips to not only protect a sore while healing, but also help reduce sun exposure, which is a common trigger. Meditation, exercising, and other activities used to manage stress should be implemented in your daily life, as stress is also a trigger.
What Happens if Herpes is Left Untreated?
The primary, or first, herpes simplex outbreak is often the worst. This does not mean, however, that all first outbreaks are severe. Some people do not even notice their outbreak because the symptoms are so mild. Some people can have only one outbreak in their lifetime, while others can have outbreaks often. Outbreaks are most common in the first year of infection. The longer you have herpes simplex, the more your body begins to build antibodies that combat the virus.
While there is rarely a health concern with letting herpes simplex go untreated, appropriate treatment can help lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Treatment can also help stop the spread of the virus to others. Those most at risk for herpes simplex-related health concerns are unborn babies, infants, and people with weakened or suppressed immune systems.
Our highly trained dermatologists provide appropriate treatment for herpes simplex. If you have herpes simplex and are interested in learning more about available treatment options, or other conditions we treat, you can contact our team to schedule an appointment today.