Herpes is a virus that can cause painful blisters and sores, and it is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the virus, but there are treatments that can reduce the symptoms and infectiousness of the disease. Once a person is infected with the herpes virus, they will have it for life, whether they have symptoms or not. The symptoms of herpes may go away on their own, but the blisters may come back (a flare-up or a recurrence).
Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help to reduce the symptoms and infectiousness of the virus. HSV causes herpes and can affect the mouth or genitals. Herpes rash outbreaks usually affect the mouth or genitals, but they can appear anywhere on the body. Genital herpes rash is present on or around the genitals (vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, buttocks, and inside of the thighs).
Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms that may be overlooked or confused with another skin condition. Touching an open herpes sore and then touching another part of the skin can spread herpes to new areas, including the eyes. The best way to avoid genital herpes is to avoid any contact with another person's mouth and genitals. Herpes can hide in nerve cells for a long time before becoming active, making it difficult to find a cure.
Even if antiviral drugs destroy the active parts of the infection, only a small amount of the virus is needed to hide in nerve cells and remain inactive so that the herpes virus continues to persist in the body. Anyone can get herpes, although people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to herpes infections. Researchers have conducted several clinical trials to investigate vaccines against herpes infection, but there is currently no vaccine available on the market.
