Herpes simplex is a viral disease. Herpes simplex is caused by two virus strains commonly referred to as HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes simplex that is found in the oral region is the most is usually called cold sores, that is the prevalent version of this disease. Herpes simplex is spread through the transmission of bodily fluids with an individual, through direct contact with a lesion, and even skin to skin sexual contact with an infected person when their herpes is in the shedding stage.
There is currently no cure for herpes simplex. They are currently in the third phase of testing a vaccine that could possibly prevent an individual from contracting herpes simplex. The accepted treatment for herpes simplex is a course of antiviral medicine. Antiviral medicines simply reduce the number of herpes outbreaks an infected person will have. When taking antiviral medications , when an outbreak occurs it will happen over a shorter period and be less intense then if not on antiviral therapy.
Over a period of time taking antiviral medications will also lessen the amount of times a person has a outbreak of lesions. Herpes simplex can still be contracted from an infected individual even while asymptomatic. During a herpes simplex outbreak individuals can experience fever, pain and itching. To relieve these symptoms topical anesthetic can be applied to the affected area, over the counter medicine such as Tylenol is used to relieve the pain and fever associated with a herpes simplex outbreak.
Antiviral medications work by inhibiting viral replication. By inhibiting viral replication it allows the body's immune system to try and fight the infection and not let it ravage the system. Valtrex and Zovirax are the two most common antiviral medications used to treat herpes simplex. They also make a topical ointment of these medications to handle outbreaks of herpes simplex that affect the mouth.Abreva was the first over the counter drug antiviral drug that was available. Abreva prevented herpes simplex from attaching to the cellular membrane , which means the virus could not infiltrate the skin. Zilactin and Lipactin are also sold over the counter now as ointments that act as barrier shields and prevent the virus from entering the skin.