herpescure
Herpes is an incurable condition, however, certain medications can help reduce herpes outbreaks.
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  • Herpes is an incurable, though common, virus that affects the mouth and/or genital area and is characterized by periodic outbreaks of sores or blisters. 
  • Oral herpes is contracted through mouth to mouth contact and genital herpes is transmitted via sexual activity. 
  • However, if you have herpes, you can take antiviral medication to prevent outbreaks and reduce the chances of spreading it to others. 
  • Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as herpes, is a common and incurable virus that’s transmitted through person-to-person contact. Herpes can cause sores to appear on the mouth and/or genital area. 

While there isn’t a cure for herpes, there are a number of ways to treat your symptoms, manage your pain level, and reduce your transmission rate. 

“Ultimately, this viral infection is one that remains dormant in one’s system and can be reactivated over the course of life,” says Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, CEO of Dr. Nesochi LLC, an internal medicine practice. “The treatments currently available can aid in lowering the number of outbreaks and symptom severity that one may experience, but there is no curative treatment for this virus.” 

This article will explain what the herpes virus is, how it’s contracted, and what preventative measures you can take to keep you and your partner safe. 

Why can’t herpes be cured?

“Herpes is incurable because it’s caused by a type of virus that’s very good at going undetected by our immune system,” says Brooke Grant Jeffy, MD, and board-certified dermatologist at Spectrum Dermatology. “The virus is able to lay dormant, essentially hiding out, in our nerve cells for periods of time.”

Because of its asymptomatic nature, it can be hard to tell if a partner has HSV without proper testing. The only thing that you can be sure of is that skin-on-skin contact - particularly with someone who is experiencing an outbreak - can increase your chances of contracting herpes, both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This is why it's so important to practice safe sex (either with a dental dam or condom). 

The herpes simplex virus is divided into two types: 

  1. Herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1)
  2. herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) 

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause sores or blisters to appear on or around the penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, inner thighs, lips, mouth, throat, and in rare cases, your eyes. However, most genital herpes cases are caused by HSV-2, although more cases of genital herpes caused by HSV 1 are being reported.

"Herpes is most contagious when the sores are blistered or open wounds, however, the virus can also be shed from normal-appearing skin and this is why so many people carry the virus," says Jeffy. 

When it comes to herpes, even kissing - this includes everything from a quick peck on the cheek to serious tongue action - can transmit the disease, this is especially true during an outbreak.

While there's currently no cure for either HSV-1 or HSV-2, those who have either virus can take certain precautions or antiviral medications to control their symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection. 

What are the symptoms of herpes? 

"HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes and is transmitted by oral-to-oral contact," says Jeffy. "HSV-2 generally causes genital herpes and is sexually transmitted." 

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are highly contagious and can be spread even if there are no visible signs of the virus. 

HSV-1 (oral herpes)

HSV-1 or oral herpes is characterized by blister-like sores on the lips and mouth and is spread via kissing, sharing objects (such as a toothbrush, cup, or other eating utensils), or practicing oral sex with someone who has the virus. 

Common symptoms of recurrent HSV-1 or oral herpes include: 

  • Painful blisters on the lips or under the nose (sometimes referred to as cold sores or fever blisters) 
  • Redness or swelling of the affected area 
  • Itching or tingling around the lips or mouth 
  • The blisters may leak fluid (this fluid is highly contagious) 
  • Can cause flu-like symptoms

HSV-2 (genital herpes) 

HSV-2 or genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Genital herpes can cause pain, itching, and unsightly sores, but many people infected with HSV-2 have no idea they have it as they're asymptomatic - 75% of people with genital herpes are asymptomatic. 

Similar to the HSV-1 virus, an initial outbreak of HSV-2 can cause flu-like symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes in the groin area, headache, fever, and burning with urination.

Common symptoms of recurrent HSV-2 or genital herpes include: 

  • Small red bumps or tiny white blisters 
  • Pain and/or itching 
  • Sores on the anus, mouth, urethra, buttocks, and thighs 
  • Sores in or on the vagina, cervix, external genitals 
  • Sores in or on the penis or scrotum 

Though frustrating, herpes isn't usually dangerous. However, there are potential complications for pregnant people and newborns - this is known as neonatal herpes. Antiviral medications can be administered in the last weeks of pregnancy to prevent the transmission of herpes from a mother with a history of genital herpes to a newborn.  

How can you avoid getting herpes?

"To prevent getting a herpes infection, definitely avoid contact with any active oral or genital lesions," says Jeffy. "For oral herpes, you should avoid sharing objects that may have saliva on them such as silverware. Condoms can reduce the chance of getting genital herpes." 

Other preventative measures include: 

  • If you have herpes, you can take a medication to help prevent transmission to your partner(s).  
  • Using condoms during symptom-free phases 
  • Limiting your number of sexual partners 
  • Talking openly and honestly with your partner about the virus 

If you've had several genital herpes outbreaks, antiviral medication may be an option. 

"Herpes can be managed optimally with antiviral oral medications," says Robin Evans, MD, and board-certified dermatologist at Southern CT Dermatology Stamford. "The pills can be taken at the first signs of an outbreak, ideally with the prodromal tingling sensation that precedes the blistering eruption. If taken at this time, an outbreak may be prevented."

Although there isn't a herpes vaccine, there are three FDA-approved antiviral medications available to treat genital herpes symptoms:

  • Acyclovir 
  • Valacyclovir 
  • Famciclovir 

Insider's takeaway 

It's true that once you have herpes, you have it for life. But that doesn't mean you can't manage it. By taking a few preventative measures (avoiding sexual contact during a flare-up, for example) and being proactive, you can easily take control of your health. 

"If someone is getting very frequent outbreaks, chronic lower dose suppressive oral medication can be given," says Evans. "It's best to consult with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment for the individual."

Read the original article on Insider