By keeping tabs on the common signs and symptoms of herpes, you can already make the necessary steps to eventually inhibit the growth of the virus and gain your healthy life back.
The Undetected Signs of Herpes
One of the main reasons why herpes becomes prevalent, untreated, and even dangerous and life threatening is because the signs often come undetected. A lot of men and women are not aware that they are already inflicted with the virus unless they will have themselves tested. However, if they become asymptomatic, it becomes close to impossible for them to even see a doctor.
At least 90 percent of people who have the herpes virus do not have any idea they possess it. The symptoms could be very random that they usually associate them with other diseases.
How to Know You Have Herpes
It may take a while before you can finally have an idea that you already have herpes. Nevertheless, you may want to pay attention to a number of signs and symptoms of herpes.
They are usually characterized by blisters or sores. This is the reason why cold sores, those found in the mouth and lips, are called fever blisters. They are actually scabs that have started to become flaky. Sometimes they give off transparent liquid. They are very painful to touch and are very inflamed and red.
The same thing could also happen in other parts of the body, especially in the genital area. But besides that, a person with herpes may also have swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin. He or she may also suffer from moderately high fever as well as back pain. Sometimes he or she can develop headaches and muscle aches.
In more severe cases, women with herpes can excrete foul-smelling vaginal discharges. They may also experience a burning sensation whenever they urinate or when they are having sexual intercourse. Both men and women may find the affected areas very itchy.
How to Develop Herpes
A common explanation for the spread of herpes will be skin-to-skin contact. Thus, those who are suffering from the virus are often advised to avoid kissing, having sex, or touching another person. It may also transfer from one person to another indirectly. For example, a herpes-infected person may have used a spoon that is also utilized by an uninfected individual. There is a good chance that the latter will also have the virus.
Treating Herpes
If you have taken time to strengthen your immune system, the herpes virus and all its symptoms will just go away at most two weeks. Since there is no fixed cure to it, the most that you can do is to reduce the pain by putting ice on the affected area or taking over-the-counter medications. You can also apply aloe vera, which is known for its anti-viral and soothing properties. Nevertheless, always coordinate with your physician all the time, especially if the sores do not go away after two weeks. Have yourself tested with the virus too if you are sexually active.