Herpes is a virus. In other words it's a disease that once acquired, will stay in the body for the entire lifespan of whoever has it. Once it has taken root, all you can do is fight it. The herpes virus has many different forms with different implications. Whatever type of this virus that may occur, a herpes treatment is already available to control the effects.

Herpes labialis is an infection of the lips and surrounding areas. This is simplex one. An outbreak causes small, itchy, warm blisters to appear around or on the lips. These can become quite painful and last for two or three weeks, but even though they may heal, the virus still remains in the nerves of the face. A lot of children pick this virus up during childhood, and it stays with them the rest of their lives.

Simples two usually consists of the same kinds of sores and blisters on the genital area. This is frequently spread via sexual contact, but it can also be passed on to babies during childbirth. Simplex one usually tends to stay on the facial area, but it is possible for it to be contracted through sex as well.

It's estimated that over twenty percent of the population is affected by genital herpes, and in a lot of cases they don't even know they have it. Because the virus doesn't make itself known by creating blisters, it often goes undetected. Usually the virus is only detected when sores are present.

There is no cure for the herpes virus, but having a strong and healthy immune system can help to keep the virus at bay. It's common for people to feel ashamed or embarrassed by this condition, but this virus has been around for thousands of years.

During the late nineteen seventies and early eighties, the media played a huge role in frightening people with words of fear surrounding this condition. The truth is, most people who carry the virus never show symptoms at all and there are no real health risks involved for most people. About ninety percent of the earths population is carrying either type one, type two or both.

For women it's good to be a little more prepared and aware. Women have increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases than men on average. The increased exposure of sensitive tissue is believed to be the main reason for this increase. The female reproductive regions can provide an environment in which the virus may thrive. Protecting the sensitive regions, as in using condoms and avoiding any unnecessary contact, will help prevent infection. As well as doing things as simple as not sharing drinking glasses can help. Nothing is one hundred percent however.

If you are showing bothersome signs of a herpes infection, although you won't be able to get rid of the virus for good, you can still keep it under control and reduce your number of outbreaks. Herpes treatment products have been shown to reduce a person's number of outbreaks (and sometimes eliminate them altogether) in as little as three months. If you're suffering with repeated bouts of those annoying little blisters, there is something you can do about it. In the meantime, it be comforting to know that you are just one of a great number of people who are going through the exact same thing.