Genital herpes: A viral infection transmitted through intimate contact with the moist mucous linings of the genitals. This contact can involve the mouth, the vagina or the genital skin. The herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) enters the mucous membranes through microscopic tears. Once inside the body, HSV-2 travels to nerve roots near the spinal cord and settles there permanently. When an infected person has a herpes outbreak, the virus travels down the nerve fibers to the site of the original infection and when it reaches the skin, the classic redness and blisters occur. Outbreaks of genital herpes are closely related to the functioning of the immune system. Women who have suppressed immune systems, either through stress, disease, or medications, have more frequent and longer-lasting outbreaks. The antiviral drug valacyclovir (Valtrex), taken once a day, has been found to reduce the shedding of HSV-2 on genital mucosal surfaces and to reduce the rate of transmission of genital herpes among discordant couples (couples in which one partner is HSV-2-positive and the other is HSV-2-negative). The US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of valacyclovir (Valtrex) for the prevention of sexual transmission of HSV infection. Results of nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 45 million people ages 12 and older, or one out of five of the total adolescent and adult population, are infected with genital herpes (herpes simplex virus type-2).

Primary Herpes : The first time someone is exposed to herpes, the virus often infects the body without causing any noticeable problem. This process generates an antibody response in which the immune system produces specific proteins that are directed against the herpes virus. The antibody response usually makes recurrences mild. Sometimes, however, the first attack of herpes causes people to become very sick. It may cause fever, swollen glands, and bleeding gums, together with painful sore(s) around the mouth (gingivostomatitis). These signs and symptoms may last several days. Difficulty in eating and drinking may lead to dehydration. The viral infection typically lasts 10 to 14 days. The herpes blisters themselves may last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks before they scab over and go away, usually without scarring. Primary herpes is typically contracted during childhood.

Recurrent Herpes : By far the most common manifestation of herpes infections -- what people usually mean when they speak of "herpes" or "cold sores" -- is a recurrence of the virus when it is reactivated from its latent sleep in the nerves below the skin. What this looks like depends on where the virus has been hibernating: Labial herpes: This is the familiar cold sore that appears on the lip margins (labial refers to the lip). When labial herpes reappears, it usually occurs at most a few millimeters away from its previous location(s). Herpetic whitlow: Sometimes, the herpes virus shows up on the fingertip. This is especially common in dental and medical workers who have to put their fingers inside people's mouths, despite the use of gloves. Wrestlers' herpes: This has the picturesque name, "herpes gladiatorum." Gladiators, or nowadays just plain wrestlers, can contract herpes from an opponent who is shedding the virus. This form of herpes can appear all over the body. Wrestlers differ from most other patients with herpes who only develop recurrences in one spot. The reason for this is that although the antibodies in the bloodstream do not prevent the herpes from returning, they do make it hard for the virus to get a foothold anywhere else on the body.

Herpes Treatment : Currently, there is no method to eliminate the herpes virus from its resting place in the nerve cells. Treatments are available, however, to help the infections heal faster and, if taken continually, to suppress most recurrences. OTC topical medications: Over-the-counter (OTC) topical products that state they are for herpes do absolutely nothing but make the skin tingle. These preparations have the effect of allowing the infection to heal in the same number of days as it would have done anyway. Topical anesthetics are sold that can be applied directly with a swab (often containing dyclonine or benzocaine, which are the local anesthetic agents). When large areas are affected by the herpes, a thick (viscous) preparation of the local anesthetic lidocaine is also available that can be used as a mouth rinse. However, swallowed lidocaine is hazardous because it anesthetizes (numbs) the inside of the mouth, the throat, and even the epiglottis (the cover to the windpipe). Children should probably not use such topical anesthetics for fear of aspiration (getting something they've swallowed down the wrong way into the lungs). Prescription-strength topical medications: Prescription- strength topical medicines (ones you put on the herpes sores) are not much more effective than OTC preparations. Patients who have a prodrome (a tingling or burning sensation which lets them know they are about to get a cold sore) can reduce the duration of their infection by applying acyclovir (Zovirax) ointment or one of its newer relatives, such as famciclovir (Famvir), valaciclovir (Valtrex), or penciclovir (Denavir). These medications are available only by prescription. (Their safety during pregnancy and nursing and their safety and efficacy for children under the age of 18 years have not been established.) Oral medications: Effective anti-herpes antibiotics include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valaciclovir (Valtrex). (Again, the safety of these drugs during pregnancy, nursing, and in children under the age of 18 years has not been established.) All of these anti-herpes antibiotics are remarkably easy to tolerate and are generally free of side effects. When taken early, preferably during a prodrome, these drugs can limit the duration of the infection to some extent. They are also useful in helping prevent or minimize recurrences when taken for extended periods. This method is helpful for patients who experience frequent recurrences, or who have a particular event or situation (such as a wedding, honeymoon, or vacation) at which an unsightly recurrence would be especially unwelcome. Lysine supplements: Although the amino acid lysine suppresses the growth of the herpes virus in laboratory test tubes, taking lysine pills by mouth has not proved effective. What works in the lab doesn't necessarily work in a person, and that is the case with lysine. Nevertheless, some people find this over-the-counter remedy helpful.