Herpes is a recurring, usually mild skin condition caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. This virus can cause cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or facial area, as well as similar sores in the genital region. The simplex virus has two types: Herpes Simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex type 2 (HSV-2). The majority of oral herpes cases are caused by HSV-1, and the majority of genital herpes cases are caused by HSV-2, yet both type 1 and type 2 of the Herpes virus can cause oral or genital Herpes outbreaks.

Of the adult population, about 50-80% have oral herpes. Most people became infected as children, when receiving a kiss from friends or relatives. Estimates indicate that one in five Americans has genital herpes, often without experiencing any symptoms. While some studies indicate that lesbian women are at lower risk for acquiring the virus, their risk is likely comparable to that of the general population.

Herpes is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. Most skin on the body is too thick for the virus to go through, leaving mucous membranes, such as the mouth and genital area, the primary locations of transmission.

Any sexually active person can contract genital Herpes. The virus can be spread even when the infected person has no symptoms. To protect yourself, use latex condoms with every sexual act to reduce the incidence of transmission. Also, you should not engage in oral or genital sex if someone has signs of infection with the virus. If you know you have Herpes, you should communicate with your partner to make decisions about which precautions are best. One antiviral medication, Valtrex, has been shown to reduce herpes transmission significantly. Talk to your doctor if you

The main symptoms of Herpes are one or more sores on the genitals, buttocks, anus or thighs. The sores can be mistaken for ingrown hairs, pimples, razor burn, insect bites or jock itch. Other signs include itching or burning in the genital area, painful urination or discharge, and flu like symptoms such as headache, fever and swollen glands.

Signs of Genital Herpes can appear a days, weeks, months, or even years after contracting the virus. Outbreaks of Herpes vary greatly: from very mild to quite severe, depending on the individual. For most, the sores will heal in 2-12 days, but they may take as long as one month to fully heal. While most experience more outbreaks in the first year, during subsequent years infected people experience an average of four or five outbreaks. Illness, poor diet, stress, surgery and steroids can all trigger an outbreak of Herpes.

There is currently no cure for Herpes. Though medication is not required to treat the virus, several antiviral medications are available. These drugs can be taken daily to prevent future outbreaks, or after the onset of an outbreak to speed the healing process. These medications have side effects, so talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of taking them. Over the counter creams and ointments are NOT recommended for treatment of Genital Herpes. If you choose not to take medication, frequency of outbreaks can be successfully managed through proper nutrition, frequent exercise, minimizing stress, and getting adequate rest.