Herpes is a viral infection caused by simplex virus and is very common. There are different types of Herpes. One type is Herpes Simplex that infects the area around the mouth causing cold sores and Herpes Genitalis that infect the area around the genitals. The other type is the Herpes Zoster that causes shingles and chickenpox. The different stages of Herpes are different for both types.
The Herpes virus spreads very easily through skin contact. The virus can infect the others through the deep cracks in the skin or through the skin of the mouth, genitals, etc. It is most virulent when there are sores or blisters on the infected person. There is a very high chance of autoinfection also. The Genital Herpes spreads from person to person through unprotected sexual encounters.
When a person is infected, they may not show any signs or symptoms for a few days. The severity of the disease depends upon the person’s immunity. An infected person will go through the different stages of herpes. Some people experience flu like symptoms initially and take treatment for that.
The first stage is the Primary Stage, which usually starts between 2-8 days after getting infected. But in few people, it may take longer. Infection usually appears as a group of small and painful blisters. There is reddishness around the blisters and the fluid in the blisters can be either cloudy or clear. The blisters are very fragile and are prone to break very easily causing open sores. There is a scab formation on the open sores or ulcers. It is very important, that the infected person does not peel off the scab. As the new skin grows under the scab, the scab starts getting harder and if it is peeled off at this point of time, then the new skin that is being formed may not grow properly. If the Herpes lesion is not pricked and peeled, then it may often heal without any scarring. If the lesions are pricked, then there may be scarring left behind.
The second stage is the Latent Stage. During the duration of this stage, there are no sores, blisters, reddishness, or any other symptoms. During this stage the virus travels from the infected skin to the spinal nervous system. The third stage is the Shedding Stage. During this stage, the virus is present in the nerves and multiplying. From here, the virus spreads to the other parts of the body and is present in body fluids like the saliva, vaginal fluid, or the seminal fluid. Though externally there are no symptoms, the virus is still spreading.
Many people experience a recurrence of the disease after the first lesions are apparently cured. Though the symptoms are not as bad as the first attack, you still have to take adequate precautions. Any lowered immunity due to stress; being continuously tired and being sick can cause relapse of Herpes Simplex.
