subject: Herpes 101: Infectious Viral Diseases [print this page] Herpes are infectious viral diseases that are transmitted mostly through physical and sexual contact. If truth be told, herpes is quite a little off but then again, having this infection is not really common because there really are quite a number of people who have contracted this diseases as a result of their partners in sexual intercourse. Herpes is a disease that has many stages. It is a series of outbreaks and we must understand these outbreaks so that we would know how to manage this disease if we contract it.
Redness-ness and irritation of a skin area mark the beginning of an outbreak of genital herpes. The infected area becomes painful, itchy, and sensitive to the touch.
Inflammation-the next stage, swelling occurs. This is due to an inflammation of the area which is a natural response of the body's immune system. Swelling is a reaction that is dependent on the area where the symptoms manifest. It may or may not occur.
Formation of Blisters-Herpes is distinguished by the presence of small blisters on or around the genitals. There may just be one blister or several covering an area of the skin.
Transformation into Wet Ulcers-Wet ulcers result after the blisters break. They are raw, shallow and very painful. At times fluids ooze out of the blisters but generally wet ulcers just look like a cut. Just like blisters, there may just be a single wet ulcer, or several clumped together.
Formation of Dry Crusts-After the wet ulcers dry up, scabs begin to form. These scabs, if left undisturbed, will naturally fall off.
Completion of the Healing Process-After the scabs fall off, regenerated skin is uncovered and the herpes outbreak is complete. Although the skin may still be red, it is not sensitive anymore.
What we have to understand with this infection is that it is very contagious, so we must all e careful lest we want to contract it. Additionally, herpes also has some symptoms so once we discover that we have the symptoms, we should immediately make an effort to make yourself more careful so that the situation will not worsen or anything. Also, we must learn to strain you. There should absolutely be no sexual contact during an outbreak. We must understand that herpes is indeed highly contagious; an outbreak does not mean people will not be infected. Always be proactive whether you are protecting yourself from the virus, or avoiding its transmission to others.
