Herpes simplex is a virus that causes blisters, itching and other uncomfortable symptoms. The condition can be caused either by Herpes simplex virus Type 1 or Type 2, often abbreviated as HSV-1 and HSV-2. The exact symptoms of the infection vary according to the site; for instance, most people have this virus in or around their mouths, where the blisters it produces are commonly known as cold sores. Herpes simplex can also attack the genitals and other parts of the body. In severe cases, it can cause certain types of meningitis and encephalitis.

There is no cure for this virus, though people with severe cases can take antivirals to reduce their symptoms. As of 2012, no vaccine is available, but herpes testing can help people identify infections even if they have no outward signs. These infected patients can then take steps to avoid spreading Herpes simplex to other people.

Oral Herpes
Herpes of the mouth affects the lips and gums. The initial infection is often more severe and tends to cause inflammation of the gums and cheeks, as well as bad breath, discomfort and fever. When the virus recurs later on it usually attacks the lips and the area around the mouth, producing itching and painful lesions.

Herpes simplex 1 is the most common cause of oral herpes and affects about 60 percent of U.S. residents, with up to 90 percent getting the disease by age 50. Some people also get HSV-2 on their mouths, but this is rarer. The sores come back when the immune system is stressed, such as by a cold. The disease can be spread by contact with sores on another person.

Genital Herpes
This infection can be caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2. It produces small inflamed bumps on the genitals, similar to tiny cold sores but in greater numbers. Like oral herpes, this problem appears more often if the patient is stressed or ill. Genital herpes can spread to the buttocks, inner thigh and other areas around the genitals. It can be acquired either from genital sex with an infected person or oral sex in which the genitals come into contact with an existing sore.

Herpes In Other Locations
While the mouth and genitals are the most common sites for Herpes simplex, they are not the only place an infection can occur. When the skin of the fingers or toes come into contact with the herpes virus, a patient can contract a herpetic whitlow. This condition produces blisters on the fingers, around the nails, or on the toes. Some people who engage in wrestling or other contact sports can get herpes gladiatorum, an infection of the ears, neck and face that sometimes affects the eyelids and eyes. If left untreated, herpes infections of the eyes can produce scarring.

Other more serious locations include infections of the brain, nerves and esophagus. These tend to occur when an infection on the face migrates elsewhere in the body. HSV is the most common cause of viral encephalitis and Mollaret’s meningitis. It can also attack the esophagus, causing pain and difficulty swallowing. This problem occurs most often in people with HIV, people who have had organ transplants, or others who have suppressed immune systems.

Herpes Testing
Patients may want to have a herpes test performed as part of a series of other sexually transmitted infection tests, as well as to find out their risk of infecting others. Since people who have been infected with Herpes simplex of either form have a much lower chance of getting a new infection, blood testing can also help people be aware of their risk of contracting the disease.

The herpes blood test can be used to identify antibodies generated by the immune system as a response to the virus. Older tests were not useful for diagnosis since they couldn’t differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. New IgG HSV tests are 98 percent effective at telling the difference between the two and are often included as part of a general panel of STI tests or a virus-specific battery of blood tests. Most doctors now prefer these newer, more accurate tests to older IgM tests, but this kind of very precise testing may not be available from all labs.

Other types of laboratory testing are sometimes used to detect herpes as well. These include viral culture, direct fluorescent antibody or DFA, biopsy of the skin, and polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests. These procedures are even more accurate and sensitive than a standard IgG test. They are also considerably more expensive and tend to take much longer. For this reason, many doctors avoid them unless they are required to confirm a diagnosis or clear up a confusing situation.

Herpes Treatment
It is impossible to eradicate a herpes infection. Some people may require antiviral medicine combined with analgesics and topical anesthetic, however. These aren’t commonly used for the relatively mild cases of oral herpes experienced by most people. Cancer patients, people with AIDS and sufferers of viral gum infections can benefit, however.