Herpes is an infection caused by a virus. There are two types of herpes viruses.

Type I usually causes the common cold sore on the mouth. It is possible for Type I to cause an infection in the genital area.

Type II usually causes blisters and sores in the genital area. It is possible for Type II to cause an infection on the mouth.

Herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with the open sores or blisters. This type of contact may occur with vaginal, anal or oral sex and with kissing.

Genital herpes can be spread more easily from the time there are early signs of infection until the sores are completely healed.

Infected persons can spread herpes to others. The virus may shed even when there are no symptoms.

Symptoms may appear two to 21 days after infection, and include:  

• Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters appearing in the genital area. Tingling or burning in the affected area may also be noticed before the blisters or sores appear. A group of blisters is called an "outbreak".
• Flu-like illness with headache, fever and swollen glands may occur with the first outbreak (primary infection).
• Blisters open and form a sore that will crust or scab.

In women, these blisters or sores may occur on the vulva, vagina, cervix or anus. In men, they may occur on the penis, scrotum or anus.

Some people have herpes and do not know it because the sores may be on the cervix or inside the penis where they cannot be seen.

Repeat outbreaks may occur but tend to be shorter and less painful than the first outbreak.

Herpes outbreaks can be triggered by many things including stress, illness, pregnancy, periods, exposure to the sun or having sex.

There is no cure for herpes. Once you have it you are infected for life.

Herpes can be treated with medications that shorten the outbreak and make the sores less painful. These medications can be taken daily to prevent outbreaks in persons who suffer frequent or painful outbreaks.

Even without treatment, the sores will heal.

• Keep the area clean and dry to help the sores heal faster.
• Blow-dry the area with a hairdryer (set on cool). Using a towel can be irritating.
• Take a baking soda bath. Add 1-2 cups of baking soda to a tub of warm water.
• If it hurts to urinate, pour water over your genitals while urinating or go in the bathtub.
• The use of creams or lotions on genital herpes is not recommended unless prescribed by your doctor. Sores may take longer to heal or the chance of spreading may increase if creams or lotions are used.

Do not have sexual contact during an outbreak.

Use a latex condom each time you have sex. Condoms do not always prevent the spread of herpes because they may not cover the skin where the blisters are found, for example, the scrotum or anus.

Herpes may be spread from the genitals to other areas of the body. Avoid touching the sores with your hands.

Do not share towels.

When a person is infected with herpes, it is important to get the facts.

Many people have herpes (cold sores) on the mouth. It is possible to get herpes on the genitals through oral sex with a person who has a cold sore.

Tell your partner about herpes and talk about the ways you can prevent spreading it.