"Man, what the heck did I do to get cold sores..." Don't feel like you are the only one with herpes, there are millions of us out there.

The "Herpes virus (HSV)" infections are very common around the world. HSV-1 (oral-facial herpes) is transmitted through kissing or sharing drinking utensils; and HSV-2 (genital herpes) through sexual contact. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause infections around the face, mouth, and genitals. Now you know where you got them...

Does the infection start right away? No. -- The herpes infection may not show symptoms for a long time, and then become activated by ultraviolet light, fever, menstruation, emotional stress, a weakened immune system, and trauma to the skin or nerves.

When you first get herpes, you may experience swelling and redness in your face and mouth areas, including your gums and throat. You may feel tired, have a fever, and feel pain in your face and muscles. Blisters then appear on your lips, face, gums, tongue, inside your mouth, or in the case of genital herpes, on your genitals. You may also have vaginal (in women) or urethral (in men) discharge.

You can get herpes simplex if you come in close contact with an individual infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, such as a family member or sexual partner. Herpes simplex can also be transmitted through certain occupations (such as dentistry) or sports (such as wrestling). You can get herpes simplex from an infected person even if he or she does not have active symptoms. A mother can also pass the infection to her baby during vaginal birth.

Drug Therapies -- Antiviral medicines treat initial herpes infections and recurrences.

• Intravenous acyclovir—for herpes in newborns and for HSV encephalitis
• Oral acyclovir—for oral-facial herpes
• Oral acyclovir, oral valacyclovir, and oral famciclovir—for genital lesions
• Oral famciclovir and acyclovir—to reduce frequency and severity
• Idoxuridine, trifluridine, topical vidarabine, acyclovir, and interferon—for herpetic keratitis
• Intravenous foscarnet—for acyclovir-resistant HSV

For lesions around the lips and mouth:

• Natrum Muriaticum -- for eruptions at the corners of the mouth that occur during periods of emotional stress and tend to worsen in the daytime
• Rhus toxicodendron -- for eruptions consisting of many small blisters that itch intensely at night
• Mercurius -- for children who drool and may have a fever
• Sepia -- for outbreaks that do not improve with other homeopathic remedies; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who tend to have a lack of energy and are intolerant of cold weather

For genital lesions:
• Graphites -- for large, itchy lesions in individuals who are overweight
• Natrum Muriaticum -- for eruptions that occur during periods of emotional stress and symptoms that tend to worsen in the daytime
• Petroleum -- for lesions that spread to anus and thighs; symptoms tend to worsen in winter and improve in summer
• Sepia -- for outbreaks that do not improve with other homeopathic remedies; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who tend to have a lack of energy and are intolerant of cold weather