Herpes is a disease that is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. The signs of this disease usually erupt on the skin and may be seen in the mouth or on the genitals of the patient, among other parts of the body, in rare cases. Read on to know more about herpes.

• Types of herpes
Herpes can be of two types. The first kind is known as oral herpes, which can happen when there are sores in the mouth due to persistent cold and cough as well as flu.

• Causes of herpes
The causes of herpes as per the pictures of herpes depend on the kind of contact that may have happened. This is basically a contagious disease that may take place when one comes in contact with an infected person, which leads to a transfer of the virus. If the person is already suffering from cold and flu, then the virus gets a congenial environment, in which it can grow. Also, this kind of contact can happen when you share utensils and clothes with someone who is already carrying the virus. For many children, once they are infected, there is the risk of carrying the inactive virus for the rest of their adult lives.

• Risk factors of herpes
For genital herpes, there are many people who may be at risk. The most common patients in such a case are those who have unprotected sex with many partners at the same time. Also, it is seen females more often than males. Further, if the immunity of the patient is already low, then there is a high chance of contracting herpes upon contact with an infected person.

• Symptoms and stages of herpes
There are various stages as per the pictures of herpes, which can point at the progression of the disease or infection. The first phase is one where the sores begin to develop, while the next phase is one where the person will experience pain. This pain may happen during urination in the case of genital herpes. In the third phase, severe itching takes place in the spots where the sores exist. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, and headaches. The patient may also have swollen lymph nodes and constant fatigue.

• Diagnosis and treatment
A physical examination along with various lab tests to study the blood and urine samples will be carried out by the doctor in order to diagnose the condition. For treatment, the doctor may prescribe medication that will limit the spread of the virus so that it is not that contagious. The sores usually heal on their own and there is no set treatment for the condition as such.