Genital Herpes

Cold sores and herpes are very similar, both forming sores or blisters and causing itching, burning, or tingling in the affected area.

They’re so similar because they’re caused by the same virus, which is called herpes simplex.

The herpes virus doesn’t have a cure, but it’s harmless and if you catch it it will just live in one area of your skin, usually around your mouth or genitals, and make itself known every so often.

Herpes simplex is very contagious when you have sores or blisters, so you’ll have to be very careful not to pass it on to anyone else during a flare-up.

It’s passed on through skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing or during sex, so it’s vital that you take notice when you think you’re about to get herpes sores and take the necessary precautions to keep the virus from spreading to someone else.

There are several different types of herpes virus, including herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella zoster (chickenpox) - but the most common and recognisable type is the herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV. There are two types of herpes simplex virus: 

HSV-1: 

This causes oral herpes, leading to cold sores and blisters around the mouth or face. HSV-1 can be contracted by interactions such as kissing, sharing a lip balm, or eating from the same utensils as someone who has HSV-1. 

HSV-2: 

This is contracted through sexual contact with someone who has HSV-2, causing genital herpes. Unlike HSV-1, which can be contracted from a person without any symptoms, HSV-2 usually spreads through direct contact with a herpes sore. 

There’s currently no cure for herpes simplex - once you’ve become infected, the virus remains in your body and sores may come and go throughout your life. Fortunately, sores can go away by themselves or with simple treatments like aciclovir.