Herpes is a common and usually mild recurrent skin condition; most infections are unrecognized and undiagnosed.

Herpes is caused by a virus: the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

HSV is in a family of viruses called herpesviruses. This family includes Epstein-Barr virus (the cause of mono) and the varicella zoster virus (the cause of chicken pox and shingles).

Although there are several viruses in the herpesvirus family, each is a separate virus and different. Having one virus does not mean you will have another.

HSV can cause oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or facial area) as well as genital herpes (similar symptoms in the genital region).

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: type 1 (HSV-1), and type 2 (HSV-2).

The majority of oral herpes cases are caused by HSV-1 and the majority of genital herpes cases are caused by HSV-2; however, type-1 or type-2 can occur in either the genital or oral area.

Treatment overview

For treatment of the herpes simplex virus, physicians will usually prescribe one of the three currently available oral antiviral medications approved by the FDA for treatment of the herpes virus:  acyclovir (Zovirax^®), valacyclovir (Valtrex^®) and famciclovir (Famvir^®)  They all work in a similar manner by disrupting the ability of the virus to multiply, thus helping to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this virus as well as helping the sores to heal faster.

The most common reported side effects are nausea and vomiting. These medications are generally well tolerated in the majority of individuals and may be used during an occurrence (outbreak) or as suppressive therapy to reduce the incidence of outbreaks.

For more information on these medications and for links to manufacturer websites, please .