![]() ![]() OK, I get that they're common - so why are genital herpes so stigmatized? When people do experience outbreaks in the form of blisters on either the face or genitals, it's most often after a trauma or when the immune system is compromised, Zeichner says: "It lives within the nerve and it forms a new active skin infection when the immune system is run down or after having a cold, the flu, or after a sunburn." So, if you do know your HSV status and it's positive (though we now know it's incredibly difficult to tell without an active outbreak), it's important to do what you can to keep your immune system running at 100. "We anecdotally see HSV-1 growing in the genitals and HSV-2 growing in the lip cultures sometimes," Zeichner says. As of now, there is no way to distinguish which one you have unless you do a viral culture. ![]() According to Shah, however, genital herpes outbreaks caused by HSV-1 do not recur as frequently as genital herpes outbreaks due to HSV-2. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, says this may be in part due to the prevalence of oral sex. Unfortunately, we're now seeing more cases of both viruses occurring in both areas. That said, either infection can also spread when symptoms aren't present thanks to what's known as viral or asymptomatic shedding. You're more likely to become infected if your partner is having an active outbreak, such as a lesion on the genitals or a cold sore. Genital herpes is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as it is usually spread by sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. How do these viruses spread?īoth HSV-1 and HSV-2 are spread through direct contact with someone infected, according to Shah, though you're more likely to get the oral infection from oral-to-oral contact such as kissing, sharing drinks or eating utensils, or sharing toothbrushes. In other words, once HSV-1 or HSV-2 is in your body, it can't be fully cleared, even though you may never experience a visible outbreak. ![]() What's more, Shah explains that they are similar in that once an infection occurs, the virus responsible can lead to outbreaks again and again. Sejal Shah, a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology, explains that these viruses often remain dormant in the nervous system, though also in different spots: "HSV-1 remains dormant in the head and neck area while HSV-2 stays near the lower part of the spine," she says. (It's worth noting the HSV-1 can also lead to genital herpes via oral sex.) HSV-2, on the other hand, lives as similar-looking sores or blisters in the genital region: on the vulva or penis or around the anus. With HSV-`1, or oral herpes, those who experience symptoms will get what is commonly known as a cold sore or a fever blister, which occurs on or around the lips. ![]() The main differentiator of the first two herpes simplex viruses is their location or where they appear, both inside and outside of the body. Where are the two infections located within the body? We spoke with experts about what you need to know about symptoms, transmission, and treatment of these distinct and yet closely related infections. Location of an outbreak serves as the most common difference between infection with HSV-1 and infection with HSV-2, but beyond that, many people are unclear on what sets them apart. Chances are good that you know someone or are someone who deals with herpes, whether it's present in the form of cold sores on the face or lesions around the genital region. ![]()
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