Herpes occurs in two forms: type 1 is the virus that most commonly causes facial, or oral herpes. Facial herpes is not considered an STD because it can be contracted through kissing, sharing eating utensils, towels, lip balm or touching a cold sore. Type 2 herpes is the virus commonly associated with the STD genital herpes. Genital herpes is only spread through sexual contact.

Both facial and genital herpes are typically the same virus, but they just occur in different areas of the body. However, if a person contracts type 1 of the virus in the genitals, the outbreaks are typically less severe than if a person contracts type-2 in the genital area. Therefore, proper diagnosis will give an accurate forecast as to what one can expect from the specific type of herpes that has been contracted. Once diagnosed, and if symptoms are such that an individual would like treatment () for their condition, there are many options.

Herpes, while not generally fatal, can be problematic in certain instances. In the case of facial herpes, complications may arise when infants or people with a suppressed immune system due to cancer, AIDS or an organ transplant, are exposed to the virus because these people are at greater risk of having a more severe herpes infection. For people who have eczema or dermatitis, facial herpes may be passed to other body parts and in rare cases, it can affect a large region of skin. Also, if herpes infects the eye, it can cause corneal scarring, which is one of the major causes to blindness in the U.S.

In order to prevent any of these facial herpes complications, wash hands regularly during outbreaks and avoid contact with infants or people with weakened immune systems. And also be careful not to touch other body parts (especially the eyes) after touching the herpes infected area.

In healthy adults, genital herpes does not cause long-term damage. However, just as with facial herpes, those who have suppressed immune systems may have long-lasting and more severe outbreaks. But, there are treatments () that can help reduce these complications.

An expectant mother who has her first genital herpes outbreak can pass the virus to her unborn child and has an increased chance of having a spontaneous abortion or premature delivery. If the mother has active genital herpes at delivery, doctors usually perform a C-section. Half of the fetuses that contract herpes during birth either die or have neurological damage. The chances of these complications are significantly decreased if the mother’s herpes is detected early.

Chances of contracting HIV are increased because of genital herpes because there is an accessible entry point for the virus. People with HIV can have harsh outbreaks, and this can increase chances of passing both herpes and HIV to others.

Natural treatments () are available for individuals who would like to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of their facial or genital herpes outbreaks. The primary benefit to using natural treatment is the absence of side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs.