Herpes can be described as a generalized term for two different kinds of disease. One affects the genitalia and is known as genital herpes, while the other affects the area around the mouth and is commonly known as a cold sore. Both of these types are caused by a virus; cold sores by the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), and genital herpes by HSV-1 as well as herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). Once herpes has been contacted, it cannot be cured and the virus remains in the body permanently.

Both virus types reside in nerve cells and can remain inactive for long periods, sometimes even years at a time. Medical science is still unsure what it is that reactivates the virus after a dormant period, a process known as reactivation.

The HSV-1 virus is normally spread through direct contact with an area that is infected during a flare up period, whereas HSV-2 is usually spread through sexual intercourse. Symptoms of the herpes normally depend on the area it shows up on. Cold sores around the mouth or nostrils could itch and pain a bit painful. Genital herpes, on the other hand, appear as sores around the genitalia of men and women and are rarely painful.

Although herpes is incurable, the sores themselves can be treated, and this can speed up the time it takes to heal, reduces any pain and could also delay or even prevent other flare ups.

Herpes

Psoriasis is a skin condition which can start at any age but usually starts after puberty. Skin cells are produced by the body and as new cells are produced the older ones on the outer layer of the skin die and flake off.  This process usually takes between 21 to 28 days, but for someone with psoriasis, the process is accelerated and can occur in as little as six days.  This results in an excess of skin cells building up on the surface of the skin which are then shed easily.  Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body and appears as red, crumbling patches of skin.  The most common places on the body where psoriasis is found are the scalp, knees, elbows or lower back.

There are many treatments for psoriasis but no cure.  Symptoms can be mild in one person but extremely severe in others and can cause distress.  Psoriasis can be mild at some times and then flare up.  There are different types of psoriasis and most people only have one type at a time but find that one type can develop into another type.  The most common types of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis, nail psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, scalp psoriasis and inverse psoriasis.  There are rarer forms of psoriasis called pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.  Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled blisters to appear on the skin, while erythrodermic psoriasis causes a rash to appear all over the body and can result in the body losing proteins and fluids.

Psoriasis

There are some factors which can trigger a flare up of psoriasis symptoms such as smoking, stress, alcohol, and some medicines.  There are three types of treatment for psoriasis and these are creams and ointments, lights which the skin can be exposed to and oral or injected medication.

Doctors use the term dementia to describe the process that occurs when the brain of an individual ceases to work properly. When the condition does occur, the individuals affected start becoming confused and forgetful. Although many people tend to get confused and become forgetful as they grow older, this is exacerbated many times over in those who have dementia. These people may forget how to do simple everyday things such as brushing their teeth or getting dressed.

Dementia

There are other symptoms which indicate the condition in people, such as changes in the personality or not being able to think properly, and as the condition gets worse their behavior can start to change as well. They could start getting upset for no reason or they may start to become aggressive, this is why looking after someone with dementia can be a very hard job.

There are a few types of dementia known today, with the most common ones being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Lewy bodies. Although there are no cures for the various types of dementia at the moment, they can be treated to alleviate problems with the memory and other types of symptoms.

The condition can also be very distressing for the close family and friends of the sufferer as they see them gradually deteriorate and for all intents and purposes become a stranger. It is also exhausting work trying to care for them, despite all the good intentions.