Herpes is a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, known as HSV. HSV causes

painful blisters or sores in different parts of the body.

There are two main types of HSV:

•  which usually causes blisters or cold sores around the mouth (oral herpes)HSV-1,
• HSV-2, which usually causes blisters or sores in the genital area (genital herpes)   

Herpes is spread through direct contact with sores. HSV-2 is usually spread through vaginal,

oral, or anal sex. Sometimes herpes can be spread even if there are no visible sores.