Hi,
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are two species of the herpes virus family that enter and hide in the human nervous system, accounting for their durability in the human body.
HSV-1 is commonly associated with herpes outbreaks of the face known as cold sores or fever blisters, whereas HSV-2 is more often associated with genital herpes.
An infection by a herpes simplex virus is marked by watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth, lips or genitals. Lesions heal with a scab characteristic of herpetic disease. However, the infection is persistent and symptoms may recur periodically as outbreaks of sores near the site of original infection.
Herpes is contagious if the carrier is producing and shedding the virus. This is especially likely during an outbreak but possible at other times.
There is no cure yet, but there are treatments which reduce the likelihood of viral shedding.
Undecylenic acid (Castor oil derivative) is proven to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that are effective on viral skin infections such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Used as a cream formulation, this treatment reduces viral shedding and severity of itching associated with an HSV outbreak, but does not prevent episodes, speed up healing, or reduce lesion size.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hsv1