Herpes Through History: From Ancient Times to Today

Herpes Through History: From Ancient Times to Today

Herpes is one of the most common viruses today – but its history stretches back thousands of years. From ancient medicine to modern medical research, herpes has followed humanity closely. In this blog post, we delve into how herpes was discovered, understood and treated over time.

 

Ancient times: The first descriptions

The first references to herpes date back to ancient Greece. The Greek word herpein means “to creep,” referring to the way herpes lesions “creep” across the skin. Physicians such as Hippocrates (460–370 BCE) described skin conditions that are now believed to have been herpes.

The Roman Empire also recognized herpes as a contagious disease. It is said that Emperor Tiberius tried to limit the spread of “cold sores” by banning kissing at public events!

The Middle Ages: Misconceptions and Stigma

In the Middle Ages, herpes, like many other diseases, was surrounded by shame and superstition. Genital infections were often associated with sin and immorality, and the disease was not clearly distinguished from other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis.

Many people with herpes were unfairly labeled as “unclean,” and treatments were often more harmful than helpful, such as using mercury or acid.

19th century: Scientific discovery

It was not until the 19th century that people began to understand that herpes had an infectious background. In 1893, the German dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra described the disease as a specific skin disorder. However, there was still great confusion about its causes and spread.

It was not until 1919 that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) was isolated in the laboratory. Later, it was divided into HSV-1 and HSV-2, as we know it today.

1900s: Medical breakthroughs

During and after World War II, the need to control sexually transmitted infections became greater. Herpes was increasingly identified as a distinct disease, especially in the genital area.

In the 1980s, the first antiviral drug, acyclovir, came on the market. It revolutionized treatment by reducing symptoms and outbreaks, although it did not cure the infection.

The present: From taboo to enlightenment

Today, millions of people live with herpes – and stigma remains a challenge. But thanks to education, technology and openness, there is a much greater understanding that herpes:

• Is very widespread
• Often asymptomatic
• Does not define a person's sexuality or morality

Over-the-counter gel is effective against the number and size of outbreaks, research is still underway into a possible cure, and more vaccines and new treatments are on the way.

Conclusion

Herpes has followed us from ancient philosophers to modern research. Where it was once surrounded by shame and mystery, today it is met with science, treatment and – hopefully – greater openness and understanding. The more we learn from the past, the better we can deal with herpes in the future.