In herpes there is an involvement of three doshas (vata, pitta , kapha) and four tissues (blood, lymph, skin and muscle). It is caused by imbalance of three doshas which in turn vitiate four tissues. The ratio of involvement of doshas can be decided by carefully examining the symptoms exhibited during a herpes outbreak. For those who are not familiar with Ayurveda and concepts of doshas it may become difficult to diagnose herpes on these principles. These symptoms are exhibited in genital herpes (HSV 2) and oral herpes (HSV 1) 

Symptoms of Herpes when Vata dosha is dominant

Systemic Symptoms:

Systemic symptoms which are exhibited due to aggravated vata are Giddiness, burning sensation in eyes, excess thirst, pain which is pricking in nature, abdominal colic, malaise, difficulty in breathing, fever, indigestion and pain in joints. A feeling of ants creeping all over body is a prominent feature when vata dosha is dominant. 

Localized symptoms:

The affected area becomes edematous with grey or pink shade discoloration. Tingling sensation accompanied with throbbing pain is experienced. Cracks or small eruption with thin watery exudate is common in vata dominant herpes.  

Symptoms of Herpes when Pitta dosha is dominant

Systemic Symptoms:

Fever, thirst, vomiting, increased sweating, headache, sleeplessness, blurred vision and longing for cold objects are usually exhibited systemic symptoms in pitta dominated herpes. Urine and stools will be of dark yellow color.

Localized symptoms:

The affected area is filled with painful eruptions which are red or copper in color. Burning sensation is also present in affected area. The outbreaks are acute.

Symptoms of Herpes when Kapha dosha is dominant

Systemic Symptoms:

Chills, a feeling of heaviness in body, drowsiness, a feeling of stickiness in mouth, excess salivation, reduced appetite and weakness are common systemic symptoms in kapha dominated herpes. The patient looks very pale.

Localized symptoms:

The affected area becomes edematous, stiff, numb and heavy with less pain. The eruptions stay for a long time with sticky fluid inside. The exudate is white and may consist of lumps or thread like structures. The eruptions take a very long time to heal.

When all doshas are dominant, all the above mentioned symptoms of three doshas are exhibited. The herpes symptoms and outbreaks can be lessened by leading a healthy life style and increasing body immunity.