Herpes simplex disease

Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. Infections are categorized based on the part of the body infected. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. It may result in small blisters in groups often called cold sores or fever blisters or may just cause a sore throat. Genital herpes, often simply known as herpes, may have minimal symptoms or form blisters that break open and result in small ulcers. These typically heal over two to four weeks. Tingling or shooting pains may occur before the blisters appear. Herpes cycles between periods of active disease followed by periods without symptoms. The first episode is often more severe and may be associated with fever, muscle pains, swollen lymph nodes and headaches. Over time, episodes of active disease decrease in frequency and severity. Other disorders caused by herpes simplex include: herpetic whitlow when it involves the fingers, herpes of the eye, herpes infection of the brain, and neonatal herpes when it affects a newborn, among others.

Causes

Herpes simplex is a DNA virus that causes sores in and around your mouth. Two herpes subtypes may cause these sores.

Herpes simplex virus type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the cause of cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. Usually, the sores or blisters can show up on the outside of the mouth or on the lips. But sometimes, they can be inside the mouth, on the face, nose, cheeks or fingers. HSV-1 can also lead to infection of the genitals, called genital herpes. This occurs when you have a cold sore and perform oral sex on another person. HSV-1 infections are highly contagious. Apart from oral-genital contact, they can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. If you come into contact with a person or a thing that carries HSV-1, you will be likely to get it, too. Often, people get HSV-1 from kissing someone with a cold sore or when they share eating utensils, razors, or towels.

Herpes simplex virus type 2

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the cause of most genital herpes and is almost always sexually transmitted.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of herpes is made based on the clinical presentation of disease, patient history, and laboratory testing.

Treatment

There is no cure for herpes simplex. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, are the most effective medications for individuals infected with HSV.

Prevention

Prevention of herpes simplex relies on understanding and avoiding the triggers which may cause outbreaks.

See also

• Herpesviridae
• Herpes zoster
• Herpes simplex virus