Herpes Simplex

Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can get it from having sex, even oral sex. The virus can spread even when sores are not present. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth.

Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.

Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help your body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks. Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes.

Herpes Simplex Virus on Wikipedia

The '''Herpes simplex virus infection''' (common names: ''herpes'', ''cold sores'') is a common, contagious, incurable, and in some cases Sexually-transmitted disease disease caused by a double-stranded DNA virus. The infection can also affect the brain, in which case the consequent disease is called '''herpes simplex encephalitis'''.

HSV-1 and HSV-2

There are two main kinds of herpes simplex virus: type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Although HSV-1 is generally considered to be associated with orofacial infection, and HSV-2 with genital infection; both types can affect any region of the body. There are some differences, however, in the infectivity and severity of infection — HSV-1 infections are more easily acquired and infections are more severe in the orofacial region and similar with HSV-2 in the genital region. HSV-2 infection is of particular concern because of the largely asymptomatic nature of the infection, and the shedding of infective virions even in asymptomatic individuals. (Koutsky et al., 1990; Wald et al., 2000)

HSV disease

The ways in which herpes infections manifest themselves vary tremendously among individuals. The following are general descriptions of the courses outbreaks may take in the oral and genital regions.

Orofacial infection

#Prodromal symptoms #Skin appears irritated #Sore or cluster of fluid-filled blisters appear #Lesion begins to heal, usually without scarring These infections may appear on the lips, nose or in surrounding areas. The sores may appear to be either weeping or dry, and may resemble a pimple, insect bite, or large chickenpox lesion. Lesions typically heal after a few days to a week (or more), but this varies among individuals.

Genital infection

#Prodromal symptoms #Sore appears #Lesion begins to heal, usually without scarring In ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

eMedicine: Infective Esophagitis - Offers a physician's report on this esophagus condition caused by candida or herpes simplex virus infection, HIV, and certain medications. Includes a section on pill, chemotherapy, and radiation-induced esophagitis.

Herpes Viruses Association - Information and advice on herpes simplex from the UK charity formed by patients themselves. Helpline number, membership details. Also shingles information pack: how to stop the pain that can continue afterwards.

CenterWatch - Listing of Clinical Research Trials for Herpes Simplex Infections

Patient Information - Herpes Simplex - An online dermatology resource for patients, GP's and dermatologists

eMedicine: Herpes Simplex - Offers a report on herpes infection and two types of herpes simplex viruses. Symptoms may include primary and recurring oral and genital lesions. Authored by Larry Lutwick, MD.

StLukesEye.com - Herpes Simplex Eye Disease - An overview of type 1 and 11, a list of the symptoms and diagnosis and treatments are discussed.

Herpes Simplex - Fact sheet on symptoms, development, treatment and prevention of cold sores.

MedlinePlus: Herpes Simplex - Directory of news, articles, and factsheets.

Acyclovir - Fact sheet for HIV and AIDS patients about this antiviral used to treat herpes genitalis, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster.

WebMD Health: Docosanol Topical - Offers information about this antiviral medication used to treat cold sore infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.

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