Herpes Simplex

1. What is herpes?
Herpes is the scientific name used for some 50 related viruses. Herpes simplex is related to the viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr Virus) and for chicken pox and shingles (Varicella Zoster virus).

Herpes Simplex Type 1
HSV Type 1 infections are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that most often occur on the face. The number of blisters varies, from one to a cluster. Before the blisters appear, the skin may itch or become very sensitive. The blisters can break by themselves or as a result of minor injury, allowing the fluid inside the blisters to ooze and crust. Eventually, crusts fall off, leaving slightly red healing skin.

There are two kinds of infections – primary and recurrent. Although most people are infected with the virus, only 10 percent will actually develop sores or cold blisters when this infection occurs. The sores of a primary infection last from seven to ten days and appear two to twenty days after contact with an infected person. The sores from the primary infection heal completely and rarely leave a scar. However, the virus that caused the infection remains in the body. It moves to nerve cells where it remains in a resting phase.

Many people will not have a recurrence. Others will have a recurrence, either in the same location as the first infection or in a nearby site. Recurrent infections tend to be milder than primary infections and can be set off by a variety of factors including fever, sun exposure and menstruation.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
Infection with herpes simplex virus Type 2 usually results in sores on the buttocks, penis, vagina or cervix, two to twenty days after contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse is the most frequent means of getting the infection. Both primary and repeat attacks can cause problems including a minor rash or itching, painful sores, fever, aching muscles and a burning sensation during urination. Pain or unusual tenderness of the skin may begin between one to several days before both primary and recurrent infections may develop.

2. How are the HSV infections diagnosed?
The appearance of HSV is often so typical that no further testing is necessary to confirm an HSV infection. However, if the diagnosis is uncertain as it may be in the genital or cervix areas, a specimen may be taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Genital herpes can be mistaken for other diseases.

3. How are herpes infections treated?
Oral anti-viral medications, called acyclovir or famcyclovir have been developed for primary or frequently recurrent infections. Low doses of these medicines may be helpful in suppressing the number of herpes attacks in people with frequent outbreaks.

4. How do you prevent transmission?
Between 200,000 and 500,000 persons "catch" genital herpes each year and the number of oral infections is many times higher.

If tingling, burning, itching, or tenderness – signs of a recurrence – occur in an area of the body where you had a herpes infection, then that area should be kept away from other people. With mouth lesions, one should avoid kissing and sharing cups or lip balms. For persons with genital herpes, this means avoiding sexual relations, including oral/genital contact during the period of symptoms or active lesions. Condoms may help prevent transmission of genital herpes to your sexual partner.

Content courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology