Herpes simplex is a common type of skin infection, caused by a virus. There are two different types of herpes simplex infections; herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2, classified according to the causative virus - herpes simples virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex type 1 is the most common one, occuring on the mouth. Herpes simplex type 2 occurs on the genital areas and is more common in people who are sexually active.
Herpes simplex is further classified as either a true primary infection or a non primary initial episode or a recurrent episode. Individuals who are exposed to any of two types of herpes for the first time are said to be suffering from a true primary infection.
The non primary initial episode refers to the first time exposure by either herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2 in an individual who had previously been infected with the other type. Recurrent episode is used to refer to subsequent infections with either herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2 in an individual who had previously suffered the same kind of infection.
Herpes Simplex Type 1 Symptoms
Herpes simplex 1 is responsible for what is known as the cold sores or fever blisters. Once an individual is infected with the virus, it may takes anywhere in between 2-21 days for the infection to appears and heal. The active stage usually starts with a feeling of tingling or burning sensation, followed by pain and later on an appearance of a blister or vesicles on the affected area within 24 hours.
Most oral blisters usually heal quickly by their own and only in about 1% of cases develop to complication. Complication are more often in children and young adults rather than in older adults.
The two common types of complications associated with herpes simplex 1 are; the herpetic gingivostomatitis, that is characterized by ulcerative lesions of the gingiva and mucous membranes and erythema multiforme, characterized by distinctive skin erosion with an appearance of targets (concentric red rings with white bands between them) .
Herpes Simplex Type 2 Symptoms
A minor infection may not produce any symptoms but severe infection is usually characterized by the following;
- Vesicles that appears in group on the vagina, rectum or penis and eventually break, leaving tender sores.
- Lesions that follow a certain shape in a specific area.
- Generalized symptoms like fever, fatigue.
- New lesions may re-appear after 7 to 14 days.
Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex
Herpex simplex is diagnosed by looking at the lesions or the skin eruptions. Viral culture and rapid assy test may also be performed.
Herpex Simples Possible Complications
Possible complications associated with herpes simplex infections are;
- Eczema herpeticum - Occurs in patients who are already suffering from eczema. The infection spread to the eczemous areas. It can also happens to anyone suffering from other chronic skin infections. Such as seborrhea and scabies.
- Herpetic whitlow - an infection of the pulp of the finger with any of the two virus, leading to pain and erythematous cuticle.
Herpes Simplex Treatment and Management
Since herpes simplex is a viral infection, there is no specific treatment that can cure the infection and most of the infections do not require any medical treatment. In more severe cases, treatment of the infection with anti-viral medications like Zovirax (acyclovir) is usually administered, soon after the initial symptoms. These anti-viral medications are not meant to cure the infection but they help in decreasing the outbreaks, pain and shorten the healing time.
Other management include;
Identifying the trigger agents like sun exposure, stress and minimizing the exposure. Use of topical treatment with drying agents. For individuals who have recurrent episodes of more than 6 times in a year, a suppressive therapy may be recommended.
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