Description
A virus that causes painful blisters on the skin and the mucus membranes. They occur around the mouth, lips and the genitals. Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-type 1) commonly causes oral sores like fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes). HSV-type 2 typically affects the genital area (genital herpes). Once infected, the blisters may heal but the virus may remain dormant within the nerve cells. The sores of HSV may return when a person is experiencing emotional or physical stress or immune suppression. However, attacks of herpes may recur for no identifiable reason. The virus is very contagious and spreads from physical contact such as kissing or sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
Painful blisters, red bumps, weeping blisters, recurrence in the same area is common.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A culture of a blister or a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test can be done to establish the diagnosis.
Other Specific Tests: Viral culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A culture of a blister or a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test can be done to establish the diagnosis.
Other Specific Tests: Viral culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment includes: antiviral treatment (acyclovir/Zovirax, famciclovir/Famvir), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).