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Herpetic whitlow on the thumb

Herpes simplex - close-up

Herpes simplex

Definition

Herpes simplex is an infection that mainly affects the mouth or genital area.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are two different strains of herpes simplex viruses:

  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is the most common herpes simplex virus and most people develop it in childhood. HSV-1 often causes lesions inside the mouth, such as cold sores (fever blisters), or infection of the eye (especially the conjunctiva and cornea). It can also lead to infection of the lining of the brain (meningoencephalitis). It is transmitted by contact with infected saliva. By adulthood, up to 90% of people will have antibodies to HSV-1.
  • Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is sexually transmitted. Symptoms include genital ulcers or sores. In addition to oral and genital sores, the virus can also lead to complications such as infection of the lining of the brain and the brain itself (meningoencephalitis) in neonatal infants due to infection during birth. However, some people have HSV-2 but do not show symptoms. Up to 30% of U.S. adults have antibodies against HSV-2. Cross-infection of type 1 and 2 viruses may occur from oral-genital contact.

A finger infection, called herpetic whitlow, is another form of herpes. It usually affects health care providers who are exposed to saliva during procedures.

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Herpes zoster (11 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
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Herpes labialis (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Herpes labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It leads to the development of small and usually painful blisters on the skin of the lips, mouth, gums, or lip area. These blisters are commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Reviewer: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University.? Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/21/2008
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Serum herpes simplex antibodies (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
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Herpes viral culture of lesion (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Herpes viral culture of a lesion is a laboratory test to check if a skin sample is infected with the herpes simplex virus. Reviewer: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 12/03/2007
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Herpes - resources (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Genital herpes - resources; Resources - genital herpes The following organizations are good resources for information on genital herpes:American Social Health Association - www.ashastd.orgNational Herpes Hotline - www.herpes.comReviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy.Date: 10/13/2006
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Herpes - resources (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Genital herpes - resources; Resources - genital herpes The following organizations are good resources for information on genital herpes:American Social Health Association - www.ashastd.orgNational Herpes Hotline - www.herpes.comReviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy.Date: 10/13/2006
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Birth-acquired herpes (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Birth-acquired herpes is a herpes virus infection that an infant gets (acquires) at the time of birth. Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, M.D., F.A.A.P., Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/12/2007
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Use Healthline to search the web for more Herpes information.

Health Videos

How to Deal With Herpes
Although it's not always openly discussed, genital herpes remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, 1 out of 4 people in th...
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Health Experts, Healthline's Network of Health Experts

Genital herpes (HSV 2) and teens. in Teen Health 411 - 2 years 322 days ago
i had sex with a woman who has a herpes type 2 but i used a condom,2 days later i felt my body is not normal so i went to a doctor and i had ful STD cheak ... Email  |  Save
Zostavax for Herpes Zoster (Shingles). in Medicine for the Outdoors - 2 years 247 days ago
According to the FDA, Zostavax has not been studied among people who have had shingles. is a new vaccine to reduce the risk for herpes zoster (HZ), commonl... Email  |  Save

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