herpes simplex
Sign in to saveHerpes simplex, often known simply as herpes, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes infections are categorized by the area of the body that is infected. The two major types of herpes are oral herpes and genital herpes, though other forms also exist.
AI overview
Herpes simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that can affect different parts of the body, most commonly appearing as oral herpes (around the mouth) or genital herpes. The infection is categorized based on which area of the body is infected, though other forms of herpes simplex also exist.
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Key facts
- Medical condition.synonyms
- Herpes simplex
- Medical condition.image
- Herpes(PHIL 1573 lores).jpg
- Medical condition.caption
- Oral herpes of the lower lip. Note the blisters in a group marked by an arrow.
- Medical condition.field
- Infectious disease
- Medical condition.symptoms
- Blisters that break open and form small ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes
- Medical condition.duration
- 2–4 weeks
- Medical condition.causes
- Herpes simplex virus spread by direct contact
- Medical condition.risks
- Decreased immune function, stress, sunlight
- Medical condition.diagnosis
- Based on symptoms, PCR, viral culture
- Medical condition.medication
- Aciclovir, valaciclovir, paracetamol (acetaminophen), topical lidocaine
- Medical condition.frequency
- 60–95% (adults)
Article
29 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Signs and symptoms
- Types of herpes
- Other
- Bell's palsy
- Alzheimer's disease
- Pathophysiology
- Diagnosis
- Classification
- Examination
- Laboratory testing
- Differential diagnosis
- Prevention
- Barrier methods
- Antivirals
- Pregnancy
- Management
- Antiviral
- Topical
- Alternative medicine
- Prognosis
- Epidemiology
- History
- Society and culture
- Support groups
- United States
- UK
- Research
- References
Herpes simplex, often known simply as herpes, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes infections are categorized by the area of the body that is infected. The two major types of herpes are oral herpes and genital herpes, though other forms also exist.
Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. It may result in small blisters in groups, often called cold sores or fever blisters, or may just cause a sore throat. Genital herpes involves the genitalia. It may have minimal symptoms or form blisters that break open and result in small ulcers. These typically heal over two to four weeks. Tingling or shooting pains may occur before the blisters appear.