Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Symptoms
HSV causes grouped vesicles on an red base that evolve into painful ulcers and crusts. Oral infections produce cold sores around the lips or intraoral lesions. Genital HSV manifests with ulcers, itching, and painful urination. Tingling or burning often precedes recurrences. Systemic symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes accompany primary outbreaks.
Cause
HSV‑1 and HSV‑2 enter skin or mucosa through microabrasions, then establish latency in sensory nerve ganglia. Reactivation is triggered by stress, illness, UV exposure, or hormonal changes. The virus replicates in epithelial cells, causing cytolysis and blister formation. Transmission occurs via direct contact with lesions or asymptomatic viral shedding. Immunosuppression increases frequency and severity of outbreaks.
Treatment
Oral antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) shorten symptom duration and reduce viral shedding. Daily suppressive therapy benefits patients with frequent recurrences or to decrease transmission risk. Topical antivirals offer modest benefit for oral herpes. Supportive care includes analgesics, cool compresses, and topical anesthetics. Early initiation of therapy within 48 hours maximizes efficacy.
Dr. Beth Schulz-Butulis
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.