Herpes Simplex

Summary

Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Other herpes infections can affect the eyes, skin, or other parts of the body. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.

There are two types of HSV:

• HSV type 1 most commonly causes cold sores. It can also cause genital herpes.
• HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.

HSV spreads through direct contact. Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal.

Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help your body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Herpes Simplex National Institutes of Health

Encyclopedia

• Erythema multiforme Medical Encyclopedia
• Pregnancy and herpes Medical Encyclopedia

Patient Handouts

• Esophagitis – infectious Medical Encyclopedia
• Herpes viral culture of lesion Medical Encyclopedia
• Serum herpes simplex antibodies Medical Encyclopedia

Diagnosis and Tests

• Herpes (HSV) Test National Library of Medicine

Start Here

• Herpes Can Happen to Anyone: Share Facts, Not Fears National Institutes of Health
• Herpes Simplex: Overview American Academy of Dermatology

Related Issues

• Herpes Eye Disease American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Specifics

• Herpes Keratitis American Academy of Ophthalmology

Children

• Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) American Academy of Pediatrics
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) VisualDX
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in Infants and Babies VisualDX

Images

• Herpetic Whitlow VisualDX
• Sacral Herpes VisualDX

Find an Expert

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Journal Articles

• Herpes Simplex