Herpes
Herpes (Greek herpein, “to creep”), name applied to several types of skin eruptions characterized by formation of blisters. The term embraces primarily two distinct disorders, herpes simplex and herpes zoster, both caused by types of herpesviruses. Other herpesviruses include Epstein-Barr virus, the cause of infectious mononucleosis (see Mononucleosis, Infectious) and cytomegalovirus, which can lead to birth defects when the virus invades pregnant women. Together, these viruses are estimated to cause more human illnesses than any other group of viruses.
HERPES SIMPLEX
Two types of herpes simplex are known. The first causes cold sores or fever blisters—an eruption of blisters that often occurs during the course of or after one of a variety of diseases associated with fever (most commonly colds, influenza, and pneumonia). The blisters usually appear around the mouth and on the lips (herpes labialis); about the nose, face, and ears; and in the mouth and pharynx. The causative virus has been shown to be present in the cell bodies of the facial nerve in people who do not have blisters. It is this reservoir of latent virus that is the source of repeated attacks. Except for lotions to relieve pain, itching, or inflammation, no established therapy has been developed.
The second type of herpes simplex virus is the usual cause of genital herpes (see Sexually Transmitted Infections). Herpetic infections of the genital area have become increasingly common. Sometimes accompanied by headache and fever, the condition usually begins with a mild itching, followed by the development of clusters of blisters that break and crust to form scabs that eventually dry up. The process may last one to three weeks. In many cases new clusters of blisters appear as others heal. When a baby is born to a woman who has active genital herpes lesions, the infant is at high risk of contracting an often fatal infection, so these infants are often delivered by cesarean section. Primary cases of genital herpes can be treated by acyclovir.
HERPES SIMPLEX
Two types of herpes simplex are known. The first causes cold sores or fever blisters—an eruption of blisters that often occurs during the course of or after one of a variety of diseases associated with fever (most commonly colds, influenza, and pneumonia). The blisters usually appear around the mouth and on the lips (herpes labialis); about the nose, face, and ears; and in the mouth and pharynx. The causative virus has been shown to be present in the cell bodies of the facial nerve in people who do not have blisters. It is this reservoir of latent virus that is the source of repeated attacks. Except for lotions to relieve pain, itching, or inflammation, no established therapy has been developed.
The second type of herpes simplex virus is the usual cause of genital herpes (see Sexually Transmitted Infections). Herpetic infections of the genital area have become increasingly common. Sometimes accompanied by headache and fever, the condition usually begins with a mild itching, followed by the development of clusters of blisters that break and crust to form scabs that eventually dry up. The process may last one to three weeks. In many cases new clusters of blisters appear as others heal. When a baby is born to a woman who has active genital herpes lesions, the infant is at high risk of contracting an often fatal infection, so these infants are often delivered by cesarean section. Primary cases of genital herpes can be treated by acyclovir.
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