Herpes Simplex - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Herpes Simplex Definition

Herpes simplex is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes, nerves, mouth or genital area. There are two major types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type I is the most common and is responsible for herpes simplex eye disease and the familiar "cold sore" or "fever blister." Type II is responsible for sexually transmitted herpes.

Herpes is equally common in males and females. It occurs worldwide and is most prevalent among children in lower socioeconomic groups who live in crowded environments.

Herpes Simplex Causes

Herpes simplex infection is caused by HVH. Herpes is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus 1 or 2. It primarily affects the mouth or genital area. Herpes Type 1 is transmitted hy oral and respiratory secretions; herpes Type 2 is transmitted by sexual contact. Herpes simplex eye disease usually occurs in only one eye and rarely spreads to the other eye. Spreading the infection to another person is unlikely. It is important to remember that herpes simplex eye disease is not usually caused by HSV type II, the sexually transmitted herpes. Sexual transmission of herpes eye disease is extremely rare.

Herpes Simplex causes the most common nonepidemic encephalitis and is the second most common viral infection in pregnant women. If viremia is present the virus can pass to the fetus transplacentally and, in early pregnancy, may cause spontaneous abortion or premature birth. A finger infection, called herpetic whitlow, is another form of herpes infection. It usually affects health care providers who are exposured to oral secretions during procedures. Sometimes, young children contract the disease.

Herpes Simplex Symptoms

About 85% of all HVH infections are suhclinical. The others produce localizcd lesions and systemic reactions. After the first infection, a patient is a carrier susceptible to recurrent infections

The other symptoms of the herpes simplex may be included:

• Fever
• Menses
• Stress
• Heat
• Cold
• Mouth sores
• Genital lesions (male)
• Genital lesions (female)
• Blisters
• Ulcers
• Fever blisters
• Decreased vision
• Redness
• Light sensitivity
• Inflammation of the eye
• Blisters or ulcers

Herpes Simplex Treatments

Some cases are relatively mild and may not require treatment.

Symptomatic and supportive therapy is essential. Generalized primary infection usually requires an analgesic-antipyretic to reduce fever and relieve pain.

Antiviral eye medications are commonly used to treat herpes simplex and may need to be applied as frequently as one drop per hour.

A 5% acyclovir ointment may hring relief to patients with genital herpes or to immunosuppressed patients with HVH skin infections. Intravenous acyclovir helps treat more severe infections, such as herpetic encephalitis.

Medications can also be prescribed to help prevent recurrences of herpes eye infections.