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The herpes simplex virus ('''HSV''') (also known as '''Cold Sore''', '''Night Fever''', or '''Fever Blister''') is a Virus that manifests itself in two common Viral Infections , each marked by painful, Water y Blister s in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the Genital s. The disease is Contagious , particularly during an outbreak, and is incurable with present technology. An infection on the lips is commonly known as a "cold sore" or "fever blister," though this should not be confused with a Canker Sore , which appears inside the mouth and is not caused by the herpes simplex virus.

HSV-1 AND HSV-2


Of the eight known types of HSV, the two most common are type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is more common and generally considered to be associated with orofacial infection, usually the lips. This type of infection is more easily acquired in part because of its exposed location. It is generally considered (but isn't) a less serious infection.
HSV-2 is associated with the infection of the genitals, although both types can affect either region. HSV-2 infection is of particular concern because of the largely asymptomatic nature of the infection, and the shedding of infective virions even in asymptomatic individuals.


HSV DISEASE

The ways in which herpes infections manifest themselves vary tremendously among individuals. The following are general descriptions of the courses outbreaks may take in the oral and genital regions.


Orofacial infection (Generally HSV 1)

  Name Orofacial infection
  ICD10 B000-B002
  ICD9 ,


Image from patient.
# Prodromal symptoms
#Skin appears irritated
#Sore or cluster of fluid-filled Blister s appear
#Lesion begins to heal, usually without scarring

These infections usually occur on Lip s especially near the vermilion border. Rarely will a cold sore appear inside the mouth. The sores may appear to be either weeping or dry, and may resemble a pimple, insect bite, or lesion. Vesicles may also appear on the fingers, an infection called Whitlow .




Genital infection (Generally HSV 2)

  Name Genital herpes
  ICD10 A600
  ICD9



#Prodromal symptoms
#Sore appears
#Lesion begins to heal, usually without scarring

In men, the lesions may occur on the shaft of the penis, in the genital region, on the inner thigh, buttocks, or anus. In women, lesions may occur on or near the pubis, labia, clitoris, vulva, buttocks, or anus. This may require a very careful examination e.g. during delivery, examination by use of a flashlight may be necessary.

The appearance of herpes lesions and the experience of outbreaks in these areas varies tremendously among individuals. Herpes lesions on/near the genitals may look like cold sores. An outbreak may look like a paper cut, or chafing, or appear to be a Yeast Infection . Symptoms of a genital outbreak may include aches and pains in the area, discharge from the Penis or Vagina , and discomfort when Urinating .

Initial outbreaks are usually more severe than subsequent ones, and generally also involve Flu -like symptoms and swollen Gland s for a week or so. Subsequent outbreaks tend to be periodic or episodic, typically occur four to five times a year, and can be triggered by Stress , illness, fatigue, Menstruation , and other changes. The virus sequesters in the Nerve Ganglia that serve the infected Dermatome during non-eruptive periods, where it cannot be conventionally eliminated by the body's immune system.


Herpes simplex encephalitis (generally HSV 1)

  Name Herpesviral encephalitis
  ICD10 B004, G051
  ICD9


Herpes simplex Encephalitis is a very serious disorder, thought to be caused by the retrograde transmission of the virus from a peripheral site to the central nervous system along a nerve axon. It is known that the virus lies dormant in the ganglion of the trigeminal or fifth cranial nerve. The reason for reactivation remains unclear. It has also been proposed that the olfactory nerve may be involved