Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is the most common herpes simplex virus and many people develop it in childhood. HSV-1 often causes sores (lesions) inside the mouth, such as cold sores (fever blisters), or infection of the eye (especially the conjunctiva and cornea). It can also lead to infection of the lining of the brain (meningoencephalitis). It is transmitted by contact with infected saliva. By adulthood, 30 - 90% of people will have antibodies to HSV-1. The likelihood of childhood infection is higher among those with lower socioeconomic status.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is usually, but not always, sexually transmitted. Symptoms include genital ulcers or sores. However, some people with HSV-2 have no symptoms. Up to 30% of adults in the U.S. have antibodies against HSV-2. Cross-infection of type 1 and 2 viruses may occur from oral-genital contact. That is, you can get genital herpes on your mouth, and oral herpes on your genital area.
A finger infection, called herpetic whitlow, is another form of HSV infection.
Herpes zoster (11 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Herpes zoster(shingles) is a painful, blistering skin rash due to acute infection with the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 06/19/2008
Birth-acquired herpes (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Birth-acquired herpes is a herpes virus infection that an infant gets(acquires) at the time of birth.Newborn infants can become infected with herpes virus:.In the uterus( intrauterine herpes-- this is very rare) Passing through the birth canal(bir...Reviewer: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP. Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/15/2008
Corneal ulcers and infections (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A corneal ulcer is an erosion or open sore in the outer layer of the cornea. It is associated with infection.Bacterial keratitis; Fungal keratitis; Acanthamoeba keratitis; Herpes simplex keratitis.Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infe...Reviewer: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/27/2008
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