Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 and the herpes simplex virus 2. Herpes virus infection is categorized based on the site of infection. The virus can infect any area of the body. The most common herpes infection is cold sores.
Clinically, the well-known blisters appear 3-7 days after the infection, accompanied by mild to very intense itching and lasting from 1-2 weeks, while the lesions persist for 2-5 weeks and subside without leaving scars.
Herpes simplex is more easily transmitted from person to person through direct contact with an infected wound, skin lesions, mucous membranes and secretions.
The virus requires physical contact to spread, and therefore it is possible for the virus to spread to other parts of the infected person’s body.
Once infected, the virus stays in the body. The treatment is done with antiviral drugs for about 5days or if the disease recurs more than 6 times a year, a treatment regimen is given that lasts about a year.
Herpes simplex infection should not be confused with diseases caused by other viruses in this family such as shingles, which is a viral disease caused by the shingles varicella virus.
The patient should be informed by his dermatologist – venereologist about the progress of the disease and the ways to prevent – avoid transmission
