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Herpes Simplex Virus I
Cold Sores and Fever Blisters
The Causative Agent
• Caused by the herpes simplex virus
• There are two strains of herpes: HSV-1
primarily causes symptom in and
around the mouth; HSV-2 usually
effects the genital area. Either virus
can effect anywhere, but these are
their preferred sites
• Member of the family Herpes-viridae
Herpes Simplex Virus -1
• Affects 25-40% U.S. population
• Spread by contact with someone who is
shedding the virus
• Vesicles usually develop between 1-3 days
after exposure
• The acute phase is characterized by painful
sores or blisters on the lips, mouth, face and
sometimes in the throat.
• Outbreaks may be preceded by “prodromal”
tingling, pain, burning or itching in the site
of the blister
This young adult developed recurrent Herpes simples labialis after sun exposure
while on vacation.
But when it’s gone, it’s not
really gone…..
• After the blisters heal, the virus moves
from the skin into the nerves and
remains dormant there.
• Reactivation occurs with fever, severe
stress, sun exposure or other trauma to
either the skin or the nerves
• Most HSV-1 sufferers have 3-4
outbreaks per year
Possible complications
• Meningitis/encephalitis is an uncommon but very
deadly complication. Without treatment it is fatal
in 70% of cases; even with the best medical
treatment there is a 20% mortality rate
• Neonatal HSV disease, which is transmitted from
mother to newborn during birth is fatal about 25% of
the time
• May also be spread to other areas of the body by the
infected person touching the lesion and then other
parts of his body. This can be especially serious if it
involves the eye.
Diagnosis
• Normally diagnosed
by the
characteristic
appearance of the
lesions
• May also be
cultured
Treatment
• Administration of antiviral drugs such as
Aciclovir and famciclovir has been shown to
shorten the course of outbreaks
• The drugs must be started within 24 hours of
the outbreak to maximize their
effectiveness.
• The lesions will usually resolve on their own
without any treatment
• Taking the amino acid lysine has been
helpful for many in both treating and
preventing outbreaks
Prevention
• Avoid contact with lesions
• Use sunblock on lips and face, if
outbreaks are related to sun exposure