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 its gone, its 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