User:Mr. Ibrahem/Herpes simplex
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Herpes simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.[1] Infections are categorized based on the part of the body infected.[5] Oral herpes involves the face or mouth.[5] It may result in small blisters in groups often called cold sores or fever blisters or may just cause a sore throat.[2][6] Genital herpes, often simply known as herpes, may have minimal symptoms or form blisters that break open and result in small ulcers.[1] These typically heal over two to four weeks.[1] Tingling or shooting pains may occur before the blisters appear.[1] Herpes cycles between periods of active disease followed by periods without symptoms.[1] The first episode is often more severe and may be associated with fever, muscle pains, swollen lymph nodes and headaches.[1] Over time, episodes of active disease decrease in frequency and severity.[1] Other disorders caused by herpes simplex include: herpetic whitlow when it involves the fingers,[7] herpes of the eye,[8] herpes infection of the brain,[9] and neonatal herpes when it affects a newborn, among others.[10]
Mr. Ibrahem/Herpes simplex | |
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Other names | Cold sores, fever blisters |
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Herpes labialis of the lower lip. Note the blisters in a group marked by an arrow. | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Infectious disease |
Symptoms | Blisters that break open and form small ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes[1] |
Duration | 2–4 weeks[1] |
Causes | Herpes simplex virus spread by direct contact[1] |
Risk factors | Decreased immune function, stress, sunlight[2][3] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, PCR, viral culture[1][2] |
Medication | Aciclovir, valaciclovir, paracetamol (acetaminophen), topical lidocaine[1][2] |
Frequency | 60–95% (adults)[4] |
There are two types of herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2).[1] HSV-1 more commonly causes infections around the mouth while HSV-2 more commonly causes genital infections.[2] They are transmitted by direct contact with body fluids or lesions of an infected individual.[1] Transmission may still occur when symptoms are not present.[1] Genital herpes is classified as a sexually transmitted infection.[1] It may be spread to an infant during childbirth.[1] After infection, the viruses are transported along sensory nerves to the nerve cell bodies, where they reside lifelong.[2] Causes of recurrence may include: decreased immune function, stress, and sunlight exposure.[2][3] Oral and genital herpes is usually diagnosed based on the presenting symptoms.[2] The diagnosis may be confirmed by viral culture or detecting herpes DNA in fluid from blisters.[1] Testing the blood for antibodies against the virus can confirm a previous infection but will be negative in new infections.[1]
The most effective method of avoiding genital infections is by avoiding vaginal, oral, and anal sex.[1] Condom use decreases the risk.[1] Daily antiviral medication taken by someone who has the infection can also reduce spread.[1] There is no available vaccine[1] and once infected, there is no cure.[1] Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and topical lidocaine may be used to help with the symptoms.[2] Treatments with antiviral medication such as aciclovir or valaciclovir can lessen the severity of symptomatic episodes.[1][2]
Worldwide rates of either HSV-1 or HSV-2 are between 60% and 95% in adults.[4] HSV-1 is usually acquired during childhood.[1] Rates of both increase as people age.[4] Rates of HSV-1 are between 70% and 80% in populations of low socioeconomic status and 40% to 60% in populations of improved socioeconomic status.[4] An estimated 536 million people worldwide (16% of the population) were infected with HSV-2 as of 2003 with greater rates among women and those in the developing world.[11] Most people with HSV-2 do not realize that they are infected.[1] The name is from Greek: ἕρπης herpēs, which is related to the meaning "to creep", referring to spreading blisters.[12] The name does not refer to latency.[13]