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Summary
Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Other herpes infections can affect the eyes, skin, or other parts of the body. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.
There are two types of HSV:
- HSV type 1 most commonly causes cold sores. It can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.
HSV spreads through direct contact. Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal.
Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help your body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks.
-
Herpes Can Happen to Anyone: Share Facts, Not Fears
(National Institutes of Health)
Also in Spanish
- Herpes Simplex: Overview (American Academy of Dermatology)
Diagnosis and Tests
-
Herpes (HSV) Test
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- Herpes Eye Disease (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
Specifics
- Herpes Eye Infections: What is Herpes Keratitis? (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Also in Spanish
Images
- Herpetic Whitlow (VisualDX)
- Sacral Herpes (VisualDX)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Herpes Simplex
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Mechanistic Perspectives on Herpes Simplex Virus Inhibition by Phenolic Acids and...
- Article: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor facilitates HSV-1 lytic infection by enhancing viral gene...
- Article: Sequestration of ribosome biogenesis factors in HSV-1 nuclear aggregates revealed by...
- Herpes Simplex -- see more articles
Find an Expert
Children
- Cold Sores in Children: About the Herpes Simplex Virus (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) (VisualDX)
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in Infants (VisualDX)
Patient Handouts
- Herpes viral culture of lesion (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Infectious esophagitis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Serum herpes simplex antibodies (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.