Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2 can cause recurring oral or genital blisters and ulcers. Either type can affect either site, and infection may also be asymptomatic.
Key points
- Testing a fresh lesion can confirm the virus and type when the diagnosis is uncertain.
- Antivirals can shorten episodes or suppress recurrences but do not remove latent virus.
- Eye symptoms, neurological features, pregnancy and reduced immunity make clinical assessment more urgent.
An antiviral listing does not confirm that a sore is herpes; site, timing, kidney function, pregnancy and immune status affect treatment.
What can reactivation look like?
Tingling, burning or itching may precede grouped blisters that become shallow ulcers. Sun exposure, illness, stress and immune suppression can precede recurrence. Other infections and inflammatory conditions can resemble herpes.
How are antivirals used?
Aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir may be used for an episode or as suppression in selected cases. The plan depends on recurrence burden, transmission concerns and renal function. See antivirals for class context.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for eye pain, light sensitivity or vision change; severe headache with neck stiffness or confusion; inability to urinate; rapidly spreading lesions with marked illness; or an outbreak in a newborn or severely immunocompromised person.