Herpes Simplex

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

A common viral infection usually referred to as a cold sore

Question 2

What types are there?

Answer 2

1. HSV 1= oral and facial

2. HSV 2= genital and rectal

Question 3

Where is affected?

Answer 3

It can affect almost any area of skin or mucous membrane but is most common around the mouth or on the genitals

Question 4

What is the long term effect?

Answer 4

Once infected, the virus resides in a latent state in spinal root ganglia so it can be re-activated in times of stress or illness

Question 5

Signs and Symptoms of Type 1 (Primary and recurrent) (10)

Answer 5

Primary infection presents as Gingivostomatitis, fever, restlessness, dribbling, pain on eating and drinking, swollen gums, yellow tongue ulcers; Recurrent then presents as smaller vesicles, itching and burning

Question 6

Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 (primary and recurrent) (6)

Answer 6

Painful vesicles, ulcers and redness of the genitals; recurrent shows smaller collections of vesicles with itching and burning

Question 7

What are the complications? (7)

Answer 7

Swollen eyelids conjunctiva, opacity and ulceration of the cornea, throat infections, eczema herpeticum (numerous blisters), erythema multiform, paralysis of muscles of infected nerves, disseminated infection can cause meningitis

Question 8

What is the treatment? (4)

Answer 8

Mild and uncomplicated usually resolves itself, can use a Hydrocolloid patch to speed up healing, Aciclovir, Topical Aciclovir