The herpes virus family has several members, but when talking about “herpes infection,” most people mean herpes simplex virus (HSV). These viruses cause “cold sores” or fever blisters, and most of us have had those. (Other herpes viruses can cause zoster or shingles.)
The Nature of Herpes Infection
Cold sores get better, but unknown to the person, the viruses stay on. That’s the nature of herpes viruses. If they are in one person’s body fluids, and that fluid contacts a mucous membrane of another person, the viruses can sneak into the second person by slipping into mucous-skin cells. They can also slip into small cuts and micro-abrasions in the skin.
Once in, they cause inflammation—bumps, redness, tenderness—until the new host body mounts enough antibody response to squelch, but not kill them. The viruses retreat into adjacent nerve cells, where they hang out until another opportunity to advance comes up. Then they can get into body fluids, be involved in a happen-chance contact with yet another person, and the cycle goes on.
Herpes viruses can infect several different parts of the body. They may even cause Alzheimer's dementia.
Common Sites of Herpes (HSV) Infections
The mouth and around the mouth are the most common sites of herpes infection. Cold sores are those annoying tender bumps that hurt when eating, and disfigure, all be it temporarily, the face. The sores get better after a few days, but that doesn’t mean “cure.” They can recur another time. No one is sure what the mechanics of recurrence are, but recurrences often follow stress or other illness, so it is felt recurrences may be due to a temporary drop in immunity.
The genitalia are the most troubling common site of infection. Sores there can be painful and can definitely ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience. Herpes sores can be on the penis, in the vagina, on the surrounding skin, and in and around the anus.
New babies can get disseminated herpes (neonatal herpes) by passing through an infected birth canal. Pregnant women who have had genital herpes must work closely with their obstetrician to avoid this. With proper management, the risk of neonatal herpes is very small.
The eyes can be infected (herpes keratitis). If not promptly treated, it can lead to blindness. Since the virus is present in herpes sores, it is important not to touch the sores and then touch the eye.
The brain can be infected—herpes encephalitis—which can lead to permanent damage. Herpes encephalitis produces a characteristic brain wave (EEG) and PET scan pattern, because it usually attacks the temporal lobes. HSV can also cause meningitis
Fingers can be involved (herpetic whitlow).
Anywhere on the skin can be infected(Eczema herpeticum). Wrestlers can transmit herpes from one to another, a condition called herpes gladiatorum.
HSV proctitis is infection in the rectum
How To Prevent HSV Infection
It’s not a mystery—just avoid contact with the HSV virus. But since the virus is so tiny it’s invisible, one can only take reasonable precautions, and avoid all visible inflammation and sores. Latex condoms are virus-proof, but they don’t cover all the skin around the genitalia. HSV can live at least for a while on inanimate objects (towels, lipstick, cups) so don’t share them.
American Social Health Association
James Cooper - I'm on the faculty of a health science department at a large university. Most of my articles derive from conferences or presentations ...
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