19/10/2025
Herpes Simplex Virus Symptoms.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common virus that causes herpes infections, which are lifelong. There are two main types:
HSV-1: Primarily causes oral herpes (cold sores), but can also cause ge***al herpes through oral-ge***al contact.
HSV-2: Primarily causes ge***al herpes, though it can rarely affect the mouth.
Overview of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Transmission: Direct contact with infected skin, saliva, ge***al secretions, or mucous membranes.
* Latency: After the initial infection, HSV lies dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate periodically.
* Recurrence: Reactivations tend to be milder than the first outbreak.
Symptoms of HSV Infection
HSV symptoms can vary widely depending on:
* Whether it's a first (primary) infection or a recurrence
* The location: oral vs ge***al
* Individual immune response
A. Primary HSV Infection Symptoms
Primary infections are usually more severe than recurrences and may include systemic symptoms.
1. General/Systemic Symptoms (especially in primary infection):
* Fever
* Headache
* Malaise (general discomfort or fatigue)
* Muscle aches
* Swollen lymph nodes (especially near the infection site)
B. Oral Herpes (HSV-1 > HSV-2)
Commonly called: Cold sores, fever blisters
1. Initial (Primary) Oral HSV Symptoms:
* Painful blisters or ulcers around the lips, mouth, gums, and tongue
* Red, swollen gums (gingivostomatitis) in children
* Sore throat
* Difficulty swallowing
* Drooling (especially in children)
* Fever and general malaise
2. Recurrent Oral Herpes Symptoms:
* Tingling or burning sensation (prodrome) before a blister appears
* Clusters of small, painful blisters on the lips or around the mouth
* Blisters break, crust over, and heal in 7–10 days
* Usually no systemic symptoms
C. Ge***al Herpes (HSV-2 > HSV-1)
Often asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur:
1. Primary Ge***al HSV Symptoms:
* Multiple painful blisters or ulcers on the ge***als, a**s, buttocks, or inner thighs
* Painful urination
* Vaginal or urethral discharge
* Itching or burning in the ge***al area
* Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the groin
* Fever, headache, and body aches
2. Recurrent Ge***al Herpes Symptoms:
* Milder symptoms
* Few or single blisters/ulcers
* Less duration (3–7 days)
* Tingling, itching, or burning before lesions appear (prodrome)
D. Other HSV-Related Conditions
1. Herpetic Whitlow (finger infection):
* Painful swollen red finger
* May include fever
* Often occurs in healthcare workers or children who suck their thumbs
2. Herpes Gladiatorum (wrestlers/rugby players):
* Skin infection from skin-to-skin contact
* Painful rash or blisters on face, neck, or arms
3. Herpes Keratitis (eye infection):
* Pain, redness, tearing
* Sensitivity to light
* Can cause scarring or blindness if untreated
4. Neonatal Herpes (newborn infection):
* Contracted during delivery from an infected mother
* Can be life-threatening
* Presents with skin, eye, and mouth lesions, or more severe CNS/systemic disease
5. HSV Encephalitis:
* Rare but serious complication
* Fever, headache, confusion, seizures
* Mostly caused by HSV-1
* Requires urgent antiviral treatment
📈 Stages of a Typical HSV Lesion
1. Prodrome: Tingling, itching, or burning
2. Eruption: Small red bumps/blisters
3. Vesicles: Fluid-filled blisters
4. Ulceration: Blisters burst and form ulcers
5. Crusting: Sores dry and scab
6. Healing: Skin returns to normal
When to Seek Medical Help
* First-time outbreak with severe symptoms
* Eye involvement
* Signs of encephalitis (confusion, seizures)
* Persistent or spreading sores
* Immunocompromised individuals (HIV, transplant, chemotherapy)
📌 Summary Table
| Type | Common Symptoms | Typical Location | Recurrence? |
| HSV-1 (Oral) | Cold sores, tingling, blisters | Lips, mouth | Yes |
| HSV-2 (Ge***al) | Painful ge***al blisters, ulcers | Ge***als, buttocks | Yes |
| HSV-1 (Ge***al) | Often milder than HSV-2 | Ge***als | Less frequent |
| Herpetic Whitlow | Painful finger swelling | Fingers | Possible |
| Herpes Keratitis | Eye pain, redness | Eye | Yes |
| HSV Encephalitis | Fever, confusion, seizures | Brain | Rare, severe |
Herpes Simplex Virus Symptoms
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