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Herpes Viruses

Herpes viruses can cause fever, flu-like symptoms, and pain or redness at the site where they are starting. There are several types of herpes viruses. The most common herpes virus is varicella, which causes chickenpox (usually during childhood). This virus enters the body through the nose and lungs, and then moves to the skin. When chickenpox is over, the virus enters the nerves and can lie dormant or inactive indefinitely. Many years later the virus can become reactivated. Then the virus moves along the nerves to the skin and causes an outbreak of shingles (herpes zoster).

Shingles will appear along a nerve track, and because of this they seem to follow a line along the skin. Blisters shaped like tears will form at the reddened areas. Stress or a lowered resistance to infection because of aging or illness can cause shingles. Herpes and varicella are contagious during the early stages, or until the sores or blisters become crusty. Children or adults who have not had chickenpox can catch herpes. A pregnant women exposed to varicella can give chicken pox to her unborn baby.

Herpes simplex will start around the mouth or in the genital area. Herpes Simplex (HSV-1) is the virus that causes cold sores or blisters. These blisters can occur after sun exposure, emotional upsets or stress, and can be spread by skin contact. (Athletes like wrestlers spread the virus.) Herpes Simplex-2 (HSV-2) or genital herpes is spread primarily by sexual contact. In this case, the virus is inactive or dormant in the nerves at the base of the spine.

Your doctor may prescribe acyclovir to control the growth of herpes viruses. Be sure that you take this medication as instructed. About 10 days after you begin treatment, the blisters will usually become crusty or dry. This infection is slow to heal and can be very painful, sometimes requiring pain medication.

Please do not hesitate to call our office at (734) 712-1000 if you have any questions or concerns.