Herpes simplex

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Herpetic whitlow on the thumb Herpes simplex - close-up

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Herpes simplex

• mouth sores
• genital lesions (male) -- may be preceded by burning or tingling sensation
• genital lesions (female) -- may be preceded by burning or tingling sensation
• blisters or ulcers -- most frequent on the mouth, lips and gums or genitalia
• fever blisters
• fever -- may be present especially during the first episode
• enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or groin

In many instances, the physical appearance of the lesions is highly suggestive of the diagnosis of herpes-simplex infections. However, certain tests may be ordered to establish a definitive diagnosis. They include:

• Blood test
• Viral culture of lesion
• Tzanck test
• Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test

Stoopler ET. Oral herpetic infections (HSV 1-8). Dent Clin North Am. 2005 Jan;49(1):15-29, vii.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2000.

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