herpes simplex (redirected from Herpes simplex virus disease)

herpes /her·pes/ (her´pēz) any inflammatory skin disease marked by the formation of small vesicles in clusters; the term is usually restricted to such diseases caused by herpesviruses and is used alone to refer to h. simplex or to h. zoster.

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herpes febri´lis  see h. simplex.

genital herpes , herpes genita´lis herpes simplex due to type 2 virus, primarily transmitted sexually via genital secretions and involving the genital region; in women, the vesicular stage may give rise to confluent, painful ulcerations and may be accompanied by neurologic symptoms.

herpes gestatio´nis  a variant of dermatitis herpetiformis peculiar to pregnant women, and clearing upon termination of pregnancy.

herpes labia´lis  h. febrilis affecting the vermilion border of the lips.

herpes progenita´lis  genital h.

herpes sim´plex  an acute viral disease, caused by human herpesviruses 1 and 2, marked by groups of vesicles on the skin, often on the borders of the lips or nares (cold sores), or on the genitals (genital h.); it often accompanies fever (fever blisters, h. febrilis) .

herpes zos´ter  shingles; an acute, unilateral, self-limited inflammatory disease of cerebral ganglia and the ganglia of posterior nerve roots and peripheral nerves in a segmented distribution, believed to represent activation of latent human herpesvirus 3 in those who have been rendered partially immune after a previous attack of chickenpox, and characterized by groups of small vesicles in the cutaneous areas along the course of affected nerves, and associated with neuralgic pain.

herpes zos´ter ophthal´micus  herpes zoster involving the ophthalmic nerve, with a vesicular erythematous rash along the nerve path (forehead, eyelid, and cornea) preceded by lancinating pain; there is iridocyclitis, and corneal involvement may lead to keratitis and corneal anesthesia.

herpes zos´ter o´ticus  Ramsay Hunt syndrome (1).

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herpes sim·plex (smplks)

n.

1. A recurrent viral disease that is caused by herpesvirus type one and is marked by fluid-containing vesicles on the mouth, lips, or face; cold sore.

2. A recurrent viral disease that is caused by herpesvirus type two and is marked by fluid-containing vesicles on the genitals.

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Herpes simplex

A virus that causes sores on the lips (cold sores) or on the genitals (genital herpes).

Mentioned in: Antiviral Drugs

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herpes simplex

Etymology: Gk, herpein + L, simplex, uncomplicated

an infection caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV), which has an affinity for the skin and nervous system and usually produces small, transient, irritating, and sometimes painful fluid-filled blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. HSV1 (oral herpes, herpes labialis) infections tend to occur in the facial area, particularly around the mouth and nose; HSV2 (herpes genitalis) infections are usually limited to the genital region.

observations The initial symptoms of an HSV1 infection usually include burning, tingling, or itching sensations about the edges of the lips or nose within 1 or 2 weeks after contact with an infected person. Several hours later, small red papules develop in the irritated area. Later, small vesicles, or fever blisters, filled with fluid erupt. Several small vesicles may merge to form a larger blister. The vesicles generally are associated with itching, pain, or similar discomfort. Other effects often include a mild fever and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck. Laboratory analysis of the vesicular fluid usually shows the presence of herpesvirus particles and the absence of pyogenic bacteria. Within 1 week after the onset of symptoms, thin yellow crusts form on the vesicles as healing begins. In skin areas that are moist or protected and in severe cases, healing may be delayed. HSV2 infections in adolescence are associated with an increased incidence of cervical cancer in adulthood.

interventions Treatment of herpes simplex is symptomatic. The lesions may be washed gently with soap and water to reduce the risk of secondary infection. Topical penciclovir cream may speed healing. When secondary infections have begun, antibiotics are prescribed. Although there is no cure, treatment includes oral acyclovir or valacyclovir.

nursing considerations Because herpesviruses are extremely contagious, the nurse follows all appropriate procedures in contacts with patients to avoid acquiring and transmitting the infection. Washing the hands and wearing disposable gloves when in contact with oral secretions or genitalia help prevent transmission of the virus. Once acquired, the virus tends to remain latent in the tissues of the nervous system and may be reactivated by a variety of stimuli, including a febrile illness, physical or emotional stress, exposure to sunlight, or ingestion of certain foods or drugs. Topical sunscreen preparations offer some protection against exposure to the sun, and patients are advised to avoid repeated exposure to stimuli to which they are sensitive. The complications of herpetic infections may include encephalitis, herpes simplex keratitis, and gingivostomatitis. In cases involving systemic complications, IV acyclovir, blood transfusions, IV solutions, and other therapy may be required. In uncomplicated cases the herpes attack is usually self-limiting and runs its course in 3 weeks or less.

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herpes simplex,

n disease caused by the herpes simplex virus characterized by episodic blisters on the mucous membranes and skin.

Herpes simplex.

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herpes simplex (hur´pēz sim´plex),

n an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Primary infection, occurring most often in children between 2 and 5 years of age, may result in apparent clinical disease or such manifestations as acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, keratoconjunctivitis, vulvovaginitis, or encephalitis. Recurrent manifestations may include herpes labialis (fever blisters or cold sores), dendritic corneal ulcers, or genital herpes simplex. See also herpes labialis and gingivostomatitis, herpetic.

Herpes simplex.

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herpes simplex

1 Herpesvirus-1, see there 2 Herpesvirus-2, see there

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Patient discussion about Herpes simplex virus disease.

Q. Where are good places to go for true info an treatmeant for herpes genital an non genital?

A. Try here-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_genitalis
You can read about the virus, the specific location and treatment for each type.