Herpes Simplex: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Herpes simplex is a very common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which has two types: type 1, often associated with mouth and lip sores (known as cold sores or fever blisters), and type 2, often associated with genital herpes, although both types can affect either area.

What distinguishes herpes viruses is that after the first infection they do not leave the body; instead they travel and remain dormant in the nearby nerve ganglia without activity for long periods. The virus may then reactivate and return to the skin causing a new outbreak, often triggered by factors such as stress, illness and fever, sun exposure, weakened immunity, and menstruation. Outbreaks therefore recur in many infected people to varying degrees.

Despite being widespread and bothersome, herpes simplex is in most cases not dangerous in healthy people, and outbreaks heal on their own within days to two weeks. There is no treatment that eliminates the virus permanently, but antivirals are effective at easing the severity of an outbreak, speeding its healing, and reducing recurrence when used preventively. Preventing transmission remains important, especially avoiding contact while sores are present and protecting at-risk groups such as infants and the immunocompromised.

• Painful blisters or sores around the mouth or in the genital area.
• Itching, tingling, or burning before the blisters appear.
• The first outbreak may be accompanied by fever and swollen glands.
• Sores heal within days to two weeks.

• Infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2.
• Spread through direct contact with sores, saliva, or sexual contact.
• Reactivation of the dormant virus by triggers.

• Clinical diagnosis from the characteristic appearance of the sores.
• A swab from the sore or a blood test to confirm the virus when needed.

Antivirals

• Antiviral medications that ease the severity of an outbreak and speed healing, taken early at symptom onset.
• Regular preventive (suppressive) therapy to reduce recurrence in frequent cases.

Symptom relief

• Pain relievers, compresses, and keeping the area clean.

This content is educational and does not replace medical advice; medications are prescription-only.

• Recurrent, bothersome outbreaks.
• Greater risk and severe infection in infants and the immunocompromised.
• Herpetic keratitis if it affects the eye.

• Avoiding contact with sores and sharing items during an outbreak.
• Using protection in sexual contact and protecting at-risk groups.
• Managing triggers such as stress and sun protection.