Herpes simplex | Herpes

Herpes simplex

A herpes simplex infection is an infection with a herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is characterized by its typical occurrence of local, blister-like phenomena on the skin and mucous membrane. However, there are two different herpes simplex viruses, which differ in the frequency of infection and the preferred site of infection (the site where the vesicles first appear): The initial infection with the type 1 virus occurs in most cases before the age of 5 years, transmission occurs through the typical droplet or smear infection (e.g. via saliva or hand contact, e.g. when kissing, cuddling, sharing cutlery or glasses, through sneezing, etc.).

In 99% of cases, this initial infection proceeds without noticeable symptoms, and only rarely can a very painful inflammation of the entire mucous membrane of the mouth and throat develop (stomatitis herpetica). The respective reactivations of the type 1 virus usually occur in the form of blisters on the lip (lip herpes), although the cause can be varied (e.g. stress, immune deficiency). Particularly during pregnancy, the expectant mother’s immune system is stressed by the hormonal changes, so that herpes (type 1) often breaks out in the form of the typical cold sores on the lips.

Since the type 2 virus is a pathogen that can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, the preferred age for the initial infection here is more likely to be adolescence or adulthood. During the reactivation of the virus, vesicles form mainly on the penis and vagina, but in some cases also in the buttocks. The infections (of both virus types) are treated with so-called antivirals.

These are drugs that inhibit the growth or multiplication of viruses and can be administered locally (as an ointment for mild infections, e.g. only on the lip) or systemically (as a tablet for more serious infections). Initial infections and reactivations usually proceed without complications and symptoms subside after a good week without permanent damage. In rare cases, however, the infection or inflammation can also spread to the brain and meninges (herpes simplex meningoencephalitis).

  • Type 1 virus is the more common of the two and is also called oral herpes strain because of its preferred location on the lips (and in the mouth).
  • The type 2 virus, on the other hand, preferably manifests itself with symptoms on the male and female sexual organs and is thus called genital herpes strain. In general, about 85-90% of all people in the world are infected with a herpes simplex virus, whereby the virus dwells in certain nerve structures (ganglia) of the body for a lifetime and can be reactivated again and again.