Herpes Simplex

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes blisters and sores around the mouth, nose, genitals and buttocks, but they may occur almost anywhere on the skin. HSV infections can be very annoying because they may reappear periodically. The sores may be painful and unsightly. There are two types of HSV—Type 1 and Type 2. HSV Type 1 often referred to as fever blisters or cold sores, are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that most often occur on the face. HSV Type 2 usually results in sores on the buttocks, penis, vagina or cervix, two to twenty days after contact with an infected person.

Treatment: Oral anti-viral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir have been developed to effectively treat herpes infections. These medications can be used to treat an outbreak or can be used constantly to suppress herpes recurrences, reduce outbreaks and spreading by viral shedding. There is no known cure for herpes. Please make an appointment if you believe you have a herpes outbreak.