Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

The first eruption of skin or mouth sores with the herpes simplex virus is called primary herpes. This may be more severe than the more commonly recognized secondary, or recurrent, herpes infections, which are also called cold sores or fever blisters.

Either herpes simplex virus-1 or herpes simplex virus-2 can cause infection. Herpes simplex virus-1 is the most common cause of lesions that appear around the mouth and on the lips. Herpes simplex virus-2 is the typical cause of genital herpes. Both conditions are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact with the lesions of another infected individual such as a playmate, parent, or caretaker. The virus can even spread in the absence of symptoms or visible lesions.

The attacks of both forms of herpes simplex usually recur in the same skin region, and most individuals report burning, itching, and a tingling sensation before the actual lesions appear.

Herpes simplex can occur on virtually any body surface.

The primary episode usually heals in 7–10 days. Once a person is infected, the virus tends to stay hidden in the body (latent) lifelong.