Also called - HSV, herpes simplex virus infection

Herpess are a large family of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. They form a subset of neoplasms. A neoplasm or tumor is a group of cells that have undergone unregulated growth and will often form a mass or lump, but may be distributed diffusely.

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth. Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, also known as human herpesvirus 1 and 2, are two members of the herpes virus family, Herpesviridae, that infect humans. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are ubiquitous and contagious.

Symptoms: Blisters that break open and form small ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes


Causes: Herpes simplex virus spread by direct contact.

Risk factors: Decreased immune function, stress, sunlight

Cold sores
Infection with the herpes simplex virus around the border of the lips.

Genital herpes
A common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that any sexually active person can get. Most people with the virus don’t have symptoms. Even without signs of the disease, herpes can still be spread to sex partners.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back.

Start Therapy as soon as possible if you have:
    • Small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs or buttocks.
    • Tingling, burning or itching around your genitals.
    • Pain when you pee
    • In women, vaginal discharge that's not usual for you
Get diagnosed even if you haven't had sex for a long time, as blisters can take months or years to appear.

Shingles - Also called - Herpes Zoster
A reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body, causing a painful rash.

Anyone who's had chickenpox may develop shingles. It isn't known what reactivates the virus.

Shingles causes a painful rash that may appear as a stripe of blisters on the torso. Pain can persist even after the rash is gone (this is called post-herpetic neuralgia).

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Even after the chickenpox infection is over, the virus may live in your nervous system for years before reactivating as shingles. Shingles may also be referred to as herpes zoster.

This type of viral infection is characterized by a red skin rash that can cause pain and burning. Shingles usually appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body, typically on the torso, neck, or face.

The first symptoms of shingles are usually pain and burning. The pain is usually on one side of the body and occurs in small patches. A red rash typically follows.

Rash characteristics include:
     • Red patches
     • Fluid-filled blisters that break easily
     • A rash that wraps around from the spine to the torso
    • A rash on the face and ears
    • Itching

Some people experience symptoms beyond pain and rash with shingles. These symptoms may include:
    • Fever
     • Chills
    • Headache
    • Fatigue
     • Muscle weakness

Rare and serious complications of shingles include:
    • Pain or rash that involves the eye, which should be treated in order to avoid permanent eye damage
    • Loss of hearing or intense pain in one ear, dizziness, or loss of taste on your tongue, which can be symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome
     • Bacterial infections, which you may have if your skin becomes red, swollen, and warm to the touch

We very well know, at initial stages there are no symptoms. It can be diagnosed only when damage is revealed on the physical in the medical tests. But by then it is too late.