Herpes simplex

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Herpes simplex - close-up

Herpetic whitlow on the thumb

• mouth sores
• genital lesions (male) -- may be preceded by burning or tingling sensation
• genital lesions (female) -- may be preceded by burning or tingling sensation
• blisters or ulcers -- most frequent on the mouth, lips and gums or genitalia
• fever blisters
• fever -- may be present especially during the first episode
• enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or groin

In many instances, the physical appearance of the lesions is highly suggestive of the diagnosis of herpes-simplex infections. However, certain tests may be ordered to establish a definitive diagnosis. They include: 

• Blood test
• Viral culture of lesion  
• Tzanck test  
• Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test

Review Date: 06/20/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.