herpes

infectious inflammation of the SKIN and MUCOUS MEMBRANES , characterized by the development of small blisters and caused by a number of different Herpes viruses. The Herpes simplex virus, types I and II, are the cause of cold sores, which usually affect the lips, mouth and face. The virus is usually acquired in childhood and, once present, persists for life. It can be contracted without causing any symptoms but tends to flare up from time to time, producing the cold sores. Herpes simplex is also the cause of genital herpes, in which the blisters affect the genital region. Herpes zoster or shingles is produced by a virus that causes chickenpox in children. The virus affects the course of a nerve, producing severe pain and small yellowish blisters on the skin. Often the affected areas are the abdomen, back, face and chest, and although the disease subsides after about three weeks, the blisters from scabs that eventually drop off and the pain can persist for months. This is known as post-herpetic neuralgia, and pain-relieving drugs are needed to help relieve the condition. Other Herpes viruses are the cytomegalovirus and EPSTEIN-BARR virus.