HERPES

ALDEGUER, Gianina Emille H.

Herpes Simplex
 Herpes simplex is a viral disease characterized by the
appearance of sores and blisters anywhere on the
skin. These sores usually occur either around the
mouth and nose, or on the genitals and buttocks.

 Herpes simplex is related to the viruses that cause

infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox and shingles.

 Etiologic Agent: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

HSV 1

1. Virus can cause cold sores that usually infect during

infancy and childhood.
2. The sore is characterized by tiny, clear fluid-filled
blisters.
3. The sore most commonly affects the lips, mouth,
nose, chin, or cheeks and occurs shortly after
exposure.
4. Patients may barely notice the symptoms
5. The disease can be transmitted by kissing, sharing
kitchen utensils or sharing towels.
…

6. Patients usually catch the infection

from family members or friends who
carry the virus.
7. The sores of primary infection appear
two to twenty days after contact with
an infected person and usually last
from seven to ten days.
 HSV 2
1. Type 2 virus causes genital sores, affecting the
buttocks, penis, vagina or cervix
2. Most people get the infection through sexual contact
with an infected person.
3. Affects about 20 % of sexually active individuals.
4. Can also be spread by touching an unaffected part
of the body after touching the herpes lesion.
5. Manifestations include minor rash or itching and
painful sores, fever, muscular pain, and burning
sensation on urination.
Modalities of Treatment/Management

1. Oral anti-viral drugs

2. Personal hygiene
Herpes Zoster
 Herpes zoster is an acute viral infection
of the sensory nerve caused by a
variety of chickenpox virus.

 Etiologic Agent: Varicella-zoster (V-Z)

virus

 Incubation Period: unknown

Period of Communicability

 Herpes zoster is communicable a day

before the appearance of first rash until
five to six days after the last crust.
Mode of Transmission
1. Direct contact, through droplet
infection and airborne spread
2. Can also be transmitted through
indirect contact, through articles
freshly soiled by secretions, and
discharge from the infected person.
Diagnostic Exam
1. Characteristic skin rash may be
diagnostic
2. Tissue culture technique
3. Smear of vesicle fluid
4. Microscopy
Complications
1. Encephalitis
2. Paralytic ileus, bladder paralysis
3. Opthalmic herpes which may lead to
blindness
Modalities of Treatment
1. Symptomatic
2. Antiviral drugs
3. Analgesics to control pain
4. Anti-inflammatory
Nursing Management
1. Put patient on strict isolation
2. Apply cool, wet dressings with NSS to
pruritic lesions
3. Efforts should be made to prevent
secondary infection
4. Prevent entrance of microorganism
into the lesions especially if they break