Though more common near the lips, grouped blisters (vesicles) can occur anywhere in herpes infections. When the herpes virus infects a finger, it is known as a herpetic whitlow. With a herpes virus skin infection, such as this one involving the leg, some blisters (vesicles) can have pus. Herpes virus infections can occur virtually anywhere on the body. The small blisters (vesicles) of herpes virus infections often have surrounding redness. Erosions and blood-filled blisters and crusts are typical with primary herpes simplex infection as with this child.
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Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Though more common near the lips, grouped blisters (vesicles) can occur anywhere in herpes infections. Divider line
Though more common near the lips, grouped blisters (vesicles) can occur anywhere in herpes infections.
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Signs and Symptoms
Primary herpes looks different than recurrent herpes attacks. Most commonly, primary herpes is seen in children with painful blisters and erosions of the gums and the skin around or lining the mouth. There may also be fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, irritability, and a poor appetite. If HSV was introduced on other body sites, there will be painful blisters and sores in that location (finger, face, genitals) with swelling and similar systemic symptoms.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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