Overview
The first eruption of skin or mouth sores with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is called primary herpes. This may be more severe than the more commonly recognized than secondary, or recurrent, herpes infections, which are also called cold sores or fever blisters.
Either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can cause infection. HSV-1 is the most common cause of lesions that appear around the mouth and on the lips. HSV-2 is the typical cause of genital herpes. Both conditions are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact with the lesions of another infected individual such as a playmate, parent, or caretaker. The virus can even spread in the absence of symptoms or visible lesions.
The attacks of both forms of HSV usually recur in the same skin region, and most individuals report burning, itching, and a tingling sensation before the actual lesions appear.
HSV can occur on virtually any body surface.
The primary episode usually heals in 7–10 days. Once a person is infected, the virus tends to stay hidden in the body (latent) lifelong.
