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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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.
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008