Skin infections caused by Herpes simplex virus

Abstract

Infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus belong to highly contagious diseases, where humans are the reservoir of this virus, and the infection is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. Human Herpes simplex (HS) virus comprises two types of virus, Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), which cause numerous primary and recurrent infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Commonly HSV-1 causes Herpes labialis, herpetic stomatitis and keratitis. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, and is transmitted primarily through direct sexual contact with the lesions of an infected person. However, it is estimated that most genital herpes infections are transmitted by individuals who are asymptomatic at the time of transmission. The disease is one of the most common viral infections in humans, and Herpes simplex virus infection can be a significant clinical problem in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Timely antiviral therapy leads to adequate rehabilitation and prevention of complications caused by the Herpes simplex virus. The paper presents the most important information about the causative agent of the infection, the mechanism of origin and manifestation of the disease, diagnosis and timely application of antiviral therapy that will prevent possible complications caused by the herpes simplex virus.