The patient has been infected with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), and shows evidence of what is commonly called a “cold sore.”
Over 85% of adults have serologic evidence of HSV-1 infections, most often acquired asymptomatically in childhood. Occasionally, primary infections may be manifested as severe gingivostomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa and gingiva). Commonly, patients have recurrent self-limited attacks provoked by sun exposure, surgery, fever, or viral infection.
Essentials of the diagnosis include 1) recurrent small grouped vesicles on an erythematous base, 2) outbreaks that follow minor infections, trauma, stress, or sun exposure, 3) regional lymph nodes that are swollen and tender, and 4) viral cultures and direct fluorescent antibody tests that are positive.
Three antiviral agents available for the treatment of herpes infections include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Antiviral agents used to treat herpes simplex virus infections are nucleoside analogs.
Photo and explanation courtesy of: Current Medical Diagnosis
The patient has been infected with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), and shows evidence of what is commonly called a “cold sore.”
ReplyDeleteOver 85% of adults have serologic evidence of HSV-1 infections, most often acquired asymptomatically in childhood. Occasionally, primary infections may be manifested as severe gingivostomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa and gingiva). Commonly, patients have recurrent self-limited attacks provoked by sun exposure, surgery, fever, or viral infection.
Essentials of the diagnosis include 1) recurrent small grouped vesicles on an erythematous base, 2) outbreaks that follow minor infections, trauma, stress, or sun exposure, 3) regional lymph nodes that are swollen and tender, and 4) viral cultures and direct fluorescent antibody tests that are positive.
Three antiviral agents available for the treatment of herpes infections include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Antiviral agents used to treat herpes simplex virus infections are nucleoside analogs.
Photo and explanation courtesy of: Current Medical Diagnosis