All herpes viruses cause painful blisters that lead to open sores. Depending on the type of herpes virus, these lesions can occur on different areas of the body. Two types of herpes, herpes simplex virus type1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), are similar viruses, sharing about 50 percent of their genetic code, according to the Herpes.com website. All types of herpes move into the nerve cells after the initial infection and remain dormant most of the time while occasionally returning to the skin surface to cause recurrent outbreaks.
HSV-1
Herpes simplex virus type 1 generally infects the mouth and lower face and is sometimes known as oral herpes, herpes labialis, cold sores or fever blisters. It can, however, be transmitted to and establish itself in the genital area as well, although this is not its preferred site. In a typical HSV-1 infection, the virus causes painful blisters that soon burst to form lesions on the mouth and face surrounding the mouth. If it infects the finger, it is called herpes whitlow and if it infects the chest or face it is sometimes called herpes gladitorium or wrestler's herpes. It can cause recurrent outbreaks, although these become less severe with time. Treatment involves antiviral medications and ointments or creams that help treat the symptoms. There is currently no cure or vaccine for HSV-1.
HSV-2
Herpes simplex virus type 2 is sometimes called genital herpes, since its favored location for infection is in the genital area. It can also infect the mouth and face if that area is exposed to open HSV-2 lesions. This type of herpes is also incurable and there is no vaccine against it. Genital herpes is considered a sexually transmitted disease and prevention methods include condom use, abstinence and limiting sexual partners. HSV-2 can also cause herpes whitlow or herpes gladitorium, although this is less common with HSV-2 than with HSV-1, according to the Herpes.com website.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster is also known as shingles and it is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, the varicella zoster virus. About 20 percent of individuals infected with chicken pox will later in life develop herpes zoster, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is unknown why those people develop it and others do not, although people with a weakened immune system are more prone to developing the disease. Generally, people only have one outbreak of shingles and it never occurs again. Herpes zoster presents as a rash that turns into small painful blisters, often appearing in a straight line on the trunk or buttocks, although it can appear anywhere on the body. There are two vaccines available for the prevention of herpes zoster, one for older people who have already had chicken pox and one aimed at children to prevent an initial infection of varicella zoster that will give them chicken pox.
