Herpes is the term for a group of viruses that can infect humans and cause contagious or recurring medical conditions. There are currently eight known types of herpes viruses, most of which have the potential to cause a painful, itchy, blistering rash. While most types of herpes infections are common and treatable, some types can lead to more serious complications.
Herpes Simplex 1
Herpes simplex 1 is a type of herpes usually transmitted during childhood by sharing utensils or kissing infected family members. The virus commonly causes oral infections characterized by cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or face. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, herpes simplex 1 may also less commonly cause blisters to occur in the male and female genital region. Infections may sometimes recur in the same area and can range in severity from mild to severe.
Herpes Simplex 2
Herpes simplex 2 is a type of herpes usually transmitted through sexual contact. It is primarily responsible for causing genital herpes infections. Like herpes simplex 1, herpes simplex 2 remains in your system forever once you are infected, and it can cause recurring, painful sores and blisters.
Human Herpes Virus 6 and 7
According to the Mayo Clinic, human herpes virus 6 is a type of herpes that causes roseola--an extremely common condition affecting that majority of children under age 5 and, occasionally, adults. Human herpes virus 6 can cause symptoms that include a fever, irritability, loss of appetite, swollen eyelids, fatigue and a pink or patchy rash that typically does not itch or cause discomfort. Roseola is not usually serious.
Human herpes virus 7 is a type of herpes that is similar to human herpes virus 6 and that may less commonly also cause roseola or a rash.
Human Herpes Virus 8
Human herpes virus 8 is a member of the herpes family that is linked to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer commonly associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. According to the National Institutes of Health, an interaction between the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, and human herpes virus 8 among those with weakened immune systems causes Kaposi's sarcoma to develop.
Varicella Zoster
Varicella zoster is a type of herpes virus that causes chickenpox, an extremely contagious condition characterized by an itchy, blistering rash on the body. A vaccine is available to help prevent chickenpox or lessen the symptoms of the condition should they develop. Varicella zoster infections are not usually serious; however, complications can occur in infants or individuals whose immune systems are compromised.
Epstein-Barr Virus
Epstein-Barr virus is a common type of herpes that infects most people at some point in their lives, according to the National Center for Infectious Diseases. While the virus often causes no major symptoms, it can lead to the development of mononucleosis, a viral infection that causes swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, muscle aches and a swollen spleen.
Though not believed to be a sole cause, Epstein-Barr may also play a role in the development of two types of rare cancer later in life--namely, Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Cytomegalovirus
A type of herpes that is particularly widespread in underprivileged populations and developing countries, cytomegalovirus is transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, tears, blood, urine, breast milk and male and female sexual fluids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cytomegalovirus is the most common virus transmitted from a mother to her unborn fetus, causing a small percentage of children born with the virus to develop permanent disabilities.
