Herpes simplex virus causes an often chronic infection that leads to both cold sores and genital herpes. Its symptoms include blisters and sores around the mouth and nose, in the case of cold sores, or around the genitals, anus and buttocks, in the case of genital herpes. Typically people with herpes have several outbreaks a year, and the sores can be painful. They can also spread anywhere on the skin, according to The American Academy of Dermatology.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Complications
Type 1 infections cause small, clear blisters, usually on the face, though sometimes they do occur on the genitals, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The first, or primary, infections usually clears up after seven to ten days and usually don't leave a scar. Some people never get another infection, but others get repeated outbreaks as often as every few weeks. These recurrences are usually mild.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Complications
Type 2 infections are usually sexually transmitted, according to the American Academy of Dermatology and cause sores on the buttocks, penis, vagina or cervix. Infection can lead to repeated attacks, and both the primary and recurrent attacks can cause a rash, itching, pain, fever, muscle aches and a burning feeling during urination. The frequency and severity of repeated bouts varies.
Eye Infections
If the herpes virus spreads to the eye, it can cause herpes keratitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This causes sensitivity to light, pain, discharge and feeling like there's sand in the eye. This can lead to permanent scarring if left untreated but with treatment the condition can be controlled. Only rarely does this cause blindness, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Pregnancy Complications
A pregnant woman with herpes can transmit the virus to her child. If the woman's infection is a primary infection, this can harm the baby, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The child could die or have complications in the brain, skin or eyes, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This can be prevented by avoiding sex with infected partners, wearing condoms and shielding a newborn from anyone with an active infection.
Complications for the Immune-Compromised
Herpes infections are rarely serious for normal people, but they can be life-threatening for those with compromised immune systems that can not adequately fight off infection, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. That includes people with AIDS or cancer, those who've had an organ transplant, newborns, the very old or those suffering from serious chronic illnesses.
Increased Risk of AIDS
A person with genital herpes may be at increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This is because the open sores caused by herpes make it easier for the HIV virus to pass into the body.
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