The herpes virus takes several forms that can affect humans. Varicella zoster causes chickenpox in children and shingles in adults. Chickenpox produces fever and a rash that blisters and crusts; shingles erupts in lines of painful sores. Herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV 1, causes fever blisters or cold sores. Herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV 2, is a sexually transmitted disease causing small, painful lesions. Although there is no cure for herpes, a varicella vaccine and anti-viral drugs are available. Other conditions may mimic herpes.
Canker Sores
Small, shallow lesions that usually appear singly in the mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals, or gastrointestinal tract, canker sores are not contagious. Unlike herpes, canker sores don't usually appear in clusters and do not develop fluid-filled blisters. An article in the July 2000 "American Family Physician" states canker sores heal within a few days without treatment and are not associated with digestive symptoms, fever, swollen glands or eye irritation. Canker sores may be linked to stress, trauma or food sensitivities.
Herpangina
Commonly caused by a coxsackie virus infection, herpangina is highly contagious and most often affects children under the age of 10. It is common in daycare settings, spread by droplets and fecal-oral contamination. Signs and symptoms include fever and sore throat, with red spots that become fluid-filled blisters and turn into red-rimmed yellow ulcers. Clusters typically appear in the back of the throat and soft palate. DermNet NZ reports that herpangia is generally mild and heals within 5 to 10 days, while HSV may affect the gums, is more painful and lasts longer.
Primary Syphilis
An article in the July 2003 "American Family Physician" advises that the chancre of primary syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, may be confused with HSV infection. The formation of a chancre occurs approximately three weeks following infection with syphilis. it is generally a single, painless ulcer on the external genitalia. Syphilitic lesions may, however, manifest as multiple, painful papules or sores in or near the mouth or anal area. Chancres resolve in one to four months but without medical treatment the infection remains contagious and carries a risk of serious complications.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Clusters of small bumps and blisters on a reddened patch of skin look herpetic, thus the name, but dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with celiac disease, not HSV. This intensely itchy rash may appear on both sides of the body and is considered a chronic condition caused by a faulty immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Digestive symptoms may or may not be present. Lesions may resolve completely after weeks or months on a gluten-free diet, but will reappear if the person ingests wheat or other gluten sources. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports the rash may manifest as oral or genital lesions and is more common in men of Northern European descent.
