Herpes is a recurrent, lifelong viral infection for which there is no cure. According to Dr. Lawrence Corey in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," the herpes virus has been cultured from nearly every area of the human body, from the face and chest to the gentials and bone marrow. The first outbreak of the condition is usually the most severe.
Mouth and Face
According to an 2007 article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 90 percent of oral herpes lesions occur on the border of lip, called the vermilion. The other 10 percent can occur anywhere on the face or inside the mouth. The most common places---especially during the first outbreak of herpes---include the throat, tonsils, hard and soft palate, lining of the cheeks, gums and tongue.
Genitals
In women, according to a 2005 report in the American Family Physician, herpes can occur around or inside the vagina, including the labia, introitus (opening of the vagina), cervix, lining of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. In men, lesions often appear on the shaft and head of the penis or on the skin of the scrotum. Both genders can develop lesions on the perineum (skin between the genitals and the anus), anus, rectum, buttocks and thighs.
Other Skin Sites
Herpes has been described on the skin of virtually all parts of the body. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," herpetic whitlow is a herpes infection of the fingers and nailbed, commonly seen among children and people with occupational exposure to herpes, such as dentists and midwives. Herpes gladiatorum, or "mat herpes," refers to herpes infection of the skin on the chest, ears, face and hands, commonly seen in wrestlers and other athletes. Herpes has also been linked to more serious dermatologic diseases, such as erythema multiforme.
Eyes
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," herpes infection of the eye is the most common cause of corneal blindness in the United States. Herpes infection of the cornea is called herpes keratitis, or herpes keratoconjunctivitis. Herpes can also affect the retina in a condition known as chorioretinitis, usually seen in newborns and people with HIV.
Central and Peripheral Nervous System
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," herpes can produce a variety of manifestations in the central and peripheral nervous system. Herpes is the most common cause of viral encephalitis(inflammation of the brain) in the United States. Herpes also accounts for up to 15 percent of cases of viral meningitis. Other kinds of herpes-related nervous system disease include transverse myelitis, Bell's palsy and cranial polyneuritis.
Internal Organs
Herpes has been isolated from virtually all of the internal organs, including the pancreas, intestines, adrenal glands and bone marrow. In most cases, the infection can be traced to herpes virus circulating in the bloodstream, with multiple organs involved. Clinical symptoms of internal organ herpes tend to be most severe for the liver, lung and esophagus. Invasive tests such as biopsies are almost always required for conclusive diagnosis.
References
- Herpes Simplex Viruses; L. Corey; In: "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th edition"; A.S. Fauci, E. Braunwald, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, D.L. Longer, J.L. Jameson and J. Loscalzo (Eds.); 2008
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Treatment of Herpes Simples: An Evidence-Based Review; C. Cernik, K. Gallina, and R.T. Brodell; June 2008
- "American Family Physician"; Genital Herpes: A Review; J.G. Beauman; Oct. 15 2005
