When individuals refer to herpes simplex they are primarily concerned with two prevalent types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. There is a common belief that HSV-1 attacks above the waist and is responsible for cold sores, while HSV-2 attacks below the waist and is responsible for the genital lesions. However, both herpes viruses HSV-1 and II can cause herpetic lesions on the oral mucosa and the genital region. Herpes HSV-1 is primarily the cause of recurrent cold sores while HSV-2 are generally responsible for the genital lesions.

Most lesions caused by the HSV-1 are know as cold sores and/or fever blisters. Cold sores are located on the outside surface of the lips, nose, cheeks, chin or possible near the eyes. The lesions are characterized by a prodrome period or the period before a lesion appears when an individual experiences fever, irritability, headaches and a tingling and/or itching in the area where the lesion will appear. A day or so following the initial prodrome period the area will become red and inflamed followed by the appearance of one or more blisters usually found in clusters. These blisters soon erupt resulting in the release of the virus and a grey colored ulcer. The ulcer will eventually crust over and dry up usually without resulting in scare tissue.

Please note: the following herpes pictures are quite graphic and should only be viewed by adults.

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