a. Etiology. Herpes simplex is an acute viral infection which may reoccur in the
same location for years. Research indicates that the herpes virus may persist in the
nuclei of nerve cells in the sensory ganglia. Ordinarily, this virus is transmitted
venereally. An outbreak of the virus may occur in the same location when provoked by
the following:
(1)
Fever.
(2)
Sunburn, wind burn.
(3)
Physical or nervous stress.
(4)
Fatigue.
(5)
Menstruation.
(6)
b. Epidemiology. Herpes Types II is moderately contagious. It is now the most
common cause of genital ulceration in both females and males. A Herpes Type II lesion
frequently appears four to seven days after exposure.
c. Signs and Symptoms. Included are the following:
(1) Itch and soreness usually takes place before a small patch of erythema
on the skin or mucous membranes appears.
(2) A small group of vesicles develop vesicles which become eroded. The
result is a group of superficial, circular ulcers with red areola.
(3)
Inguinal lymphatic nodes become enlarged an tender.
(4)
Burning sensation in the area of the vesicles/ulcers.
(5)
Ulcers are painful.
(6)
A feeling of generalize malaise.
(7)
Difficulty while urinating or walking.
(8)
Lesions on males are found on the prepuce, glans penis, and shaft of
the penis.
(9)
Lesions on females are found on the labia, clitoris, perineum, vagina,
and cervix.
MD0580
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