Herpes Simplex Virus
Introduction
This is a viral infection commonly affecting the lips and perioral soft tissues presenting as papulovesicular lesions which ultimately ulcerate. The condition is recurrent following a primary herpes infection which occurs during childhood leaving herpes simplex viruses latent in the trigeminal ganglia. The primary infection affects mainly the gingiva and palate.
Pathophysiology
Loading...
Signs and symptoms
Loading...
Diagnostic criteria
• A prodrome of tingling, warmth or itching at the site usually precedes the recurrence
• About 12 hours later, redness appears followed by papules and then vesicles
• These vesicles then burst, weep, dry, scab and then heal
• The length of the cycle is variable (5–12 days mean time being 7 days)
Investigation
There are no investigations required unless patient has systemic diseases
Treatment
Non-pharmacological
- • Adequate hydration
• Avoid salty and acidic drinks
• Cover lesions on the lips with Petroleum jelly and control any underlying cause
Pharmacological
- HSV is a self-limiting condition but if persistent for 10 days or recurrent infection use medication:
For Herpes Labials
• Acyclovir cream apply 4 hourly for 5 days-
For Herpes Stomatitis
• Acyclovir (PO) 200mg 6 hourly for 5 days
AND
• Acyclovir cream 12 houlry for 5 days
In immunocompromised patients
• Acyclovir (PO) 400mg 5 times in 24 hours for 5 days
For oral facial lesions of herpes zoster treat with
• Acyclovir (PO) 400–800mg 5 times a day for 5 days.
Pain control by analgesics
• Paracetamol (PO) 1gm 8 hourly for 3 days
OR
• Diclofenac (PO) 50mg 8 hourly for 3 days
OR
• Ibuprofen (PO) 400 mg 8 hourly for 3 days
Prevention
- Loading...
Updated on,
4 Novemba 2020, 08:59:15
References
1.STG
2. Web MD. Oral herpes. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/oral-herpes#1. Accessed 04.11.2020