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Natural history, management and complications of herpes labialis
Author(s) -
Higgins C. R.,
Schofield J. K.,
Tatnall F. M.,
Leigh I. M.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.1890410506
Subject(s) - erythema multiforme , herpes labialis , medicine , pharyngitis , dermatology , encephalitis , herpes simplex virus , population , immunology , virology , virus , environmental health
Abstract Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common worldwide problem. Primary infection with HSV‐1 rarely causes significant problems although widespread involvement in atopic eczema can be life‐threatening as may associated encephalitis. Keratoconjunctivitis, pharyngitis and hepatitis can also complicate primary infection. Twenty to 40% of the population at some stage have recurrent orolabial infections with HSV although in only 1% of these cases is this recurrence severe. Recurrent erythema multiforme appears to be associated with HSV—65% of patients are thought to have preceding herpes labialis. Many primary and recurrent infections with HSV‐1 require little more than topical antiseptic therapy to control secondary infection. Systemic acyclovir, however, is indicated in various situations including complicated primary infection, infection in neonates, eczema herpeticum, HSV infections in the immunocompromised, and recurrent erythema multiforme. In the latter, prophylactic treatment with 6 months acyclovir appears to be effective.