B00.0-4/B00.7-9
DESCRIPTION
Infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2.
Primary herpes infection involving gingivostomatitis (usually type 1) or the genital area (usually type 2) may be extensive, but may occur at other sites, e.g. the face.
It is characterised by grouped crusted vesicles surrounded by erythema. The vesicles rupture soon producing discrete ulcers.
Recurrences are usually mild and last a few days, except in immunosuppressed patients. Recurrences of oral herpes may be triggered by other respiratory tract infections or exposure to ultraviolet light.
Sufferers of atopic eczema are particularly susceptible to the virus and may present with large areas of involvement with numerous vesicles and crusting surrounded by erythema (eczema herpeticum).
Herpes simplex mucocutaneous ulceration that persists for > 1 month is an AIDS–defining illness. See Herpes simplex ulcers, chronic . Herpes simplex infection may be the precipitating event in many cases of erythema multiforme.
GENERAL MEASURES
Keep the skin lesions clean and dry.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Extensive herpes, eczema herpeticum or chronic mucocutaneous ulcerations:
Children < 15 years of age
- Aciclovir, oral, 250 mg/m²/dose 8 hourly for 7 days.
Children ≥ 15 years of age and adults
- Antiviral, (active against herpes simplex) e.g.:
- Aciclovir, oral, 400 mg, 8 hourly for 7 days.