Overview:

● Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a linear dsDNA virus that is a member of the
Alphaherpesviridae subfamily.
● HSV-1 is responsible for establishing primary and recurrent vesicular eruptions, primarily
in the orolabial and genital mucosa. HSV-1 infection has a wide variety of presentations,
including orolabial herpes, herpetic sycosis (HSV folliculitis), herpes gladiatorum,
herpetic whitlow, ocular HSV infection, herpes encephalitis, Kaposi varicelliform eruption
(eczema herpeticum), and severe or chronic HSV infection.
● Antiviral therapy limits the course of HSV infection. This activity describes the
evaluation, and treatment herpes simplex virus type 1 and reviews the role of the
interprofessional team in evaluating and treating patients with this condition.
● It is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with mucous membranes through open or
abraded skin or through contact with contaminated objects according to the National
Library of Medicine website.

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Common Complaints:
● Tingling, burning, painful lips
● Itchy lips, fever, blister on lips
● Lips numbness, and tender gums

Treatments if recommended:
Topical treatments:
● Zovirax (Acyclovir) 5% topical oint/cream
● Mupirocin 2% to prevent secondary skin infection (if needed)
Systemic therapy:
● Zovirax (Acyclovir) 200 mg PO 5 times daily for 5 days (adults only)
● Famciclovir 500 mg PO BID (twice a day) for 7 days (adults only)
● Valacyclovir 1 g PO q 12 hrs or BID (twice a day) for 7 days (adults only)

Recommend Ancillary therapies:
● Tylenol for pain/fever
● Open blisters are contagious (shedding the virus)

 

Retrieved from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482197/