Summary
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 are causes of common inflammatory conditions of the mucous membranes and skin. The proper management of these infections begins with an accurate diagnosis. Viral cultures should be performed whenever possible. Patients should be counselled regarding the proper care of lesions, the risk of complications, the likelihood of experiencing recurrent infection, and should be urged to avoid intimate contact while lesions are active.
Antiviral therapy is now available to ameliorate the symptoms and shorten the duration of infection in selected patients, but does not prevent recurrences. Topical, oral and intravenous preparations of acyclovir are effective in treatment of primary herpes simplex infections. Immunosuppressed patients with herpes simplex infections also benefit from acyclovir therapy. Oral acyclovir has some activity in ameliorating recurrent genital herpes and should be considered for patients who are particularly troubled by their infections.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Guinan, ME.; MacCalman, J.; Kern, E.R.; Overall Jr, J.C. and Spruance, S.L.: The course of untreated recurrent genital herpes simplex infection in 27 women. New England Journal of Medicine 304: 759–763 (1981).
Nilsen, A.E.; Aasen, T.; Halsos, A.M.; Kinge, B.R.; Tjotta, E.A.L.; Wikström, K. and Fiddian, A.P.: Efficacy of oral acyclovir in the treatment of initial and recurrent genital herpes. Lancet 2: 571–573 (1982).
Reeves, W.C.; Corey, L; Adams, H.G.; Vontver, L.A. and Holmes, K.K.: Risk of recurrence after first episodes of genital herpes. Relation to HSV type and antibody response. New England Journal of Medicine 305: 315–319 (1981).
Richards, D.M.; Carmine, A.A.; Brogden, R.N.; Heel, R.C.; Speight, T.M. and Avery, G.S.: Acyclovir: A review of its pharmacodynamic properties and therapeutic efficacy. Drugs 26: 378–438 (1983).
Spruance, S.L.; Overall Jr, J.C; Kern, E.R.; Krueger, G.G.; Pliam, V. and Miller W.: The natural history of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Implications for antiviral therapy. New England Journal of Medicine 297: 69–75 (1977).
Wade, J.C; Newton, B.; McLaren, C; Flournoy, N.; Keeney, R.E. and Meyers, J.D.: Intravenous acyclovir to treat mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infection after marrow transplantation. Annals of Internal Medicine 96: 265–269 (1982).
Whitley, R.J.; Nahmias, A.J.; Visintine, A.M.; Fleming, CL. and Alford, CA.: The natural history of herpes simplex virus infection of mother and newborn. Pediatrics 66: 489–494 (1980).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Straus, S.E., Seidlin, M. & Takiff, H. Management of Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. Drugs 27, 364–372 (1984). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198427040-00004
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198427040-00004