Final answer:
HSV infections often present as cold sores or genital lesions, but the appearance may vary and can be asymptomatic. Diagnostic confirmation usually requires laboratory testing, although characteristic blisters or ulcers are indicative. There is no cure, but antiviral medications can manage symptoms and transmission risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnostic Appearance of HSV Infection
The diagnostic appearance of an HSV infection can vary, but it typically includes blister-like lesions that can occur on different parts of the body. For most individuals, HSV-1 manifests as cold sores or fever blisters around the lips. These sores are contagious and can be spread through direct contact. After the initial outbreak, the virus becomes latent within the trigeminal nerve ganglia and may reactivate, leading to recurrent symptoms. Visible lesions during an active period can blister, break open, and subsequently crust over.
Genital herpes, typically caused by HSV-2, involves blisters or ulcers on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth that may be accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes. Neonatal herpes is an infection in newborns that can occur if the mother passes the virus during childbirth.
Even with the presence of these characteristic symptoms, most herpes infections are asymptomatic or display only mild symptoms that might go unnoticed. Diagnosis is often confirmed through laboratory testing, as physical appearance alone may not be adequate. While there is no cure for HSV, antiviral medications such as acyclovir and famciclovir are available to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.