Dermatologic Emergencies

dermatology-emergencieskapak-1-0-25

Herpes Zoster, Herpes Simplex

Fatma Elmas AKGÜN
Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Clinic of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye

Akgün FE. Herpes zoster, Herpes simplex. In: Oğuztürk H, Görmeli Kurt N, eds. Dermatologic Emergencies. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.96-102.

ABSTRACT

Herpes zoster (HZ), commonly known as shingles, is an infection caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox. After the initial infection, the virus settles in the nerve ganglia and can remain latent for years. Reactivated by factors such as aging, weakening of immune system or stress, the virus is characterized by a painful, unilateral vesicular rash that usually occurs in one or two adjacent dermatomes. HZ, which is more common in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, is an infection that can develop serious complications. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that causes widespread infections in humans. HSV has two different types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 usually causes lesions around the lips and mouth, known as oral herpes, while HSV-2 is mostly associated with genital herpes infections. HSV-1 is transmitted through infected oral secretions, usually due to close contact. Following initial infection, the virus remains latent in the sensory ganglion and can reactivate on mucosa or skin. Infections are often asymptomatic, but can lead to oral/perioral lesions (herpes), genital lesions, ocular infections such as herpes keratitis, and severe systemic infections such as encephalitis or neonatal disease. In this chapter, the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment approaches of HZ and Herpes Simplex infections will be discussed.

Keywords: Herpes; herpes labialis; zoster; vesicle; rash

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