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Herpes simplex physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2], Jesus Rosario Hernandez, M.D. [3], Usama Talib, BSc, MD [4]

Overview

Overview

On physical examination multiple, round, superficial oral ulcers accompanied by acute gingivitis can be seen. Lymphadenopathy, gingivitis, and tonsillitis may accompany the primary lesions.[1]

Physical Examination

Physical Examination

The physical examination of herpes infection may show:[2]

1) Blisters or ulcers

  • Site – In orofacial herpes/herpes simplex 1 the ulcers are commonly found on lips, gums, throat, front of tongue, inside of the cheeks, and roof of the mouth. These occur around genitalia in cases of genital herpes/herpes simplex 2.
  • Size – Generally small (2-5 mm)
  • Shape – Round
  • The lesions may occur in groups/crops

2) Lymphadenopathy (cervical, Inguinal glands)

3) Gingivitis and tonsillitis in herpes simplex 1

The following image is an example of how the Herpes simplex virus can cause nail disease.

Skin

  • Blisters

Images

Genitourinary System

  • Blisters
  • Ulceration

Images

Face

  • Blisters at the:
    • Angle of the mouth
    • Vermilion border
    • Nostrils
    • Nose

Images

Extremities

  • Blisters can be seen at:
    • Tip of the finger
    • Skin of the hand
    • Legs

Images

Neck

  • Blisters

Images

Gallery
References

References

  1. Fatahzadeh M, Schwartz RA (2007). “Human herpes simplex virus infections: epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management”. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 57 (5): 737–63, quiz 764–6. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.06.027. PMID 17939933.
  2. Lucas Harless, Nancy Jiang, Frank Schneider & Megan Durr (2017). “Herpes Simplex Virus Laryngitis Presenting as Airway Obstruction: A Case Report and Literature Review”. The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology. 126 (5): 424–428. doi:10.1177/0003489417699421. PMID 28397560. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. 3.0 3.1 “Public Health Image Library (PHIL)”.

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