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Herpetic whitlow on the thumb Herpes simplex - close-up
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Herpes simplex
Treatment: Some cases are relatively mild and may not require treatment. In severe or prolonged cases, or in individuals who are immunosuppressed or who have frequent recurrences, antiviral medications such as acyclovir may be used. Text Continues Below In individuals with more than 6 recurrences of genital herpes per year, chronic antiviral medications may be offered to reduce recurrences. Support Groups: Support groups and dating services are available for people with genital herpes. Expectations (prognosis): The oral or genital lesions usually heal on their own in 7 to 10 days unless an individual has an underlying condition that weakens the immune system, in which case the infection may be more severe and last longer. Once infected, the virus spreads to nerve cells and stays in the body for the rest of a person's life . It may intermittently reactivate and cause symptoms, or flares. Recurrences may be precipitated by overexposure to sunlight, fever, stress, acute illness, and medications or conditions that weaken the immune system (such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or use of corticosteroids). Complications: meningitis encephalitis eczema herpetiform (widespread herpes across the skin) infection of the eye -- keratoconjunctivitis prolonged, severe infection in immunosuppressed individuals pneumonia infection of the trachea Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>