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Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes blisters and sores around the mouth, nose, genitals, and buttocks, but they may occur almost anywhere on the skin or mucous membranes. HSV infections can be very annoying because they may reappear periodically. The sores appear as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters and may be painful and unsightly. For chronically ill people and newborn babies, the viral infection can be serious, but rarely fatal. There are two types of HSV — Type 1 and Type 2.
Herpes zoster (shingles), also known as shingles or zoster, is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop herpes zoster. The virus remains dormant (inactive), in certain nerve cells of the body, and when it reactivates it causes zoster. About 20 percent of those people who have had chicken pox will get zoster. Most people get zoster only once. One of the first symptoms of zoster is a burning pain or tingling and extream sensitivity in one area of the skin. This may be present for one to three days before a red rash occurs. The rash will soon turn into groups of blisters that look like chicken pox.
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* Information provided by The American Academy of Dermatology.
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