Dermatol. praxi. 2014;8(2):53-56

Infections caused by herpetic viruses Herpes simplex and Varicella zoster and their treatment

MUDr.Hana Roháčová, Ph.D.

Klinika infekčních, parazitárních a tropických nemocí FN Na Bulovce, Praha

Klinika infekčních a tropických nemocí UK 1. LF UK a NNB, Praha

The article focuses on infections caused by the herpetic viruses herpes simplex and varicella zoster, which can cause infectious illness in

infancy as well as be the source of health problems in those of advanced years. While acute primary infection caused by type 1 herpes

simplex usually develops asymptomatically, type 2 herpes simplex does so less often and acute primary infection caused by the varicella

zoster virus is almost always accompanied by clinical symptoms, i.e. those of chickenpox. The typical characteristic of herpetic viruses

after acute primary infection is their life-long presence in the body. This presence is most often symptom free, but, even in otherwise

healthy persons, clinical manifestations may reoccur—often accompanied by chronic pain and an overall decrease in well-being. While

unable to eradicate the virus themselves, antivirals which block the replication of the virus have proven a successful treatment. Given

the possible long-term complications both during and after an herpetic infection, it remains, however, important to offer symptomatic

treatment for pain as well.

Keywords: herpetic viruses, clinical symptoms, treatment, antivirotics, prevention

Published: June 1, 2014  Show citation