A nurse practitioner's guide to the management of herpes simplex virus-1 in children

Janel M Drugge1, Patricia Jackson Allen

  • 1Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA.

Pediatric Nursing
|September 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric clinicians can manage herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infections in children and adolescents. This article details identification, treatment, and prevention strategies for HSV-1 outbreaks, which cause physical and emotional distress.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a common viral infection transmissible through close contact with infected individuals, including asymptomatic carriers.
  • Recurrent HSV-1 outbreaks are triggered by various endogenous and exogenous factors, significantly impacting children's and families' physical and emotional well-being.

Observation:

  • HSV-1 commonly manifests as gingivostomatitis in children.
  • Other cutaneous manifestations include herpetic whitlow, herpes gladiatorum, eczema herpeticum, and herpes genitalis.

Findings:

  • Effective management requires pediatric clinicians to understand HSV-1 pathophysiology and clinical presentations.
  • Treatment involves topical or systemic medications, alongside crucial prevention strategies and nutritional support.

Implications:

  • Familiarity with HSV-1 management is critical for pediatric healthcare providers.
  • Comprehensive treatment plans can mitigate the physical and emotional burden of HSV-1 infections in pediatric populations.

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