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Cutaneous herpes simplex infections
A Mindel1, O Carney, P Williams
1Academic Department of Genitourinary Medicine, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, University College London, Middlesex Hospital, UK.
Objective:
To review the clinical features and natural history of cutaneous herpes simplex infections associated with genital herpes.
Design:
A retrospective case note study of all patients presenting to James Pringle House with this condition between 1983-1987.
Subjects:
123 patients were identified.
Results:
The commonest sites involved were the buttocks 64/186 (34%), suprapubic area 28/186 (15%) and thigh 14/186 (7.5%). Thirty five of the 123 (28%) patients had more than one anatomical site involved. Genital and extragenital recurrences occurred with similar frequency.
Discussion:
Extragenital cutaneous herpes simplex is not uncommon. Lesions may occur virtually anywhere on the body. HSV should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of vesiculating skin lesions.
Insights
Extragenital cutaneous herpes simplex infections are common, appearing on various body parts beyond the genital area. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) should be considered for any blistering skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Genital herpes, primarily caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a common sexually transmitted infection.
- Cutaneous manifestations of HSV can extend beyond the genital region, presenting diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and progression of cutaneous herpes simplex infections in patients with genital herpes.
- To understand the frequency and distribution of extragenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case note analysis was conducted.
- Data from 123 patients presenting with cutaneous herpes simplex infections between 1983 and 1987 were reviewed.
Main Results:
- The most frequent extragenital sites included the buttocks (34%), suprapubic area (15%), and thighs (7.5%).
- Over a quarter of patients (28%) exhibited involvement of multiple anatomical sites.
- Recurrences were observed with comparable frequency in both genital and extragenital locations.
Conclusions:
- Extragenital cutaneous herpes simplex is a frequent occurrence, with lesions potentially manifesting anywhere on the body.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) must be included in the differential diagnosis for any vesiculating skin lesions.
- Awareness of extragenital spread is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of herpes simplex virus infections.