Eruptions may be caused by stress, fever, sun exposure, common cold or injury. Active lesions are infectious to the patient and to others. Recurrent lesions are often preceded by a tingling sensation in the area. Lesions usually clear in 7-10 days. Currently, there is no cure for herpes simplex type 1.
Treatment is directed at symptomatic relief.
Antiviral agents can shorten attacks by decreasing viral replication. This disease is caused by the herpes zoster virus. Chicken pox is a highly contagious, airborne virus. It affects children much more often than adults. The incubation period is 10-20 days.