Human DNA viruses that cause repeated painful vesicular eruptions on the genitals and other mucosal surfaces and on the skin. After initial contact with the skin or mucous membranes, the virus migrates along nerve fibers to sensory ganglia, where it establishes a latent infection. Under a variety of stimuli, such as sexual contact, exposure to ultraviolet light, febrile illnesses, or emotional stress, it may reappear, traveling back to the site of initial contact. The rash caused by the infection has a red base, on which small blisters cluster. Herpetic rashes on the mouth or nose are called “cold sores” or “fever blisters.”
Herpes simplex virus type I is the virus that produces cold sores. Type II produces genital herpes. Both may be spread through sexual contact.
A virus that goes through dormant states followed by active states, which during an active state can produce a cold sore around the mouth or genital area.
In the vast realm of microscopic pathogens, there exists a cunning entity capable of inciting pyrexia and inducing the formation of vesicular eruptions upon the delicate canvas of the integumentary system, mucous membranes, and even the genitalia.