http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/693113/herpes-simplex-virus-type-1infection, of either the skin or the genitalia, caused by either of two strains of the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is transmitted orally and is responsible for cold sores and fever blisters, typically occurring around the mouth, whereas herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is transmitted sexually and is the main cause of the condition known as genital herpes.
http://www.herpes.com/hsv1-2.htmlThe primary difference between the two viral types is in where they typically establish latency in the body- their "site of preference." HSV-1 usually establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion, a collection of nerve cells near the ear. From there, it tends to recur on the lower lip or face. HSV-2 usually sets up residence in the sacral ganglion at the base of the spine. From there, it recurs in the genital area .
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/cold_sores.htmlHSV-1 is very common — if you have it, chances are you picked it up when you were a kid. Most people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus got it during their preschool years, most likely from close contact with someone who has it or getting kissed by an adult with the virus.
http://www.herpesguide.ca/facts/hsv_1_infections.htmlMost primary infections with HSV-1 are asymptomatic. However, primary infection can cause a variety of clinical symptoms such as infection of the mouth and gums (gingivostomatitis) and a sore throat (pharyngitis) in children. Lesions may occur anywhere in the oral region and may involve the roof and floor of the mouth, as well as the inside of the cheek (the buccal mucosa). Disease may develop over a few days and can be painful. The child will often be cranky and irritable, be unwilling to eat, drink, and swallow and may also have swollen lymph nodes and fever. Sometimes these children become so dehydrated that they require hospitalization. In adolescents and adults, primary HSV-1 infection may present as tonsillitis. The tonsils may be tender and covered with a whitish substance, resembling a “strep throat”. The swelling and tenderness of the tonsils may result in swallowing difficulties. Sometimes blisters may also be present in the mouth. In people with normal immunity (immunocompetent) the fever will cease and lesions will heal and crust over in a week. Even when no clinical symptoms of primary HSV-1 infection are apparent, some people will shed virus making them infectious.
The skin.
HSV-1 can also infect skin, but only if the skin is damaged, such as in patients with eczema (atopics). In rare instances, primary HSV-1 infection may become wide-spread in many areas of eczema across the body (eczema herpeticum). This condition requires antiviral treatment to limit its proliferation. Children who are thumb-sucking may develop herpes on their finger. Healthcare workers, such as anesthesiologists and dentists, may also infect their fingers (digits) from patients with cold sores or oral viral shedding. Herpes infection of the finger is called herpetic whitlow. In the immunocompetent patient, most skin lesions will heal within a few weeks, unless there is a complication with a bacterial infection such as Staphylococcus aureus or Group A Streptococcus, which may require antibiotic treatment.
Primary HSV-1 infection has also been associated with a variety of other skin disorders, such as erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These conditions are not thought to be directly caused by the virus, but result from an immunological reaction in the skin at the time of infection.
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