Viruses · Skin & rash
HSV-1
Oral herpes; sometimes genital herpes and eye infection
The short answer
HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores but can also cause genital infection. A “type 1” result does not prove that infection is confined to the mouth.
Transmission and timing
Contact with oral skin, saliva and sores can transmit infection. Avoid kissing and oral sex during a cold sore outbreak; risk persists until it heals.
NHS ↗Symptoms and risk groups
Tingling or burning may precede painful small blisters. Not every mouth ulcer is herpes; unusual, very painful or non-healing lesions warrant assessment.
NHS ↗When to seek help
Obtain urgent assessment for eye pain, worsening redness, light sensitivity or altered vision. Do not manage an eye problem as an ordinary cold sore.
NHS ↗For life-threatening symptoms, severe breathing difficulty or altered consciousness, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).
What does the test show?
A lesion sample can identify the virus type when appropriate. HSV-1 blood antibodies do not locate or date infection; interpret them in the clinical context.
CDC ↗Care and treatment approach
Antiviral treatment may shorten or lessen outbreaks but does not remove the virus from the body. Discuss an individual plan for frequent or severe episodes.
WHO ↗Prevention and everyday life
Wash hands after touching a cold sore. Do not kiss a baby when you have an active cold sore: neonatal herpes can be serious.
NHS ↗Special situations and risk groups
Disease can be more severe with immune suppression. Inform the maternity team about genital lesions or suspected new infection during pregnancy.
WHO ↗A common misunderstanding
An indiscriminate blood test in someone without symptoms may not provide a clear answer. Discuss false positives and early false negatives before testing.
CDC ↗Clinical assessment note
Genital HSV-1 differs from HSV-2 in recurrence and shedding. Record type, lesion site and episode history together; HSV IgM is not a recommended diagnostic test.
CDC ↗Bring a question to your appointment
What does the specimen and lesion site tell us, and what is the plan when symptoms start?
International evidence, local decisions
Each source’s country is identified. Vaccine access, reimbursement, isolation and reporting rules vary. Use current guidance and your clinician’s advice in your country; English does not imply UK or US eligibility.
Sources and supporting evidence
- WHO · Herpes simplex virus ↗
Country context: International · Source checked:
- NHS · Cold sores ↗
Country context: United Kingdom · Source checked:
- NHS · Herpes simplex eye infections ↗
Country context: United Kingdom · Source checked:
- CDC · STI treatment guidelines: herpes ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
- CDC · Screening for genital herpes ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
Related topics
Version and change history
- Written by
- Doktorclub editorial team
- Medically reviewed
- Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu
- Reviewed on
- 14 October 2026
- Next review
- 14 April 2027
- Version
- 1.0.0
- — Medical and language review completed for this language version.
- — Sourced draft prepared in the second content wave. Medical and language review have not been completed.
Doktorclub editorial content · Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed for medical accuracy and language. Information supports, but does not replace, clinical assessment. This guide does not diagnose or create a personal medication plan. Report a content correction · Editorial standards