Viral Infections

Home » Viral Infections » Overview, FAQs

Overview

Viral infections commonly result in skin lesions and rashes. Typically, a rash occurs, and resolution is seen after the immune system clears the infection. This is a common pattern in children. Some viruses lie dormant in the host's cells and reactivate at a later time, sometimes years later. Another pattern is a chronic infection. Viruses can infect the skin by direct inoculation, by local spread, or by systemic infection.

Viruses are microscopic organisms whose survival is entirely dependent on using the DNA of other living cells (called host cells) to develop and multiply. The virus growth cycle has four stages. First, the virus attaches to a receptor on the cell's membrane. Second, the virus penetrates the cell either by fusing with the membrane or by being engulfed by the cell and delivered into its interior. Third, the virus is transported into the cell's nucleus where the virus uses the host cell's DNA to reproduce. Finally, the infectious virus particles (virions) are assembled and released from the host cell. The length of this cycle varies and can last several hours to many years (latent infection).

FAQs

Q: I was diagnosed with shingles. Am I contagious?
A: Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an internal reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It occurs in persons who have already had chickenpox. Unlike chickenpox, which is spread by a respiratory route, herpes zoster can be spread by direct contact with an affected area. It is impossible to "catch" shingles from someone, but a person who has never had chickenpox can develop it by coming into contact with a person afflicted with shingles.

Q: Ever since I was diagnosed with genital herpes, I have been getting outbreaks once or twice a month. What can I do about this?
A: The number of cases of genital infection with herpes simplex has increased tremendously over the past few decades. It is estimated that more than 25 million Americans are infected with genital herpes. After primary infection, recurrences are common and vary from once every few years to biweekly. For those with frequent outbreaks, oral antiviral medication can be taken to suppress recurrence. Typically, a pill is taken once or twice a day. Fortunately, outbreaks occur less frequently over time.

Q: My doctor told me that my son has a viral rash, but he didn't know what virus caused it. How can that be?
A: Some viruses result in rashes with specific characteristics (e.g., chickenpox), but others are not easy to identify. Viral infections commonly cause rashes, especially in children, and eruptions usually resolve after the immune system clears the virus. After the rash is gone, some skin peeling may occur.

Q: I was told I have pityriasis rosea. What is it?
A: Pityriasis rosea is a fairly common skin rash that erupts mainly on the torso and upper extremities. The lesions are typically pink and oval with slight overlying scale. It usually is not itchy. A viral origin has long been suspected, and there is recent evidence that human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) may be the cause. It typically resolves in 6 to 12 weeks without scarring, and recurrences are rare.

Viral Infections Resources

	Join Our Viral Infections Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer