Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

In which of the following locations is the herpes simplex virus typically found?

1. Nails

2. Mouth

3. Fingers

4. Feet

The correct answer is: Mouth

The herpes simplex virus is commonly found in the mouth, particularly in the form of oral herpes, which is often manifested as cold sores or fever blisters. This virus tends to establish itself in the oral mucosa and can be triggered by various factors such as stress, illness, or sunlight exposure. While the virus can potentially be transmitted to other areas, such as the fingers through direct contact (which can lead to herpes whitlow), its primary site of infection, especially for type 1, is the mouth. Nails and feet are not typical locations associated with the herpes simplex virus, making the mouth the most relevant answer in this context.