Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What does the herpes simplex virus typically appear as?

1. Red blister-like lesions

2. Itchy rashes

3. Open sores

4. Warts

The correct answer is: Red blister-like lesions

The herpes simplex virus typically manifests as red blister-like lesions. These lesions can occur on various areas of the body, including the mouth (oral herpes or HSV-1) and genital area (genital herpes or HSV-2). When the virus is active, it usually presents as painful, fluid-filled blisters that may burst and crust over, leading to the characteristic appearance. The other options do not accurately describe the typical presentation of herpes simplex virus. Itchy rashes are more commonly associated with other conditions like allergic reactions or skin irritations. Open sores may indicate a variety of conditions, but in the context of herpes simplex, they are specifically blister-like in their initial phase. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), not herpes simplex, highlighting the importance of understanding the distinctions between different viral infections and their manifestations.