After playing in the water, itchy, small blisters around the eyes, herpes virus warning
Jun 15, 2025
As the temperature rises and the early summer weather begins in earnest, more and more people are planning to travel. Care should be taken as the occurrence of 'herpes virus keratitis' may increase at a time when water play and travel increase. In particular, the risk of infection may be higher in places where many people gather, such as travel destinations.
Herpes virus is highly contagious and can be infected with simple contact, and the infected virus stays in the body for life and can affect the eyes when immunity is reduced. When infected with the skin, blisters or herpes form, but when infected with the eye, it leads to keratitis or conjunctivitis.
Herpes virus is characterized by lurking in the body once infected and then being reactivated when immunity decreases. It is divided into type 1 to type 8, and among them, the virus that infects the eyes, lips, and skin is known as type 1. Herpes keratitis, which is caused by infection of the herpes virus in the eye, is a type of herpes keratitis that can cause infection in all layers of corneal epithelium, corneal parenchyma, and corneal endothelium.
Depending on the eye area affected by the herpes virus, eyelid inflammation, keratitis, and conjunctivitis appear, and in addition, it may penetrate the eyes and surrounding tissues such as the uveolar membrane and retina, causing an inflammatory reaction.
In the early stages of infection, the area around the eyes is itchy, and small blisters appear on the eyelids or mucous membranes of the eyes or appear in the form of inflammation. Gradually, over time, the eyes may become stiffer, tears may flow frequently, or vision may become blurry, and in severe cases, corneal ulcers may cause vision loss.
Herpes virus is likely to recur. If the virus repeatedly appears in the eyes and keratitis symptoms recur, scars remain in the cornea, vision deterioration, or corneal confusion can occur, leading to permanent vision impairment. In particular, it is easy to recur when tired or stressed, so it is important to manage it steadily through a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment is performed differently depending on the detailed area of the eyes infected with the herpes virus and the symptoms. If the corneal surface is infected, symptoms can be alleviated by taking antiviral drugs in the form of eye drops, eye ointment, and medication. If inflammation occurs deeper than the corneal surface, steroid eye drops may be eyed, and in some cases, it may be necessary to wear therapeutic contact lenses and take antibiotics. Treatment may vary depending on the location of infection as well as symptoms, so it is important to visit an ophthalmologist to find out the exact condition of your eyes and then receive appropriate treatment.
In order to prevent herpes virus keratitis, it is most important not to touch the eyes with contaminated hands. If small blisters appear around your mouth or on your skin when you are tired, the herpes virus may be the cause, and if you rub your eyes unconsciously after touching the blister with your hand, the virus can spread to your eyes. If you have already been infected with the herpes virus, it is recommended to take enough rest to prevent a recurrence and consume nutrients evenly to maintain your physical condition so that your physical function and immunity do not deteriorate.
Hwang Kyu-yeon, a specialist at the Corneal Center at Kim Ophthalmology Hospital, said, `If the Herpes virus infects the eyes and repeats, it can affect vision, so caution is needed.' `It is important to visit an ophthalmologist to quickly identify the exact condition and receive appropriate treatment if your eyes itch or inflammation after going to a crowded place.'
Herpes virus is highly contagious and can be infected with simple contact, and the infected virus stays in the body for life and can affect the eyes when immunity is reduced. When infected with the skin, blisters or herpes form, but when infected with the eye, it leads to keratitis or conjunctivitis.
Herpes virus is characterized by lurking in the body once infected and then being reactivated when immunity decreases. It is divided into type 1 to type 8, and among them, the virus that infects the eyes, lips, and skin is known as type 1. Herpes keratitis, which is caused by infection of the herpes virus in the eye, is a type of herpes keratitis that can cause infection in all layers of corneal epithelium, corneal parenchyma, and corneal endothelium.
Depending on the eye area affected by the herpes virus, eyelid inflammation, keratitis, and conjunctivitis appear, and in addition, it may penetrate the eyes and surrounding tissues such as the uveolar membrane and retina, causing an inflammatory reaction.
In the early stages of infection, the area around the eyes is itchy, and small blisters appear on the eyelids or mucous membranes of the eyes or appear in the form of inflammation. Gradually, over time, the eyes may become stiffer, tears may flow frequently, or vision may become blurry, and in severe cases, corneal ulcers may cause vision loss.
Herpes virus is likely to recur. If the virus repeatedly appears in the eyes and keratitis symptoms recur, scars remain in the cornea, vision deterioration, or corneal confusion can occur, leading to permanent vision impairment. In particular, it is easy to recur when tired or stressed, so it is important to manage it steadily through a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment is performed differently depending on the detailed area of the eyes infected with the herpes virus and the symptoms. If the corneal surface is infected, symptoms can be alleviated by taking antiviral drugs in the form of eye drops, eye ointment, and medication. If inflammation occurs deeper than the corneal surface, steroid eye drops may be eyed, and in some cases, it may be necessary to wear therapeutic contact lenses and take antibiotics. Treatment may vary depending on the location of infection as well as symptoms, so it is important to visit an ophthalmologist to find out the exact condition of your eyes and then receive appropriate treatment.
In order to prevent herpes virus keratitis, it is most important not to touch the eyes with contaminated hands. If small blisters appear around your mouth or on your skin when you are tired, the herpes virus may be the cause, and if you rub your eyes unconsciously after touching the blister with your hand, the virus can spread to your eyes. If you have already been infected with the herpes virus, it is recommended to take enough rest to prevent a recurrence and consume nutrients evenly to maintain your physical condition so that your physical function and immunity do not deteriorate.
Hwang Kyu-yeon, a specialist at the Corneal Center at Kim Ophthalmology Hospital, said, `If the Herpes virus infects the eyes and repeats, it can affect vision, so caution is needed.' `It is important to visit an ophthalmologist to quickly identify the exact condition and receive appropriate treatment if your eyes itch or inflammation after going to a crowded place.'
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
