viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane
"The doctor warned that frequent contact could spread the herpes, a viral disease known for causing painful eruptions on the skin and inside the mouth."
any of the animal viruses that cause painful blisters on the skin
"The veterinarian confirmed that the outbreak of sores on the goat's leg was caused by a strain of herpes affecting livestock."
A viral infection, caused by Human alphaherpesvirus 1 and Human alphaherpesvirus 2, marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes or on the genitals.
"The doctor diagnosed her painful outbreak of herpes as a viral infection caused by human alphaherpesviruses that appeared as watery blisters on her lips."
In plain English: Herpes is an infection caused by a virus that can cause painful sores on your skin or genitals.
"He stayed home because he had an outbreak of herpes on his lip."
Usage: Herpes refers specifically to a contagious viral infection that causes recurring clusters of fluid-filled sores on the lips (cold sores) or genitals. Use this term only for these specific outbreaks rather than colloquially describing any minor rash, fever blister, or skin irritation caused by other viruses.
The word herpes comes from the Latin herpēs, which was borrowed from Ancient Greek for "a creeping." This original sense of slowly spreading or crawling describes how the skin condition appears to move across the body.