Herpes is a viral infection of the skin caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 usually causes infections of the mouth … such as cold sores or fever blisters on the lips.Most of the time HSV-2 causes genital herpes.But, either type of herpes can cause an infection of the mouth or genitals. Herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected. You can get herpes from someone who has sores on his or her lips, skin or genitals.But, most of the time, herpes is spread when someone does not have any signs or symptoms. The herpes virus can still rub off a person's skin even when he or she has no sores that you can see.ou can get herpes from someone who has sores on his or her lips, skin or genitals. But, most of the time, herpes is spread when someone does not have any signs or symptoms. The herpes virus can still rub off a person's skin even when he or she has no sores that you can see.