Are all herpes viruses the same viral skin infection?

Just as there are different kinds of cold viruses, there are different kinds of herpes viruses. These viruses are responsible for different illnesses. For example, herpes zoster produces shingles, while herpes simplex type 1 generally produces cold sores; herpes simplex type 2 produces genital herpes, although herpes simplex type 1 can cause genital herpes. Herpes infections can also vary in how serious they are; very young and elderly people, as well as people with compromised immune systems can experience more severe symptoms than the general population.