File:Herpes(PHIL_1573_lores).jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
Herpes labialis
Sign in to saveHerpes simplex virus that primarily affects the lip
Key facts
- Other names
- fever blister, herpes labialis, oral herpes, orolabial herpes
- Specialty
- Infectious disease
- Symptoms
- Burning pain followed by small blisters or sores
- Complications
- Herpes encephalitis , herpetic whitlow
- Usual onset
- < 20 years old
- Duration
- Heals within 10 days
- Causes
- Typically herpes simplex virus type 1 (direct contact)
- Diagnostic method
- Usually based on symptoms
- Differential diagnosis
- Herpangina , aphthous stomatitis , impetigo , mononucleosis , acne
- Prevention
- Avoiding exposure, antiviral medication
- Treatment
- Zinc oxide , anesthetic , or antiviral cream, antivirals by mouth
- Prognosis
- Good
- Frequency
- 2.5 per 1,000 affected per year
via Wikipedia infobox
Research
1,612 papers- A Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and the Management of Herpes Labialis.Viruses · 2023
- Herpes Labialis: An Update.Recent patents on inflammation & allergy drug discovery · 2017
- Herpes labialis.BMJ clinical evidence · 2009
- Human herpes simplex labialis.Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2007
- Tailoring herpes labialis treatments.Herpes : the journal of the IHMF · 2007
via PubMed
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Herpes(PHIL 1573 lores).jpg
Show 2 more facts
- Commons category
- Herpes labialis
- health specialty
- dermatology
via Wikidata · CC0
~14 min read
Encyclopedic overview
A cold sore is a type of herpes infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that affects primarily the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. The rash usually heals within ten days, but the virus remains dormant in the trigeminal ganglion. The virus may periodically reactivate to create another outbreak of sores in the mouth or lip.
The cause is usually herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and occasionally herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The infection is typically spread between people by direct non-sexual contact. Attacks can be triggered by sunlight, fever, psychological stress, or a menstrual period. Direct contact with the genitals can result in genital herpes. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms but can be confirmed with specific testing.
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Herpes labialis” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.