Herpes oral
Herpes 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