Alternative Names: Cold sore; Fever blister; Herpes simplex – oral; Oral herpes simplex
Definition of Herpes labialis
Herpes labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It leads to the development of small and usually painful blisters on the skin of the lips, mouth, gums, or lip area. These blisters are commonly called cold sores or fever blisters.
Symptoms
Warning symptoms of itching, burning, increased sensitivity, or tingling sensation may occur about 2 days before lesions appear.
* Skin lesions or rash around the lips, mouth, and gums
* Small blisters (vesicles) filled with clear yellowish fluid
-Blisters on a raised, red, painful skin area
- Blisters that form, break, and ooze
- Yellow crusts that slough to reveal pink, healing skin
- Several smaller blisters that merge to form a larger blister
* Mild fever (may occur)
Treatment
Untreated, the symptoms will generally go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Antiviral medications taken by mouth may shorten the course of the symptoms and decrease pain.
Herpes sores often come back again and again. The antiviral medicines work best if you take them when the virus is just starting to come back – before you see any sores. If the virus returns frequently, your doctor may recommend that you take the medicines all the time.
Wash blisters gently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus to other areas of skin. An antiseptic soap may be recommended. Applying ice or warmth to the area may reduce pain.
Also, your provider may recommend a drying agent to help oozing sore, or antiviral cream. If your recurrences are frequent and severe, your provider may prescribe oral antiviral medication, e.g. acyclovir, which has been shown to decrease the size and severity of herpes outbreaks. These medications have no effect on host cells. Other medication: Zovirax, Valtrex, Famvir, Bactroban, Neurontin
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