Fever blister
| Herpes labialis | |
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| Synonyms | Cold sores, fever blisters, herpes simplex labialis, recurrent herpes labialis, orolabial herpes |
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| Herpes labialis of the lower lip. Note the blisters in a group marked by an arrow. | |
| 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 |
| Similar conditions | Herpangina, aphthous stomatitis, impetigo, mononucleosis |
| 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 |
| Classification |
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Herpes labialis, also known as cold sores, is a type of infection 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 10 days, but the virus remains dormant in the facial nerve. 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.
Prevention includes avoiding kissing or using the personal items of a person who is infected. A zinc oxide, anesthetic, or antiviral cream appears to decrease the duration of symptoms by a small amount. Antiviral medications may also decrease the frequency of outbreaks.
About 2.5 per 1000 people are affected in any given year. After one episode about 33% of people develop subsequent episodes. Onset often occurs in those less than 20. In those with recurrent outbreaks, these typically happen less than three times a year. The frequency of outbreaks generally decreases over time.
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