Oral Herpes - Can You Recognize It?Oral herpes or herpes labialis is an infection of the lip caused by the herpes simplex virus. In many cases, it causes small blisters or sores on or around the mouth. These are commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters. Apthous ulcers or canker sores are not a form of this virus.
There is nothing attractive about this infection. Having a cold sore or fever blisters does not enhance a person's appearance as the picture on the left shows.
Herpes Labialis is a form of the herpes virus that affects the lips or "perioral" (around the mouth) area. When a viral infection affects both face and mouth, the broader term "orofacial herpes" is used to describe the condition, whereas the term the mouth can also occur. There are two types of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) which can cause oral herpes. However HSV-2 rarely affects the mouth or face, although this is becoming more common. Another thing to remember: Most adults have oral HSV1. They become infected as a child through kissing infected relatives or friends. Causes Herpes labialis (fever blisters, cold sores) can be caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2. While the primary (first episode) infections with HSV-1 or HSV-2 do occur, recurrences are generally the result of HSV-1 infection. Oral recurrences with HSV-2 are very rare. Primary Infection and Reinfections The primary episode of HSV-1 infection generally occurs in children and young adults and is usually asymptomatic (no symptoms are present). The recurring infection is often called herpes simplex labialis. Some of the reinfections can occur inside the mouth (intraoral HSV stomatitis) affecting the gums, alveolar ridge, hard palate. This can also cause herpes on the tongue. Transmission Oral herpes can be transmitted even when there are not symptoms present. Treatment It is best to begin therapy at the earliest sign or symptom, preferably before skin disruption. However, regardless of the stage of disease, antiviral therapy may be beneficial in shortening the episode. The virus causing oral herpes is one of the most common herpes virus. Just about everyone at some time in their life has suffered cold sores and fever blisters. Its good to remember that herpes labialis is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and not herpes simplex virus type 2.
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