Herpes Labialis FAQ
What is herpes labialis?
Herpes labialis or oral herpes is an infection of the mouth area that causes small, painful blisters to develop on the lips, gums or throat. These blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus, a common and highly contagious virus that infects most people in the U.S by time they reach the age of 20.
What is herpes labialis & why is it called a vulva blister?
Herpes labialis does not refer to the labia of the vulva, though the origin of the word is the same. The colloquial terms for this condition ("cold sore" and "fever blister") come from the fact that herpes labialis is often triggered by fever, for example, as may occur during an upper respiratory tract infection (i.e. a cold).
Why is herpes labialis called a cold sore?
Herpes labialis is so named because the cold sore typically affects the lips. The infection is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) but occasionally herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is responsible. The HSV-2 infection is usually transmitted through having oral sex with someone who has a genital herpes infection.
What are the symptoms of herpes labialis?
Herpes labialis is a mild, self-limiting infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It causes pain and blistering on the lips and perioral area (cold sores); fever and constitutional symptoms are rare. Most people have no warning of an attack, but some experience a recognisable prodrome.
How common is herpes labialis?
One study showed an annual prevalence of 17%, while 20% to 40% of people have experienced cold sores at some time during their lifetime. Herpes labialis is caused by HSV-1. After the primary infection, which usually occurs in childhood, the virus is thought to remain latent in the trigeminal ganglion.
What causes herpes labialis?
Herpes labialis is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Infection with type 2 virus can also lead to (primary) herpes labialis, but this type rarely causes a relapse of the ailment. 5 The primary infection with HSV-1 usually occurs before the age of 20 years. Antibodies against the virus can be found in about 80% of all adolescents.
Herpes Labialis References
If you want to know more about Herpes Labialis, consider exploring links below:
What Is Herpes Labialis
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_sore
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/oral-herpes-5223802
- https://www.healthline.com/health/herpes-labialis
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-sores
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Herpes-Labialis.aspx
- https://ada.com/conditions/herpes-labialis/
- https://www.medicine.com/condition/cold-sores-herpes-simplex-labialis
Herpes Labialis Information
- https://dermnetnz.org/topics/herpes-simplex
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cold-sores
- https://patient.info/doctor/oral-herpes-simplex
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prevention-of-herpes-simplex-virus-type-1-in-immunocompetent-adolescents-and-adults
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
- https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/vaclovir-herpes-zoster-and-herpes-labialis
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/infectious-diseases/herpesviruses/herpes-simplex-virus-hsv-infections
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632913/