What are the symptoms of oral herpes? How can it be treated? What measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the virus? Find the answers to these questions and more in our comprehensive guide.

Understanding Oral Herpes

Oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters, is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). It primarily affects the mouth, lips, and surrounding areas, and is highly contagious. Up to 80% of Americans are infected with HSV-1 by the time they reach the age of 30, making it a widespread condition.

Symptoms of Oral Herpes

The most common location for primary orofacial HSV infection is inside the mouth. In recurrent HSV infections, the affected areas may include the lips, nose, chin, and cheeks. Sores may also develop inside the mouth, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer, HIV, or those who have undergone organ transplantation.

In primary HSV infections, there are typically painful sores anywhere inside the mouth, and the lymph nodes in the neck may or may not be swollen. Severe cases may involve the entire lining of the mouth and both lips, accompanied by fever, sore throat, foul breath, and difficulty eating.

In recurrent HSV infections, there may be one or more tiny blisters that break open and form a scab. Some people experience a warning sign before the blisters appear, such as tingling or burning in the affected area. Recurrent infections typically last 7-10 days and may leave behind a pink, purplish, or brownish color in lighter skin tones, or a darker brown color in darker skin tones.

Triggers of Recurrent Outbreaks

There are several factors that can trigger recurrent HSV infections, including:

• Fever or illness
• Sun exposure
• Hormonal changes, such as those due to menstruation or pregnancy
• Stress
• Trauma, such as that caused by dental work or cuts from shaving
• Surgery

Diagnosis and Treatment

Most HSV infections are easy for healthcare professionals to diagnose based on the symptoms. However, in some cases, a swab from the infected skin may be sent to a laboratory for viral culture, which takes a few days to grow. Blood tests may also be performed.

While untreated HSV infections will eventually go away on their own, medications can help reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. There is no cure for HSV infection, but the following treatments may be prescribed:

1. Oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir), for primary and recurrent HSV infections.
2. Topical anesthetics, such as viscous lidocaine, for severe primary HSV infections that cause significant pain inside the mouth.
3. Intravenous (IV) fluids and antiviral medications or painkillers for very severe infections that prevent the individual from drinking fluids.

Preventing the Spread of Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is highly contagious, and it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus during the prodromal phase (burning, tingling, or itching) and active phase (presence of blisters or sores) of HSV infections. These steps include:

• Avoiding sharing cups, eating utensils, lip balm, lipstick, razors, towels, and other personal care items.
• Avoiding kissing and performing oral sex.
• Washing your hands with soap and water if you touch an active lesion.

It’s important to note that the virus can still be transmitted even when someone does not have active lesions, so these precautions should be taken at all times.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you develop tender, painful sores in the mouth or on the lips or nose, it is important to see a healthcare professional. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if an HSV outbreak has not gone away in 2 weeks, if you are avoiding eating or drinking because of the pain, or if you develop blisters or sores near your eye.

Individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV, or those who have undergone organ transplantation, are at a higher risk for more serious complications and should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

Oral herpes is a common viral infection that can cause painful sores and blisters in the mouth, lips, and surrounding areas. While there is no cure for the virus, there are treatments available to help reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. It is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus, and to seek medical attention if you develop severe or persistent symptoms.

Cold Sores (Orofacial Herpes) Condition, Treatments and Pictures for Adults

Who’s At Risk?

HSV infections occur in people of all races / ethnicities, ages, and sexes. Up to 80% of Americans are infected with HSV-1 by the time they are 30.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common location for primary orofacial HSV infection is inside the mouth. For recurrent HSV, locations include the:

• Lips.
• Nose.
• Chin.
• Cheeks.

There may also be sores inside the mouth, especially if your immune system has been affected, such as by cancer or HIV, or if you have undergone organ transplantation.

In primary HSV, there are painful sores anywhere inside the mouth. The lymph nodes in the neck may or may not be swollen. In severe cases of HSV infection, cold sores may involve the entire lining of the mouth and both lips. These severe infections may be accompanied by fever, sore throat, foul breath, and difficulty eating.

In recurrent HSV infection, there may be one or more tiny blisters that break open and form a scab. Some people experience a warning that blisters are about to appear (called a prodrome), such as tingling or burning of the area. Then, papules appear, followed by blisters.

Additionally, some people never develop the symptoms of a primary HSV infection and may mistake a recurrent infection for a primary infection. A recurrent infection typically lasts 7-10 days. As it fades, it may leave a pink, purplish, or brownish color in lighter skin colors. In darker skin colors, HSV may fade to leave a darker brown color. People who are prone to recurrent outbreaks tend to get them 3-4 times per year.

Triggers of recurrent HSV infections include:

• Fever or illness.
• Sun exposure.
• Hormonal changes, such as those due to menstruation or pregnancy.
• Stress.
• Trauma, such as that caused by dental work or cuts from shaving.
• Surgery.

Self-Care Guidelines

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help reduce fever, muscle aches, and pain caused by cold sores. Try to drink as many fluids as possible to prevent dehydration. Applying ice packs may relieve some of the swelling and discomfort.

Because HSV is very contagious, it is important to take the following steps to prevent spread (transmission) of the virus during the prodromal phase (burning, tingling, or itching) and active phase (presence of blisters or sores) of HSV infections:

• Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils.
• Avoid kissing and performing oral sex.
• Avoid sharing lip balm and lipstick.
• Avoid sharing razors, towels, and other personal care items.
• Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch an active lesion.

Unfortunately, the virus can still be transmitted even when someone does not have active lesions.

Treatments

Most HSV infections are easy for health professionals to diagnose. On occasion, however, a swab from the infected skin may be sent to a laboratory for viral culture, which takes a few days to grow. Blood tests may also be performed.

Untreated HSV infections will go away on their own, but medications can reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. There is no cure for HSV infection.

Primary HSV can be treated with oral antiviral medication, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir).

More severe primary HSV infections may require additional medications, for example, a topical anesthetic such as viscous lidocaine, if the areas inside the mouth are very painful. In addition, very severe infections may require intravenous (IV) fluids and even IV antiviral medications or painkillers if the pain prevents you from drinking fluids.

For recurrent HSV, these same oral antiviral medications may help to shorten the outbreak and make it less severe, if taken at the first signs of the outbreak, such as when the prodrome or blisters first appear. People who experience prodromes before recurrent infections may benefit from episodic treatment.

Other people have recurrent infections that are frequent enough or severe enough to justify suppressive therapy, in which medications are taken every day to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks.

Visit Urgency

If you develop tender, painful sores in the mouth or on the lips or nose, see a health professional.

Contact your health professional immediately if an HSV outbreak has not gone away in 2 weeks, if you are avoiding eating or drinking because of the pain, or if you develop blisters or sores near your eye.

If you have an underlying medical condition such as cancer or HIV, or if you have undergone organ transplantation, you are at higher risk for more serious complications. Seek medical advice as soon as possible, especially if you are at risk for more serious complications.

Trusted Links

• MedlinePlus: Mouth Disorders
• Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Orofacial

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L.  Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Disease Groups:
Mouth Sores and Lip Conditions

Last modified on May 16th, 2023 at 4:12 pm

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Pictures Of Cold Sores – TSMP Medical Blog

Cold sores inside your mouth aren’t cold sores at all — they’re canker sores (mouth ulcers). Cold sores and canker sores look and feel similar, although canker sores can be quite painful. They’re both small, round sores that develop near your mouth. But canker sores only develop inside your mouth, including:

Cold Sores

A cold sore is a blister that typically appears on your lip or around your mouth. The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes most cold sores. HSV-1 is very contagious. You can prevent getting cold sores by avoiding kissing people with them or sharing objects with them. Cold sores usually go away on their own within a couple of weeks.

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Overview

A cold sore on the mouth of a child.

What is a cold sore?

A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister (or a cluster of blisters) that usually appears on your lip or around your mouth. They can also affect your cheeks, nose and chin. The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes most cold sores.

Are cold sores herpes?

Other names for cold sores include oral herpes, fever blisters and herpes simplex labialis. Even though people use the name oral herpes — and HSV-1 can spread to your genitals — HSV-1 isn’t the same as HSV-2. HSV-2 is the sexually transmitted virus that causes most cases of genital herpes.

How often do people get cold sores?

A cold sore can develop multiple times a year or only once or twice in your lifetime. The frequency of an outbreak varies from person to person.

Who do cold sores affect?

The virus that causes cold sores can infect people of all ages. Exposure to the virus typically occurs during childhood. Many people catch HSV-1 by the time they turn 5 years old.

It’s possible to develop a cold sore at any age, though the chance of having any outbreak decreases after the age of 35.

How common are cold sores?

Cold sores are widespread. HSV-1 infects more than half of Americans between the ages of 14 and 49. However, many people never develop the sores or have any symptoms. About 20% to 40% of people who have the virus develop the sores.

Cold sore vs. canker sore

Cold sores inside your mouth aren’t cold sores at all — they’re canker sores (mouth ulcers). Cold sores and canker sores look and feel similar, although canker sores can be quite painful. They’re both small, round sores that develop near your mouth. But canker sores only develop inside your mouth, including:

• On your gums.
• Inside your cheeks and lips.
• Under your tongue.
• On the back of your throat.

Canker sores have a variety of causes. But unlike cold sores, they don’t occur due to a virus, and they aren’t contagious. Causes of canker sores may include:

• Injuries to the inside of your mouth.
• Vitamin deficiencies.
• Stress.
• Hormonal changes.
• Food allergies.
• Health conditions that affect your immune system.

Symptoms and Causes

What does a cold sore look like?

Cold sores first look like small blisters that form around your lips and mouth. A cold sore on your lip usually only affects one side of your mouth. They can also show up on your cheeks, nose and chin. After two to three days, the blisters often start to ooze and then form a crust. Healing typically occurs within one to two weeks.

What happens the first time you get a cold sore?

For many people, cold sore symptoms are more severe the first time they have an outbreak. You may experience the following cold sore stages:

1. The first sign is often a tingling, burning or itching sensation on or around your lips. This cold sore early stage begins about 12 to 24 hours before the sore develops.
2. The area becomes red, swollen and painful as the blisters form.
3. Over the next two to three days, the blisters rupture and ooze a clear or slightly yellow fluid. This is sometimes called the “weeping phase.”
4. About four to five days after the cold sore appears, it crusts and scabs over. It might crack or bleed as it heals.
5. The scab then falls off, revealing skin that may be a little more pink or reddish than usual for a few days. It usually takes one to two weeks for the sore to heal completely.

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are sometimes called oral herpes because the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes them. This virus is very common and highly contagious. It spreads through saliva or close contact — often through kissing or by sharing utensils, straws, towels or lip balm with someone who has a cold sore.

You may not know HSV-1 has infected you because the symptoms of exposure to HSV-1 are generally mild. After initial exposure to HSV-1, children sometimes develop a fever and small blisters inside and around their mouths.

How do you get cold sores?

After HSV-1 has infected you, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive (dormant) in a group of nerve cells in your face called the trigeminal ganglion. Because it can be dormant, some people aren’t aware they have the virus for months or even years after exposure.

When something triggers — or activates — the virus, it “wakes up” and travels through your nerves to your lips, where a cold sore develops. After an outbreak, the virus goes back to sleep in your body.

What triggers a cold sore in one person might not cause an outbreak in another person. Some people with HSV-1 never develop sores.

A variety of factors can activate a cold sore, including:

• Hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy.
• Sunburn.
• Extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
• Stress (physical or emotional).
• Fatigue.
• Fever and illness, such as cold or flu.
• Damaged, dry or cracked lips.

Are cold sores contagious?

Yes, cold sores are highly contagious. They can spread easily from person to person through saliva or direct contact with a person who has one.

How long are cold sores contagious?

In healthy people, cold sores generally clear up on their own in one to two weeks. You’re contagious until all of the sores have scabbed over.

What are the complications of cold sores?

Although complications from cold sores are rare, they can include:

• Eye infections: The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) can spread to your eye when you touch a cold sore and then touch your eye. If HSV-1 spreads to your eye, it can cause HSV keratitis, a potentially serious infection of your cornea. Severe HSV keratitis infections can lead to blindness.
• Genital sores: HSV-1 can spread to your genitals through oral sex. This can produce warts or ulcers on your genitals or anus. However, HSV-1 isn’t the same virus that causes most cases of genital herpes. That’s HSV-2.

For certain groups of people, cold sores can lead to serious complications. The following groups of people should receive medical treatment immediately if they have a cold sore:

• Newborns: Babies younger than 6 months old may develop complications such as high fever and seizures because their immune systems aren’t fully developed yet.
• People with compromised immune systems: For people with weakened immune systems, the herpes simplex virus can lead to encephalitis (swelling of the brain). If you have HIV or are receiving chemotherapy treatment, sores could be more severe and could take longer to go away.
• People witheczema: The herpes simplex virus can cause a life-threatening infection called eczema herpeticum in adults and children with eczema. It’s important to see your healthcare provider right away if you have eczema and you develop a cold sore.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is a cold sore diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will probably be able to tell if you have a cold sore by looking at the affected area. They may also swab the sore to test the fluid for the herpes simplex virus.

How do I know if I have a cold sore?

If you’ve had one before, you’ll likely recognize the symptoms: a tingling sensation followed by redness, swelling and blisters on or around your lips. You can visit your provider for a diagnosis, although it’s not always necessary.

Management and Treatment

How to get rid of cold sores

You can’t cure oral herpes. The goal of treatment is to heal the outbreak, but it can’t cure the virus. Once you have it, you have it for life.

Although it may take a while to get rid of a cold sore, some medicines can shorten the healing time and make the symptoms less painful. Cold sore treatment may include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: You can buy cold sore medicine without a prescription. These are creams or ointments that you apply directly to the sore. If you start using these creams when you first notice tingling or itching — before the cold sore forms — you may be able to prevent it from appearing.
• Oral antiviral medicine: To treat cold sores, your provider may prescribe an antiviral medication that you take by mouth (orally).
• Intravenous (IV) antiviral medicine: If other medications aren’t working, your provider may need to prescribe an antiviral medication that they’ll give to you through an IV. In this case, your provider will monitor you closely throughout treatment.

Prevention

How can you prevent cold sores?

To avoid getting HSV-1, you should take the following precautions around people who have cold sores:

• Avoid kissing, intimate contact and oral sex with someone who has a sore.
• Don’t share towels, razors, dishes, cutlery, straws, lip balm or lipstick.
• Wash your hands before touching your lips, eyes or genitals.

If you’ve already come into contact with HSV-1, take the following steps to reduce your risk of a cold sore outbreak:

• Try to stay healthy: A fever can trigger a cold sore, which is why people sometimes call them fever blisters.
• Get enough rest: Fatigue weakens your immune system and makes you more likely to get sick.
• Wear lip balm with SPF: Protecting your lips from sunburn can help you avoid an outbreak.

If you have a cold sore, be careful around babies. Always wash your hands, and don’t kiss a baby until the sore has healed completely.

Outlook / Prognosis

What’s the outlook for people who have cold sores?

The majority of people who develop cold sores learn to live with and manage their outbreaks. They typically clear up quickly and have no lasting effects. However, in certain groups of people, cold sores can cause life-threatening infections. Newborns, people with eczema and people with compromised immune systems should see a provider right away.

How long do cold sores last?

In healthy people, cold sores usually clear up in one to two weeks.

Living With

What can I do to help relieve the symptoms of cold sores?

While cold sores are uncomfortable, you can find relief at home. Suggestions to help manage them include:

• Use over-the-counter creams and ointments: Wondering how to get rid of cold sores fast? Creams and ointments can shorten the healing time and ease your symptoms. They’re most effective when you use them as soon as you feel a sore coming on.
• Take pain relievers: If you’re in a lot of pain, your provider may recommend an over-the-counter topical pain reliever such as lidocaine that you can apply directly to the sore. You can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen by mouth to ease your discomfort.
• Wear sunscreen and SPF lip balm: It’s important to make sure a sore doesn’t get sunburned while it’s healing. Also, wearing a lip balm with SPF 30 every day could prevent future cold sores.
• Avoid acidic foods: Orange juice, tomatoes and other acidic foods can aggravate a sore.
• Apply a cool compress: You can use a cool, damp washcloth to soothe a cold sore. Apply it for a few minutes off and on throughout the day. Be sure to wash the towel after you’ve used it to avoid spreading the virus to others.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should seek treatment for a cold sore if you have:

• Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis).
• Numerous, frequent or extremely painful cold sores.
• An outbreak that doesn’t clear up on its own within two weeks.
• Sores on your eyes, hands, genitals or another part of your body.
• HIV or cancer.
• A compromised immune system, or if you’re getting chemotherapy or taking medication that weakens your immune system.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Once you contract HSV-1, you have the virus for life. Some people will never develop a cold sore, but others will experience regular outbreaks. Once a cold sore starts, it has to run its course. Although it can be bothersome, it typically goes away on its own within two weeks. If you develop a cold sore and have a weakened immune system or eczema, talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll help you determine the best treatment option and avoid complications.

Stages of cold sore development: What to know

Cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, are caused by nongenital herpes simplex virus type 1. People can develop a cold sore on their lips or in their mouth.

Transmission of the nongenital herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) occurs during childhood through nonsexual contact, but adults can contract the infection through sexual activity. HSV-1 hibernates inside skin cells and neurons under the skin until a trigger stimulates it.

Before the cold sore appears, people may feel a burning, stinging, or itching sensation on their lips. For best results, doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as the tingling begins, before the cold sore appears.

In this article, we discuss the stages of a cold sore and what to do if a cold sore develops. We also explore how doctors treat the infection and how people can avoid getting a cold sore.

A cold sore develops in five stages and will typically last between 9 and 12 days.

Stage 1

Initially, people will feel a tingling, itching, or burning sensation underneath the skin around the mouth or base of the nose. Doctors call this the prodrome stage.

Other symptoms that may occur during this stage include:

• malaise
• fever
• tender or swollen lymph nodes

At this first stage of the cold sore, people will not see a blister. People with recurring cold sores may present milder symptoms. Doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as these symptoms begin.

Treatment for cold sores may include oral or topical medications. Sometimes people will use both types to treat a cold sore.

Oral medications for cold sores include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Topical treatments for cold sores include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax) cream
• docosanol (Abreva)
• penciclovir (Denavir) cream

Treatment aims to shorten the duration of the cold sore. In one study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, researchers found that high doses and short courses of valacyclovir may reduce the duration of a cold sore by about 1 day.

Taking medication when symptoms first appear can prevent or block the cold sore from appearing.

Stage 2

If the person does not use any medication, a fluid-filled blister will likely develop around 1 to 2 days after the initial symptoms.

Stage 3

The third stage, which occurs around day 4, involves the blister opening up and releasing its fluid. Doctors call this stage the ulcer or weeping stage. If another person comes into contact with the blister’s fluid, they may develop a cold sore as well.

Cold sores are contagious and tend to be painful during this stage.

Stage 4

Between days 5 and 8, the cold sore will dry up, leaving a yellow or brown crust. The crust will eventually flake off.

People must take care of the scab during this stage because it can crack or break.

Stage 5

The final stage of a cold sore is the healing stage.

Several scabs may form and flake off during this stage. Every new scab will be smaller and smaller until the wound heals completely. Most often, the cold sore will not leave a scar.

Some doctors suggest that a cold sore can last around 2 to 6 weeks .

People who come into contact with another person’s cold sore may be at risk of infection. However, they would have to come into contact with the fluid when the blister ruptures.

Some people may develop recurring cold sores. According to the American Family Physician (AAP), various stimuli can awaken the hibernating virus, such as:

• stress
• fever
• sun exposure
• extremes in temperature
• ultraviolet radiation
• a compromised immune system
• injury

When a cold sore enters the ulcer or weeping stage, around the fourth day, the cold sore becomes contagious.

People who come into contact with the fluid from another person’s open blister can develop a cold sore between 2 to 20 days after contact.

People can come into contact with fluid from another person’s cold sore through kissing or sharing utensils, drinkware, cosmetics, or towels.

Doctors suggest that treating a cold sore at the start of symptoms, before the blister appears, may prevent the cold sore from appearing.

People with a history of cold sores can usually detect the initial symptoms and know they need to start treatment right away.

Some people get chronic cold sores and may require preventive treatments. Taking acyclovir or valacyclovir every day may prevent cold sores.

According to the AAP, the recommended doses for each drug are:

• acyclovir 400 milligrams (mg), twice daily
• valacyclovir 500 mg, once daily

People with chronic cold sores will need to take preventive treatments regularly. Also, doctors and dentists recommend:

• eating foods high in lysine, such as red meats, fish, and dairy
• applying sunscreen to the face and lips before going outside throughout the year
• shaving with a disposable razor blade when a cold sore appears
• replacing toothbrushes
• avoiding stress

People should avoid intimate contact with people who have cold sores. Avoid sharing utensils, toothbrushes, towels, and razors.

People with cold sores should avoid touching the blister, and if they do, they need to wash their hands thoroughly.

Cold sores are a common infection of nongenital HSV-1 that people can contract through sexual and nonsexual activities.

People who start treatment when they feel tingling and itching around their lips may block the cold sore from appearing.

If a cold sore appears, it will go through five stages from the prodrome stage to healing. During the ulcer stage, people can transmit the virus to another person. The fluid in the blister contains the virus. People with cold sores must avoid kissing and sharing utensils, towels, and drinkware.

A person may have a cold sore for about 2 weeks, but some doctors suggest that a cold sore can last up to 6 weeks. Medications can help shorten the duration of a cold sore.

Last medically reviewed on January 15, 2020

• Dermatology
• Ear, Nose, and Throat
• Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses

How we reviewed this article:

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Saleh, D., & Sharma, S. (2019). Herpes simplex type 1.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482197/
• Spruance, S. L., et al. (2003). High-dose, short-duration, early valacyclovir therapy for episodic treatment of cold sores: Results of two randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC149313/
• Usatine, R. P., & Tinitigan, R. (2010). Nongenital herpes simplex virus.
  https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/1101/p1075.html
• What are cold sores? (2012).
  http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=C&iid=298&aid=1149

Celebration of herpes in Kiev. Symptoms and diagnosis of herpes simplex.

Herpes simplex (herpes simplex) – infectious viral disease, as for statistics, the most widespread among uncontrolled infections. “Uncontrolled infection” in medicine means that in this hour there is no effective splintering, or a specific method of treatment, which allows you to see the alarm from the body of a person more often. Z ієї cause the herpes virus present in 80% of people on the planet. There are two antigenic serotypes of the herpes simplex virus (HSV): the first type of HSV-1 (which attacks the upper part of the body) and the other type of HSV-2 (which attacks the lower part of the body).

For HSV-1, in most cases, infection occurs in children with a contact-butt or rubbed-drop route, or a state route for HSV-2. When the herpes virus first enters the human body, as a rule, it does not cause any symptoms. Postupova persistence (expansion) of the virus in the body is also asymptomatic (not clear). In the distant, that for singing (not) friendly minds, the infection can easily manifest itself in the form of whiskers on the skin, or on the mucous membranes. For accelerated reproduction of the virus and the appearance of whiskers, the cream of the weakening of the global immunological control, may appear and mіstseve (epidermal) damage to the immune system.

Sound, as it was already said, the infection is attacking the lungs of the skin and mucous membranes – especially the mouth, the mucous membranes of the mouth, the scapulae, the external shells and the organs of the body. Depending on the nature, localization, stage of infection, as well as on the strength to relapse, one can see herpes simplex primary and herpes simplex recurrent .

Headache symptoms of herpes: appearance of pustules and rashes on the lesions. Before the appearance of the visible signs of the skin in these zones, sound strongly itching, stinging, the liver is visible. Vmіst puhirtsіv a handful of insights, and after a decade of days it becomes kalamutny. Approximately in 5-7 days, the puffs will dry up with the adoptions of yellow patches, and then (after a couple of days) they will fall, leaving behind them small hyperpigmented patches, as if they are not a problem.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

Treatment for herpes at the Brenner clinic

For the treatment of primary symptoms and in case of recurrence of herpes, vicarious drugs are used, such as acyclovir (“Zovirax”, “Geviran”) , valaciclovir (“Valtrex”), famciclovir (“Famvir”), which appear both in tablets and in the form of creams and ointments. Also, the course of treatment includes the intake of immunomodulators, vitamins of group B and ascorbic acid.

People with acute herpes should try to maintain social distance, and more importantly – minimize the possibility of infecting a partner.

# Procedure	Trivality, cold	Price, UAH
nerologist, dermatocosmetologist	30	500
2 Repeated consultation with a dermatovenereologist, dermatocosmetologist	30	350
3 Consultation with a dermatovenereologist of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences Sciences	30	750
4 Repeated consultation with a higher category dermatovenereologist, Ph. D. Sciences	30	500
5 Child dermatologist consultation	30	650
6 Consultation of a dermatosurgeon, oncosurgeon, higher category, candidate of medical sciences Sciences	30	750
7 Consultation with a dermatologist	30	600
8 Dermoscopy with polarized light Dermlite (up to 5 days)	30	450
9 Dermoscopy with polarized light Dermlite, full body	45	1200
10 Control examination of the doctor	30	250
11 Control examination of the doctor with dressing	30	390
# Procedure	Trivality, cold	Price, UAH
1 matoscopy FotoFinder (1-3 dens) (consultation of a dermatologist with photofixation of dens)	45	900
2 Digital Electron Dermatoscopy FotoFinder (1-3 plates) (consultation of a dermatologist of the highest category, K. M.N., with photographic fixation)	45	1000
3 Digital Electron Dermatoscopy FotoFinder (1-3 days) (without consultation / re-photofixation)	30	600
4 Digital electron dermatoscopy FotoFinder (4-8 divisions) (consultation of a dermatologist of the highest category, KMN, with photofixation of division)	60	1500

© Author: Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor-dermatovenereologist of the highest category Perekhrestenko Andriy Petrovich

WHAT IS LABITAL HERPES AND HOW TO TREAT IT?

WHAT IS LABITAL HERPES AND HOW IS IT TREATED?

Herpes labialis (SH), or “cold on the lips” is a viral disease that manifests itself in the form of a single or repeated lesion of the epithelium in the lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2.

Between 70% and 90% of people are infected with HSV in different countries. The structural features of HSV allow it to remain in the body until the end of life after primary infection, periodically renewing its activity when the defenses of the human body decrease.

In the treatment of herpes, several types of actions are used:

1) antiviral, aimed at suppressing the reproduction of viral particles;

2) immunomodulatory, aimed at activating the protective mechanisms of immunity (interferons, interferon inducers, etc.);

3) symptomatic, aimed at reducing the severity of unpleasant symptoms and faster healing of lesions (antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, painkillers, regenerating agents;

4) prophylactic, aimed at preventing secondary infections (antiseptics) and subsequent relapses (vaccination, improvement immune status).

The main antiviral agents used in modern medicine are acyclovir and penciclovir. However, with the weakening of the immune defense and / or prolonged use of these drugs, the virus may develop resistance to their action. Therefore, in the world clinical practice, the search for tools that allow for a more effective and stable effect in the treatment of HSV does not stop.

The new drug Gerpenox, developed for the treatment and prevention of HSV-induced damage to the skin and mucous membranes in the oral area, seems promising. It is intended for topical application, which prevents its accumulation in the blood and significantly reduces the load on the organs responsible for the inactivation of medicinal components and the excretion of metabolites. At the same time, Gerpenox is highly effective against herpes labialis, which is due to its complex action – antiviral, immunomodulatory, symptomatic and preventive. The main active organic component of the drug, on the one hand, suppresses the reproduction of HSV, and on the other hand, enhances the production of protective factors of humoral immunity (cytokines and antibodies).

The use of Gerpenox significantly reduces the duration of the course of all stages of herpes labialis, regardless of the time of the start of therapy. But Herpenox has the strongest effect, like any antiherpetic drug, when used from the moment the first symptoms appear.

Modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of labial herpes of the mouth based on local monotherapy

The mucous membrane of the oral cavity and the red border of the lips are the site of exposure to external and internal factors and the manifestation of various diseases. The treatment of diseases of this localization is a section that requires the dentist to have knowledge not only of the basics of dentistry, but also of general clinical disciplines, which is decisive in the treatment of patients with diseases of the oral mucosa.

HOW DANGEROUS HERPES SIMPLE

Herpes infection is one of the most common, poorly controlled, difficult-to-treat human infections. 90% of the population suffers from periodic rashes on the lips and skin around the mouth, accompanied by mild malaise, fever and other signs of an acute viral infection. In weakened people, the herpes virus can affect the nervous system, skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs.

HERPES PREVENTION

Probably, many are familiar with the feeling of resentment, frustration and even anger when you wake up in the morning and all plans are ruined just because of one annoying nuisance – a “cold” on your lips!

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Suitable for the prevention of herpes
If you find yourself in a situation that usually ends with herpetic eruptions for you (hypothermia, dental treatment, seasonal infection, etc.), then start using the gel in advance, before the first symptoms of herpes appear. In many cases, this will help avoid the problem, or at least reduce the infection.
One of the active ingredients
R.O.C.S toothpaste Bionica
is Glycyrrhiza glabra
(licorice)
Licorice extract is a source of biostimulants with a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, the main of which is the triterpene glycoside glycyrrhizin.