Summary about Disease
Oral herpes, also known as herpes labialis, is a common viral infection that causes sores around the mouth and lips. These sores are commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). While there is no cure, treatment can help manage outbreaks and reduce their frequency.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of oral herpes is the appearance of painful blisters or sores, usually on or around the lips. Before the blisters appear, you may experience:
Tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the mouth
Pain or tenderness around the lips
Redness around the affected area Once the blisters appear, they typically:
Are small, fluid-filled blisters
May occur in clusters
Eventually break open, forming a crust
May be accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, or headache (especially during the first outbreak)
Causes
Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus is highly contagious and is typically spread through:
Direct contact, such as kissing
Sharing personal items like razors, towels, or utensils
Oral sex Once infected, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells near the site of infection. Certain triggers can reactivate the virus, leading to an outbreak. Common triggers include:
Stress
Illness
Sun exposure
Hormonal changes
Fatigue
Certain foods
Medicine Used
Antiviral medications are used to treat oral herpes. These medications can help to:
Speed up healing time
Reduce pain
Prevent outbreaks Common antiviral medications include:
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Famciclovir (Famvir) These medications are available in oral and topical forms. Topical creams or ointments are often used for mild outbreaks, while oral medications are more effective for severe or frequent outbreaks. Over-the-counter creams like docosanol (Abreva) can also help speed healing.
Is Communicable
Yes, oral herpes is highly communicable. It is most contagious when blisters are present, but it can still be spread even when there are no visible sores. The virus spreads through direct contact with the affected area or with saliva containing the virus.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of oral herpes and reduce the frequency of outbreaks:
Avoid close contact (kissing, sharing utensils, etc.) with others when you have an active outbreak.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area.
Avoid touching your eyes after touching a cold sore, as this can spread the infection to your eyes (herpes keratitis).
Avoid sharing personal items like razors, towels, and lip balm.
Identify and avoid triggers that cause outbreaks, such as stress, sun exposure, or certain foods.
Use sunscreen on your lips to prevent sun-induced outbreaks.
Consider antiviral medication to prevent recurrent outbreaks if they are frequent or severe.
How long does an outbreak last?
An outbreak of oral herpes typically lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. The blisters usually heal within 7 to 10 days.
How is it diagnosed?
Oral herpes is usually diagnosed based on a visual examination of the sores. A doctor can often identify the characteristic appearance of the blisters and confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a laboratory test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. This test may involve:
Viral culture: A sample of fluid from a blister is taken and tested for the presence of the herpes simplex virus.
PCR test: A sample is taken and tested for the virus's DNA.
Timeline of Symptoms
The typical timeline of symptoms for an oral herpes outbreak is as follows:
Prodromal phase (1-2 days): Tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the mouth.
Blister phase (2-4 days): Small, fluid-filled blisters appear on or around the lips.
Ulcer phase (2-4 days): The blisters break open and form shallow, painful ulcers.
Crusting phase (3-5 days): The ulcers dry out and form a crust.
Healing phase (5-10 days): The crust falls off, and the skin heals completely.
Important Considerations
Neonatal Herpes: Oral herpes can be dangerous for newborns. Pregnant women with oral herpes should take precautions to prevent transmission to the baby during delivery.
Herpes Keratitis: If HSV-1 spreads to the eyes, it can cause herpes keratitis, a serious eye infection that can lead to blindness. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience eye pain, redness, or blurred vision.
Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, or those undergoing chemotherapy) may experience more severe and frequent outbreaks of oral herpes.
Psychological Impact: Frequent or visible outbreaks can cause emotional distress and affect self-esteem. Support groups and counseling can be helpful.