User:Mr. Ibrahem/Herpes labialis
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a type of infection by the herpes simplex virus that affects primarily the lip.[4] Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores.[1] The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes.[1][8] The rash usually heals within 10 days, but the virus remains dormant in the trigeminal ganglion.[1] The virus may periodically reactivate to create another outbreak of sores in the mouth or lip.[1]
Mr. Ibrahem/Herpes labialis | |
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Other names | Cold sores,[1] fever blisters,[1] herpes simplex labialis,[2] recurrent herpes labialis,[3] orolabial herpes[4] |
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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[1] |
Complications | Herpes encephalitis, herpetic whitlow[5] |
Usual onset | < 20 years old[1] |
Duration | Heals within 10 days[1] |
Causes | Typically herpes simplex virus type 1 (direct contact)[4] |
Diagnostic method | Usually based on symptoms[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Herpangina, aphthous stomatitis, impetigo, mononucleosis[6] |
Prevention | Avoiding exposure, antiviral medication[3][7] |
Treatment | Zinc oxide, anesthetic, or antiviral cream,[1] antivirals by mouth[3] |
Prognosis | Good[1] |
Frequency | 2.5 per 1,000 affected per year[1] |
The cause is usually herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and occasionally herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).[1] The infection is typically spread between people by direct non-sexual contact.[9] Attacks can be triggered by sunlight, fever, psychological stress, or a menstrual period.[1][8] Direct contact with the genitals can result in genital herpes.[1] Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms but can be confirmed with specific testing.[1][8]
Prevention includes avoiding kissing or using the personal items of a person who is infected.[7] A zinc oxide, anesthetic, or antiviral cream appears to decrease the duration of symptoms by a small amount.[1] Antiviral medications may also decrease the frequency of outbreaks.[1][3]
About 2.5 per 1000 people are affected with outbreaks in any given year.[1] After one episode about 33% of people develop subsequent episodes.[1] Onset often occurring in those less than 20 years old and 80% develop antibodies for the virus by this age.[1] In those with recurrent outbreaks, these typically happen less than three times a year.[10] The frequency of outbreaks generally decreases over time.[1]