Oral herpes refers to an infection of the tissues around the mouth with one of the two herpesviruses, herpes simplex virus 1 or 2. It is a very common infection that produces the characteristic cold sore or fever blister. The virus resides deep in the nerve roots and may reactivate at a later time, causing the same symptoms and signs in the same location. Oral herpes is also referred to as herpes labialis.
Signs and symptoms of HSV-1 infection include painful, sore lips with tiny fluid-filled lesions (blisters), ulcers, and redness. Other associated symptoms include tingling or burning pain in the lips. Symptoms go away within 1-2 weeks but often reoccur throughout life due to reactivation of the virus.
Cause of oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters)
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause of oral herpes.
Other oral herpes (cold sores) symptoms and signs
- Painful, Sore Lips
- Skin Redness
- Tiny Fluid-Filled Lesions (Blisters)
- Ulcers Inside the Mouth
SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
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Cold Sores Causes, Remedies, & Diagnosis
How do you get rid of cold sores? First learn about the herpes virus and how it causes cold sores. When are cold sores...
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Picture of Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)
Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. See a picture of Cold...
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Picture of Cold Sores Treatment
You can't cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and...
Examples of Medications for Oral Herpes (Cold Sores) Symptoms and Signs
- acetaminophen rectal
- acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine
- acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
- acyclovir, Zovirax
- aloe
- artificial saliva
- benzonatate
- brompheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
- Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine
- camphor
- chlorpheniramine
- dextromethorphan
- docosanol cream
- echinacea
- eucalyptus
- famciclovir, Famvir
- fluoride
- foscarnet
- gotu kola
- guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide
- hexylresorcinol
- licorice
- lysine
- Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide)
- oxymetazoline intranasal
- pau d’arco
- pectin oropharyngeal
- penciclovir cream - topical, Denavir
- phenylephrine nasal
- propolis
- pseudoephedrine
- remdesivir
- Side Effects of Claritin D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine)
- Side Effects of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide)
- Side Effects of Zovirax (acyclovir)
- valacyclovir
- zinc
- Zinc for Colds: Lozenges & Nasal Sprays
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