Herpes labialis - infection of the lips, mouth, or gums with the herpes simplex virus.

 

What is Herpes labialis ?. 

Herpes labialis

Definition: 

Herpes labialis is infection of the lips , mouth ,or gums with the herpes simplex virus.

It leads to the development of small ,painful blisters commonly called cold sores or fever blisters.

Causes and risk factors.

Herpes labialis is a common disease caused by infection of the mouth area with herpes simplex virus type1.

The initial infection may cause no symptoms or mouth ulcers.

In some people, the virus reacts and produces recurrent cold sores that are usually in the same area, but are not serious.

Clinical manifestations.

The first episode may be mild or severe.

It usually occurs in children between 1 and 5 years old.

·         First symptoms usually appear within 1 or 2 weeks, and as long as 3 weeks ,after contact with the virus. Sore throat and fever that can last upto 5 days may occur before the blisters appear. there may also be swollen glands in the neck.

·         First episode may last 2 to 3 weeks. The lesions may be on the gums ,in the mouth and throat, or on the face. It may hurt swallow. The lesions of herpes labialis usually last.

·         Later episodes are usually milder.

·         May be the triggered by menstruation ,sun exposure, fever, stress, or various other unknown causes.

·         Warning symptoms of itching ,burning ,increased sensitivity, or tingling sensation may occur about 2 days before lesions appear.

 

 

v  Skin lesions or rash around the lips, mouth and gums.

v  Small blisters (vesicles) filled with clear yellowish fluid

v  Blisters on a raised ,red, painful skin area..

v  Blisters that form ,break, and ooze.

v  Yellow crusts that slough to reveal pink, healing skin.

v  Several smaller blisters that merge to form a larger blister.

 

DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION :

Diagnosis is made upon the basis of the appearance or culture of the lesion.

v  Examination may also show enlargement of  lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

v  Viral culture test .

v  Viral test DNA or Tzanck test of the skin lesion may reveal the herpes simplex virus.

 

 

TREATMENT

Untreated , the symptoms will generally go away in 1 to 2 weeks.

v  Antiviral medications along with analgesics taken by mouth may to decrease the pain.

v  Acyclovir , famciclovir , and valacyclovir are the three oral treatments currently available.

v  Antiviral cream  must be applied for every 2 hours.

v  Wash blisters gently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus to other areas of the skin.

v  Lip balms may be applied

 

Prevention :

v  Avoid direct contact with cold sores or other herpes lesions.

v  Minimize the risk of indirect spread by thoroughly washing infected items in hot water before   re-use .

v  Do not share items with an infected person, especially when  herpes lesions are active.

v  Avoid the affected area to the sun exposures.

v  Avoid performing oral sex when you have active herpes lesions on or near your mouth and avoid passive  oral sex with someone who has active  oral or genital herpes lesions.