Herpes labialis (oral Herpes simplex)

Alternative names:

cold sore; fever blister; herpes simplex - oral

Symptoms:

• warning symptoms of itching, burning, increased sensitivity or tingling sensation may occur about 2 days before lesions appear
• skin lesion/rash
  • located around the lips, mouth, and gums

• small blisters (vesicles), filled with clear yellowish fluid
  • blisters appear on a raised, red, painful skin area
  • blisters form, break, and ooze
  • yellow crusts slough to reveal pink, healing skin
  • several smaller blisters may merge to form a larger blister

• mild fever (may occur)

Signs and tests:

Diagnosis is made on the basis of the appearance and/or culture of the lesion. Examination may also show enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

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