Herpes labialis (oral Herpes simplex)

Alternative names:

cold sore; fever blister; herpes simplex - oral

Treatment:

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

Antiviral medications such as acyclovir may be given by mouth. They may shorten the course of the symptoms and decrease pain. Wash blisters gently with soap and water to minimize spread of the virus to other areas of skin. An antiseptic soap may be recommended. Ice or warmth to the area may reduce pain. Take precautions to avoid infecting others (see Prevention).

Expectations (prognosis):

Herpes labialis usually disappears spontaneously in 1 to 2 weeks. It may recur. Infection may be severe and dangerous if it occurs in or near the eye, or if it happens in immunosuppressed people.

Complications:

• blindness (herpes infection of the eye is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. because it causes scarring of the cornea--this can be treated in many cases with a corneal transplant)
• spread of herpes to other skin areas
• secondary bacterial skin infections
• recurrence of herpes labialis
• generalized infection--may be life threatening in immunosuppressed people, including those with atopic dermatitis, cancer, HIV infections

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate herpes labialis and symptoms persist for longer than 1 or 2 weeks.

Also call if symptoms are severe, or if you have a disorder associated with immunosuppression and you develop herpes symptoms.