Herpes labialis is an infection caused by the
Alternative Names
Cold sore; Fever blister; Herpes simplex - oral
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Herpes labialis is an extremely common disease caused by infection of the mouth area with herpes simplex virus, most often type 1. Most Americans are infected with the type 1 virus by the age of 20.
The initial infection may cause no symptoms or
Herpes viruses are contagious. Contact may occur directly, or through contact with infected razors, towels, dishes, and other shared articles. Occasionally, oral-to-genital contact may spread oral herpes to the genitals (and vice versa). For this reason, people with active herpes lesions on or around the mouths or on the genitals should avoid oral sex.
The first symptoms usually appear within 1 or 2 weeks -- and as late as 3 weeks -- after contact with an infected person. The lesions of herpes labialis usually last for 7 to 10 days, then begin to resolve. The virus may become latent, residing in the nerve cells, with recurrence at or near the original site.
Recurrence is usually milder. It may be triggered by menstruation, sun exposure, illness with













