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Cold sores (herpes labialis) are the most common form of herpes.
It is caused by a highly contagious virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV).
The skin affected by cold sores is tight, irritated and itchy. Small, often painful, inflamed vesicles with pus and subsequent crusting occur on the lip. They are usually located outside the mouth or on or around the lips. When they are inside the mouth, it is usually on the gums or on the roof of the mouth.
It usually goes away on its own within a couple of weeks. Antiviral medications can help it heal faster. Treatment is usually done by applying ointments.
- Robyn S Klein, MD, PhD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. Uptodate. Nov 09, 2016.
- Robyn S Klein, MD, PhD. Treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in immunocompetent patients. Uptodate. Sep 25, 2015.
- Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep 2015; 64:1.
- Gilbert SC. Management and prevention of recurrent herpes labialis in immunocompetent patients. Herpes 2007; 14:56.
- PG, Porter SR. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 infection: overview on relevant clinico-pathological features. J Oral Pathol Med 2008; 37:107.
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