Cold sore: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Cold sore | |||
| image = [[File:Herpes(PHIL_1573_lores).jpg|alt=Cold sore on the lip]] | |||
| caption = Cold sore on the lip | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]], [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| synonyms = Fever blister, oral herpes, herpes labialis | |||
| symptoms = [[Blister]]s, [[itching]], [[pain]], [[tingling]] | |||
| complications = [[Herpetic whitlow]], [[herpes simplex encephalitis]], [[herpes simplex keratitis]] | |||
| onset = 2–12 days after exposure | |||
| duration = 7–10 days | |||
| causes = [[Herpes simplex virus]] (HSV-1, sometimes HSV-2) | |||
| risks = [[Stress (biology)|Stress]], [[fatigue]], [[sunburn]], [[fever]], [[menstruation]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[viral culture]], [[PCR]] | |||
| differential = [[Aphthous stomatitis]], [[impetigo]], [[angular cheilitis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Avoiding triggers]], [[sunscreen]], [[antiviral medication]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antiviral drug]]s (e.g., [[acyclovir]], [[valacyclovir]]) | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
| deaths = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Herpes_Labialis.jpg|thumb|Herpes Labialis]] | |||
'''Cold sore''' (also known as '''[[herpes labialis]]''') is a type of [[infection]] caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]] (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Cold sores are most commonly caused by HSV-1. | '''Cold sore''' (also known as '''[[herpes labialis]]''') is a type of [[infection]] caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]] (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Cold sores are most commonly caused by HSV-1. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Cold sores are caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]]. Most cold sores are caused by the HSV-1 strain, although the HSV-2 strain, typically associated with [[genital herpes]], can also cause them. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with the sores or even with the saliva of an infected person. | Cold sores are caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]]. Most cold sores are caused by the HSV-1 strain, although the HSV-2 strain, typically associated with [[genital herpes]], can also cause them. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with the sores or even with the saliva of an infected person. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of a cold sore is a painful blister on the lip or around the mouth. Before the blister appears, the person may experience tingling, itching, or burning in the area. The blister will eventually break, leak a clear fluid, and then crust over. Cold sores typically heal within two weeks without leaving a scar. | The primary symptom of a cold sore is a painful blister on the lip or around the mouth. Before the blister appears, the person may experience tingling, itching, or burning in the area. The blister will eventually break, leak a clear fluid, and then crust over. Cold sores typically heal within two weeks without leaving a scar. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
While there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms of a cold sore. [[Antiviral medication]] can help to speed up the healing process, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Over-the-counter treatments can also help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. | While there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms of a cold sore. [[Antiviral medication]] can help to speed up the healing process, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Over-the-counter treatments can also help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention methods for cold sores include avoiding direct contact with the sores or saliva of an infected person, not sharing personal items like toothbrushes or lip balm, and using a lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF) to protect the lips from the sun, as exposure to sunlight can trigger an outbreak. | Prevention methods for cold sores include avoiding direct contact with the sores or saliva of an infected person, not sharing personal items like toothbrushes or lip balm, and using a lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF) to protect the lips from the sun, as exposure to sunlight can trigger an outbreak. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Herpes simplex]] | * [[Herpes simplex]] | ||
* [[Herpes simplex virus]] | * [[Herpes simplex virus]] | ||
* [[Antiviral medication]] | * [[Antiviral medication]] | ||
{{Medicine}} | {{Medicine}} | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
| Line 23: | Line 38: | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:26, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Cold sore | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | Fever blister, oral herpes, herpes labialis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Blisters, itching, pain, tingling |
| Complications | Herpetic whitlow, herpes simplex encephalitis, herpes simplex keratitis |
| Onset | 2–12 days after exposure |
| Duration | 7–10 days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, sometimes HSV-2) |
| Risks | Stress, fatigue, sunburn, fever, menstruation |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, viral culture, PCR |
| Differential diagnosis | Aphthous stomatitis, impetigo, angular cheilitis |
| Prevention | Avoiding triggers, sunscreen, antiviral medication |
| Treatment | Antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | Rare |
Cold sore (also known as herpes labialis) is a type of infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Cold sores are most commonly caused by HSV-1.
Causes[edit]
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Most cold sores are caused by the HSV-1 strain, although the HSV-2 strain, typically associated with genital herpes, can also cause them. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with the sores or even with the saliva of an infected person.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of a cold sore is a painful blister on the lip or around the mouth. Before the blister appears, the person may experience tingling, itching, or burning in the area. The blister will eventually break, leak a clear fluid, and then crust over. Cold sores typically heal within two weeks without leaving a scar.
Treatment[edit]
While there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms of a cold sore. Antiviral medication can help to speed up the healing process, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Over-the-counter treatments can also help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention methods for cold sores include avoiding direct contact with the sores or saliva of an infected person, not sharing personal items like toothbrushes or lip balm, and using a lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF) to protect the lips from the sun, as exposure to sunlight can trigger an outbreak.
See also[edit]
