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Herpes labialis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Cold sore; Fever blister; Herpes simplex - oral; Oral herpes simplex

Symptoms:

Warning symptoms of itching, burning, increased sensitivity, or tingling sensation may occur about 2 days before lesions appear.

Skin lesions or rash around the lips, mouth, and gums
Small blisters (vesicles) filled with clear yellowish fluid
- Blisters on a raised, red, painful skin area
- Blisters that form, break, and ooze
- Yellow crusts that slough to reveal pink, healing skin
- Several smaller blisters that merge to form a larger blister
Mild fever (may occur)

Signs and tests:

Diagnosis is made on the basis of the appearance 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.

Herpes simplex - close-up

Reviewed last on: 5/21/2008
D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gonsalves WC. Common oral lesions: Part I. Superficial mucosal lesions. Am Fam Physician. Feb 2007; 75(4): 501-7.

Fatahzadeh M. Human herpes simplex virus infections: epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. Nov. 2007; 57(5): 737-63.

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