Herpes labialis, also known as oral herpes and cold sores, is an infection of the mouth that causes small, painful blisters to develop on the lips, gums or throat. These blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus, a common and highly contagious virus that infects most people by time they reach the age of 20.
Typically, after the first infection, the virus goes to sleep (becomes dormant) in the nerve tissues in the face. Sometimes, the virus later wakes up (reactivates), causing cold sores.
Herpes viruses spread most easily from individuals with an active outbreak or sore. You can catch this virus if you:
- Have intimate or personal contact with someone who is infected with the virus.
- When one touches an open herpes sore or something that has been in contact with the herpes virus, such as infected razors, towels, dishes, and other shared items.
Symptoms of herpes labialis vary from one person to another. It may be mild to severe. They most often appear within 1 to 3 weeks after you come into contact with the virus and may last up to 3 weeks.
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