St. Luke's Hospital
Chesterfield, Missouri

















For Physicians

Honors & Awards
Disease and ConditionsInjuriesNutritionPoison Reference
Other Preventive TopicsSurgeriesSymptomsTests
2
4
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Herpes simplex - close-up
Herpes simplex - close-up
Erythema multiforme on the leg
Erythema multiforme on the leg
Erythema multiforme on the hand
Erythema multiforme on the hand
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Herpes labialis (oral Herpes simplex)

Alternative Names:
Cold sore; Fever blister; Herpes simplex - oral

Treatment:

Untreated, the symptoms will generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks. Antiviral medications may be given by mouth to may shorten the course of the symptoms and decrease pain.

Wash blisters gently with soap and water to minimize the spread of the virus to other areas of skin. An antiseptic soap may be recommended. Applying ice or warmth to the area may reduce pain.

Take precautions to avoid infecting others (see Prevention).



Expectations (prognosis):
Herpes labialis usually disappears spontaneously in 1 to 2 weeks. It may recur. Infection may be severe and dangerous if it occurs in or near the eye, or if it happens in immunosuppressed people.

Complications:

Herpes infection of the eye is a leading cause of blindness in the US, causing scarring of the cornea.



Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate herpes labialis and symptoms persist for longer than 1 or 2 weeks.

Also call if symptoms are severe, or if you have a disorder associated with immunosuppression and you develop herpes symptoms.

Review Date: 7/30/2002
Reviewed By: Christopher Parsons, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com
Site Map

232 South Woods Mill Road - Chesterfield, MO 63017 - 314-434-1500
© St. Luke's Hospital
Website Privacy Policy | Website Terms and Conditions
Patient Notice of Privacy Policies - PDF