Labial herpes: A small sore situated on the mouth that causes pain, burning, or itching before bursting and crusting over. The favorite locations are on the lips
Synonyms
Labial herpes is also called fever blisters or cold sores.
Viral Agent and Contagion
It is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. The virus lies latent in the body and is reawakened by factors such as stress,sunburn,or fever from a wide range of infectious diseases including colds. Recurrences are less common after age 35. Sunscreen (SPF>15) on the lips prevents recurrences of herpes from sunburn. The virus is highly contagious when fever blisters are present. It is spread by kissing. A patient with fever blisters should be careful not to touch the blisters and spread the virus to new sites, such as the eyes or genitals.
Treatment
There is no cure for fever blisters. Medications that can relieve some of the pain and discomfort include ointments that numb the blisters,antibiotics that control secondary bacterial infections,and ointments that soften the crests of the sores.
Acyclovir, an antiviral drug, prevents the herpes simplex virus from multiplying and,in pill form, has been reported to reduce the symptoms and frequency of recurrence.
Conclusion
It is not recommended to treat the face with Endopeel Techniques in case of presence of herpes labialis .
