Herpes Simplex virus1 (HSV 1) is the most common cause of cold sores or herpes labialis.
This presents with grouped painful blisters on the lips and oral mucosa. The base of the blisters is usually red. The blister may dry up and form crusts or scabs. This usually resolves in 1 to 2 weeks.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 can cause similar blisters on other sites of the body as well. They can less commonly affect:
- the fingers (herpetic whitlow)
- buttocks
- and genital area (herpes genitalis)
HSV infections tend to be recurrent as the virus resides in the nerves and cannot be completely cleared from the body. The virus has a tendency to reactivate and cause the symptoms again, usually at the same site. The frequency of the recurrences tend to diminish with time.
Early treatment with oral anti-viral agents can help to shorten the clinical course of the disease.
