Mouth herpes, also called oral herpes, occurs when an individual is infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1. It is possible for herpes simplex virus type 2, which normally leads to genital herpes, to cause lesions of the mouth. Nearly all individuals are susceptible to this type of infection, which can be contracted from one person to another via fluids from the blisters. Symptoms share some similarities but each outbreak and every individual's experience can be different.
No Symptoms
Many individuals have no symptoms following exposure to the virus. MedlinePlus suggests this asymptomatic phase can last as long as three weeks. In some cases only a fever will develop.
Warning Symptoms
Prodrome symptoms, also called warning signs, can occur prior to an actual herpes outbreak. These symptoms, as indicated by the American Social Health Association, include tingling, burning, itching and redness on the skin where the lesions will soon appear. This typically includes the skin surrounding the mouth, the cheeks and sometimes inside the nose. The warning symptoms last a few hours or up to a few days before actual lesions appear.
Blistering and Illness
The first episode of blistering, called primary infection, may be worse than future outbreaks. Following the prodrome phase, the individual can develop small red blisters that are full of fluid. The blisters may occur separately or in small clusters. The American Social Health Association describes the blisters as resembling a bug bite, pimple or other minor skin blemish.
The herpes virus is like any other viral infection and can trigger various immune system responses. This includes a fever, chills, sore throat or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms are not as likely during recurrent episodes.
Ulcers and Scabs
Whether the blisters occur in the primary episode or in recurrent episodes, they will burst after one or two days and ooze clear liquids or blood. This ulcer stage can be painful. The skin surrounding the blisters is often sore and the ulcers make eating or moving the mouth uncomfortable. After one or two days the ulcers will form a yellow scab surrounded by inflamed skin. Over the course of several days, the scab will fall off and reform before the blister heals entirely. While these blisters are healing, a second crop may appear. The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that when the scabs fall off, the skin is often pink for a few days before it returns to normal. Herpes doesn't typically scar unless the individual picks the blisters and scabs.
