Oral herpes is caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus. There are two strains of this virus. Herpes simplex 1 usually causes oral infections, whereas herpes simplex 2 usually infects the genitals. There is no cure for oral herpes, so once people are infected, they may suffer from periodic outbreaks for the rest of their lives.
Initial Infection
When patients are initially infected with oral herpes, they may develop symptoms between one and three weeks after the infection, Medline Plus explains. Patients may develop small fluid filled vesicles or blisters on the face. These blisters most commonly occur on the lips, but they may also affect the gums, tongue, throat and the rest of the face. The blisters are usually small, red and raised and can be very painful. Inside of the blisters is a yellowish fluid. Ultimately this blisters will break, seep fluid, and turn into open sores. The sores will be covered in a yellow crust, which will then slough off to reveal young and pink skin which is underneath. Sometimes multiple smaller blisters will merge together to form one larger blister, notes Medline Plus. Often patients will also develop a fever, a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in and around their neck. These symptoms can appear before the blisters occur. The symptoms from the initial infection can last for between two and three weeks.
Recurrence
Patients who have oral herpes will often experience periodic outbreaks, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. These recurrences are marked by the appearance of painful blisters, similar to those which occurred after the initial infection. The recurrences typically result in symptoms that are less painful and severe than the symptoms of the initial infection. These blisters usually only affect the lips. Recurrences can be triggered by illness, menstruation, sun exposure or by stress. Some patients have recurrences once or twice a year, whereas others can not experience any recurrences for years.
Prodomal
Before patients experience a recurrence, they may experience what is known as a prodomal stage. The prodomal stage is marked by tingling or itching of the lips and other portions of the face which will be affected. Patients may also develop increased sensitivity of the affected areas as well as a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and a mild fever.
Herpes Keratitis
In some cases an oral herpes infection can spread to the eyes, Health Scout explains. This can result in a condition known as herpes keratitis. This can cause a sensation that something is caught in the eye as well as eye burning and pain. The eyes may also become sensitive to light or secrete a liquid. Herpes keratitis can damage the cornea, resulting in permanent blindness.
