A herpes lesion on the face, also referred to as a cold sore or fever blister, is a painful fluid-filled blister caused by the herpes simplex virus-1, or HSV-1. Although most commonly associated with the lips, these blisters can form anywhere on the face, inside of the mouth and inside of the nose, says TeensHealth from Nemours. Herpes simplex virus-1 is the most common type of the herpes viruses.
Types of Infection
There are two types of HSV-1 infections: primary and recurrent. A primary infection occurs directly after contact with the virus. The infection will start immediately, but it can take two to 20 days for the sores to actually appear, says the American Academy of Dermatology. The sores usually last for seven to 10 days and tend to ooze and form a crust, which eventually falls off. Once the sores heal, the virus remains stagnant in the nerve cells.
The virus can become reactivated by fever, prolonged sun exposure and trauma. If the viruses become activated again, they cause a recurrent infection. Like primary infection, a recurrent infection is characterized by blisters on the face, but the blisters tend to be smaller and the infection less severe.
Causes
Most people become infected with herpes simplex virus-1 at a young age. TeensHealth notes that the viruses are most commonly contracted during preschool years from contact with an infected child. They can also be transmitted through direct skin contact with adults who carry the infection. The virus is most contagious when a lesion is present, but can be spread during times of remission as well.
Symptoms
The herpes simplex virus-1 usually causes symptoms before a lesion on the face is visible. Initially, a person infected with the virus will feel tingling and numbness in the affected area. The tingling and numbness is soon followed by throbbing and slight burning pain. The affected area will then turn red and become slightly inflamed. Eventually, the inflamed area will blister and open up into a lesion or sore. The lesions may also be accompanied by fever and swollen glands in the neck, notes MedlinePlus.
Treatment
Treatment for herpes simplex virus-1 consists of oral antiviral medications that can suppress outbreaks and prevent or reduce the number of recurrences. The virus is never completely expelled from the body. Topical over-the-counter medications are also available to reduce the symptoms of a cold sore and shorten the duration of the outbreak.
Considerations
It is important to note that the herpes simplex virus-1 is not the same virus that causes genital herpes. The virus that causes lesions on the genitals is called herpes simplex virus-2. However, the herpes simplex virus-1 can be spread to the genitals during oral to genital contact.
