Oral herpes, or herpes labialis, is a common disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. Infection with the virus can cause painful blistering and other symptoms, but it is possible to have the virus without any signs of illness. The disease can be spread through bodily fluids, such as those exchanged during sexual intercourse. The symptoms of the initial oral herpes outbreak may be different from recurrent flare-ups.
Prodrome Symptoms
Prodrome symptoms are also called warning symptoms. They precede the development of actual herpes blisters by two hours or as much as two days. The tissues near the mouth, cheek, nose and lips may become red and sore during this stage. The skin may burn, tingle or be painful when touched or moved. It is possible for the individual to experience swollen lymph glands, headache, fever, chills and body aches during the prodrome stage. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) suggests that in rare instances the symptoms may impact the face or the tongue.
Blistering
Soon after the prodrome symptoms, blisters will appear. The blisters may occur in clusters or singly. The small, red sores will be fluid-filled and painful. After three or four days the blister can burst and ooze fluid, pus or blood. A scab will develop as the blister begins to heal. The scab is typically yellow and may appear to be soft. The UMM suggests the blisters may be more painful during the initial outbreak than during future outbreaks, because the immune system has not built any antibodies to help speed healing time. The National Institutes of Health points out that several blisters can form near each other, creating one larger blister.
Other Symptoms
Oral herpes can cause increased salivation and bad breath (halitosis). Adolescents with oral herpes may have symptoms in the upper part of the throat, which causes pain and trouble swallowing. In rare instances, oral herpes can cause chills, hearing loss and muscle pain.
