Herpes Labialis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate herpes labialis: Symptoms of primary infection Gingivostomatitis herpetica (stomatitis aphthosa; oral thrush) – inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomatitis) and/or gums (gingivitis) with vesicle formation. Especially in young children, the following accompanying symptoms may occur: General feeling of illness Headache Fever Local lymphadenopathy (lymph node enlargement). Aphthae (painful … Herpes Labialis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Herpes Labialis: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) Herpes labialis is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Less commonly (but increasingly), herpes labialis is also caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which for a long time was considered the exclusive causative agent of genital herpes. The initial infection with HSV-1 occurs through saliva contact … Herpes Labialis: Causes

Herpes Labialis: Therapy

General measures Observance of the general hygiene measures! Avoid direct contact with the herpes lesions. In the presence of fever: Bed rest and physical rest (even with only a slight fever). Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated! (Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; old, weakened people; patients with a weakened … Herpes Labialis: Therapy

Herpes Labialis: Test and Diagnosis

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Herpes simplex virus type 1 antibodies (IgG; IgM). Herpes simplex virus type 1 virus culture from vesicle contents. HSV-1 PCR – direct detection of viral DNA by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) from … Herpes Labialis: Test and Diagnosis

Herpes Labialis: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets Improvement of the symptomatology Control of complications Therapy recommendations For simple herpes labialis, symptomatic therapy is sufficient. Virostasis (antivirals; agents that inhibit the replication of viruses). However, local (“locally acting”) virostatics, such as aciclovir (as a topical drug), should be applied when the burning sensation on the lip begins (prodromal stage). Systemic antivirals: … Herpes Labialis: Drug Therapy

Herpes Labialis: Prevention

To prevent herpes labialis, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Emotional stress, psychological stress. Disease-related risk factors. Injuries, poisonings and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98). Injuries, unspecified Other risk factors Perimenstrual and menstrual (before and during menstruation). Herpes solaris due to sun exposure Groups of patients who should see … Herpes Labialis: Prevention

Herpes Labialis: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of herpes labialis. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms have you noticed? How long have the blisters existed on your lip? Have … Herpes Labialis: Medical History

Herpes Labialis: Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by a herpes labialis infection: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Herpes simplex pneumonia in immunosuppression – pneumonia caused by herpes simplex virus. Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis – inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Eczema herpeticatum … Herpes Labialis: Complications

Herpes Labialis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, oral cavity and pharynx (throat) [gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa), pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat); Leading symptoms … Herpes Labialis: Examination