"Blisters on the lips are so painful"... How are they transmitted? Why do they recur frequently?

Lip blisters are the most common form of recurrent infection caused by type 1 herpes simplex virus. Blisters most frequently occur at the border between the lips and skin. They also appear on the nose, chin, cheeks, and oral mucosa.

 

When you catch a cold, flu, or are severely tired or stressed, blisters may form around the mouth. This is a suspected symptom of herpes infection (simplex herpes). It is a disease caused by a virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes, mainly resulting in blisters. It is transmitted through direct contact with skin or skin contact with secretions. Let's review herpes infection based on data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

 

Virus invasion through the mucous membrane... Once infected, recurrence is frequent.

 

Herpes simplex virus is rarely transmitted through the air. It is mainly transmitted through direct contact with a person who is infected with the herpes simplex virus and is shedding the virus from bodily fluids or lesions. The virus invades through mucous membranes such as the mouth-throat, cervix, and conjunctiva of the eyes. Once infected, even if symptoms disappear, the virus can remain dormant in the body's nerve tissues. Factors such as stress, inflammation, immune suppression, and trauma can trigger recurrence.

 

Types of herpes simplex virus... What are the differences between Type 1 and Type 2?

 

There are types 1 and 2 of the herpes simplex virus. According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, type 1 mainly causes infections above the waist (lips, eyes, etc.), while type 2 appears below the waist, especially in the genital area. Infection with type 1 virus typically presents as blisters around the mouth during periods of severe fatigue, stress, cold, or body aches. Infection with type 2 virus is characterized by genital herpes, which occurs mainly in the genital area. It can infect people of all ages, but it is most common among young adults.

 

Symptoms?... Most commonly occur at the border between the lips and skin.

 

Primary infection by type 1 herpes simplex virus commonly manifests as stomatitis or pharyngitis. In adults, adolescents, and school-aged children, primary infection presents more often as pharyngitis or tonsillitis rather than stomatitis. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and vesicles on the pharynx and tonsils. In children aged 6 months to 5 years, stomatitis is the predominant manifestation, accompanied by severe oral pain and high fever, which lasts for 2 to 7 days.

 

Cold sores are the most common symptom caused by type 1 herpes simplex virus infection. Blisters most frequently occur at the border between the lips and skin. They also appear on the nose, chin, cheeks, and oral mucous membranes. Before blisters form, symptoms such as pain, itching, and burning sensations may occur. They heal completely within 6 to 10 days without leaving scars. The infection can also affect the conjunctiva and cornea. It mainly appears in one eye, with blisters forming on the eyelid margin and the skin around the eyes. Infections on the fingers and toes are common in young children who suck their fingers.

 

Genital herpes... The problem is that 90% of infected individuals have no symptoms.

 

Genital herpes mainly occurs in adolescents and young adults with sexual experience. Both type 1 and type 2 are causes. About 90% of infected individuals show no symptoms, increasing the risk of transmission. In primary infections, symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, as well as genital pain, itching, and burning sensations. Subsequently, many blisters form, and recurrences are frequent. Type 2 virus is shed through genital secretions. Caution is needed during sexual contact. It is especially important to remember that it can be transmitted from mother to newborn. If genital infection is confirmed just before delivery, a cesarean section is performed.

 

Treatment methods?... Use of medications such as acyclovir.

 

Most simple herpes virus infections heal naturally by keeping the lesions clean and dry. In cases of skin, mucous membrane, or internal organ infections, they tend to respond relatively well to antiviral agents. The most commonly used antiviral drug, acyclovir, inhibits the replication of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. However, acyclovir may occasionally cause renal dysfunction (kidney issues) if the patient's hydration is inadequate. It is also ineffective against latent infections, so it cannot reduce the likelihood of future recurrences. People with frequent recurrences should consult a dermatologist.

 

There is no preventive vaccine yet... How can we prevent it?

 

There is currently no vaccine developed to prevent herpes simplex virus infection. The transmission of the virus occurs through direct contact between skin and skin, or contact with secretions. Prevention can be achieved by washing hands thoroughly and avoiding contact with lesions or secretions. Genital herpes can be transmitted less frequently by using condoms. It is safest to avoid sexual contact for 3 to 4 days during and after the disappearance of blisters. Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is one of the major causes of viral encephalitis. It can cause personality changes, memory impairment, and language disorders, and delayed treatment increases the risk of death. Herpes simplex virus infection should never be taken lightly.