Herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores on the lip as well as elsewhere on the skin. The most common implicated virus is the herpes simplex virus-1 (or HSV-1), although herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) has also been implicated. HSV-2 is more commonly associated with genital herpetic infections. Depending on the number and severity of the outbreaks, prophylactic treatment to reduce the number of outbreaks may be of benefit.
Cold sore/ herpes infection cysts labials is caused by infection of the lips by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and typically causes small blisters or sores on or around the mouth. The sores typically heal within 2–3 weeks, but the herpes simplex virus remains dormant in the facial nerve branches. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small sores, or blister-like lesions on the face or inside the mouth. They usually cause pain, a burning sensation, or itching before they burst and crust over. Most commonly, cold sores appear on the lips, chin, cheeks, inside the nostrils, and less frequently on the gums or the palate (roof of the mouth). The cold sore virus or herpes simplex virus is very contagious – it is easily transmissible from human-to-human as a result of close contact. Cold sores are quite common. There is no cure or prevention for infected people.