HERPES LABIALIS

Herpes is an affection of the skin, characterized by the development of small cluster of vesicles, usually situated on a slightly reddened or inflamed surface, and in the immediate neighborhood of the mouth.

The vesicles appear unattended with any pain other than a slight burning or itching sensation and last for few hours or a day or two. They then rupture and exit to a slight serous discharge, when they dry up and leave a surface which heals in a short time without scars.

Herpes labialis usually attacks children or women; it frequently comes on as a sequel of a cold or slight febrile attack. Herpes labialis may be a single group of vesicles or there may be several eruptions may be confined to one side of the face, affecting either the upper or lower lip, or both.