Common "Herpes Labialis" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Herpes Labialis

The type of herpes infection that results in core sores on the lips is called herpes labialis. Usually, the type 1 virus (HSV-1) causes lesions on the lips and around the mouth. Your doctor might prescribe antiviral ointments or tablets.

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My brother burnt his mouth with a hot beverage. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, My brother had one blood test with herpes simplex IgM diagnosed to be negative, but herpes type 1 was diagnosed to be positive with an index more than 8. Before that he did a test on his tongue and it was negative for herpes. Are these results final? Or is there a chance that he is not...  Read Full »


Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type1 is a very common infection in our population and it usually causes oral lesions known as herpes labialis. At times, the patient is not even aware of the exposure. It can spread through direct contact with the open sores of HSV type 1 i...  Read Full »

How to stop getting a boil like thing on my lips?

Query: Hello doctor, I am starting to get a boil kind of thing on my lips. Picture attached. How can I stop it? I hope it is not herpes.  Read Full »


Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am sorry the picture is slightly blurred (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I am not able to make out if the lesion is a bump or blister or a pustule. It is very important for me to have a clear view of the lesion. Can you please attach clear pictures ...  Read Full »

Me and my girlfriend developed bumps on the lips after kissing each other. Why so?

Query: Hello doctor, Me and my girlfriend kissed each other a few days back. After an hour or so, we both got bumps around our lips. I am worried as the bumps are still present. What to do? Please help.  Read Full »


Dr. Suvash Sahu

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen your query. I have seen the image (the attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). It seems you have developed a cold sore or herpes labialis. Please get checked for serum HSV (herpes simplex virus) for IgG and IgM antibodies. It is an Infectio...  Read Full »

What causes mouth ulcers and sore throat after intercourse?

Query: Hello doctor, Please help me. I had sex with a CSW for the first time, two months back. First, we had oral and penetrative sex using a condom. Then we had oral sex without a condom. The first time, the girl helped me put the condom. But later, I put it myself, as it was the first time. I put it bac...  Read Full »


Dr. Suvash Sahu

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your concern. The window period for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can last up to 12 weeks. HIV infection cannot be diagnosed during this period because antibodies to HIV have not developed during this period. The test most commonly used in th...  Read Full »

What to do for cluster of blisters present in the corners of the mouth?

Query: Hello doctor, Can you tell me if a cluster of blisters that went from deflated in the center to smaller clusters, to ulcers healing in three days sounds more like a cold sore or impetigo? It appeared next to a picked pimple by where I have had cold sores before, but this was a cluster of tiny blist...  Read Full »


Dr. Deepti Shukla

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your history and photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity), you have developed herpes labialis also known as cold sore. Herpes labialis is a kind of viral infection with HSV (herpes simplex virus) virus. It is not a bacterial infection or...  Read Full »

Why do I get recurrent cold sores?

Query: Hi doctor, I get cold sores about every 2 years over the past 15 years and they go through the five stages of healing which take about 10-14 days to heal. Over the past two years, I have got two cold sores that have not completely healed. One was before a year and the most recent one was in Februa...  Read Full »


Dr. Pathave Hari Shivaram

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per your information and photographs (attachment removed to protect patient identity), I can see there is swelling and some small pus-filled rash and small scars. If it is recurrent then there are some possibilities like herpes labialis, cyclic neutropenia, neutrophi...  Read Full »

What is the painful lesion present on my lips?

Query: Hello doctor,I regularly have chapped and dry lips, and this spot was a cut on the lips, and I messed with it. I have attached a picture. Is this a pimple or could it be herpes? I have no other symptoms and a cluster of bumps did not form before this. It was red at first and pain-free, but now it hu...  Read Full »


Dr. Meha Malhotra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and I understand your worry. This lesion seems to be infective in nature.Herpeswhich spreads sexually is herpes progenitalis, which occurs over genitals. Herpes occurring over lips is herpes simplex...  Read Full »

How to prevent the spread of HSV-1 virus to new outbreak sites?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 46-year-old male. I have recurring HSV-1 around the base (and inside) the nose. I have an outbreak now and my last outbreak was about 52 days ago. In childhood, I began with blisters on the lips; in the past five to 10 years, it seems it has migrated to the nose. Also, in the pa...  Read Full »


Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your post. I can understand the pain and frustration that a person goes through while getting a recurring infection and is on treatment for prolonged periods. Our options for herpes is limited. The guidelines say that for recurrent HSV (herpes simplex vi...  Read Full »

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