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Oral herpes is a common viral infection caused predominantly by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), characterized by recurrent vesicular lesions on the lips, perioral skin, and oral mucosa. Less commonly, HSV-2 may involve the oral region, usually via oral–genital contact.

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What causes herpes, and how can you treat it? - Christine Johnston

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFcGzBdsnvc

Virology

• Virus: Double-stranded DNA herpesvirus
• Primary pathogen: HSV-1
• Latency: Virus establishes lifelong latency in the trigeminal ganglion
• Reactivation triggers:
  • Fever, intercurrent illness
  • Emotional or physical stress
  • Sun/UV exposure
  • Immunosuppression
  • Trauma, dental procedures

Epidemiology

• Very common worldwide; most infections acquired in childhood
• Many primary infections are asymptomatic
• Seroprevalence increases with age and lower socioeconomic status

Clinical features

1. Primary Oral Herpes (Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis)

More common in children and young adults.

• Fever, malaise
• Painful oral and gingival ulcers