Lippenherpesausbrüche

Lippenherpesausbrüche, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, are a recurrent viral infection affecting the lips and surrounding areas. The primary cause is the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), although occasionally herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can also be responsible. Most individuals are infected with HSV-1 during childhood or adolescence, often asymptomatically. The virus then remains dormant in nerve cells, only to reactivate later in life.

Triggers for reactivation vary widely and can include factors such as stress, sunlight exposure, hormonal changes (like menstruation), illness, fever, fatigue, or injury to the lip area. When the virus reactivates, it travels along the nerve pathways to the skin, leading to the characteristic symptoms.

The outbreak typically begins with a tingling, itching, or burning sensation at the site where the sore will appear. This is followed by the development of small, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can merge and eventually rupture, leaving a painful open sore. The sores then crust over and heal, usually within 7 to 14 days, without scarring. While outbreaks are bothersome, they are generally not medically serious for most healthy individuals. However, in people with weakened immune systems, more severe or widespread outbreaks can occur.