When blisters or sores appear on your lips or inside your mouth, they may indicate herpes simplex, a viral infection caused by HSV-1 (oral herpes) or sometimes HSV-2 (genital herpes). Transmitted through close contact, this virus can stay dormant in your body and reactivate when your immune system is weakened.
**Identifying Oral Herpes:**
Common symptoms include tingling, fluid-filled blisters near the lips or inside the mouth, redness, swelling, crusting as the sores heal, and occasionally fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.
**Triggers for Outbreaks:**
Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or lip injuries.
**Treatment and Prevention:**
Antiviral medications, over-the-counter remedies, and home care like cool compresses can manage symptoms. Prevent outbreaks by avoiding contact during active sores, practicing good hygiene, using lip protection, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Though there’s no cure, herpes is manageable with proper care. Consult a healthcare provider if outbreaks are frequent or severe.