Effects

Oral infection with HSV-1 leads to cold sores, also known as oral herpes or herpes labialis. Genital infection with this virus can lead to genital herpes.

Features

According to Microbiology and Immunology Online, HSV-1 affects mucous-skin tissue (mucoepithelia) and lies dormant in nerve cells of either the face or genitals, depending on the location of infection.

Fun Fact

The closest relatives of HSV-1 are HSV-2, the virus that causes genital herpes, and varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.

Complications

According to the Mayo Clinic, infection with HSV-1 can sometimes lead to complications like ocular infection, which may cause scarring of the cornea and blindness.

Transmission

Most people develop HSV-1 infection through contact with affected skin, whether or not the other person has a cold sore at the moment. The virus can also be spread through contact with shared objects that have touched a sore.

Considerations

There is no cure for HSV-1 infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, cold sores can be managed through the use of topical creams with lidocaine or benzyl alcohol and, for some people, antiviral medications.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Cold Sore Complications

Mayo Clinic: Cold Sore Treatment