If you’ve ever struggled with lip blisters, you may wonder if they’re signs of a herpes infection. And while that might lead some to worry about sexually transmitted diseases, the connection isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
Most cold sores on the lips are primarily caused by herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), a common virus that spreads quickly through everyday interactions like kissing and is typically unrelated to sexual contact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.7 billion people under 50 globally are infected with HSV-1.
While HSV-1 can be easily transmitted through kissing, it is predominantly spread through vertical transmission within families. The initial infection with HSV-1 often presents as stomatitis or pharyngitis, with recurrences leading to cold sores on the lips or inside the mouth.
In contrast, Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is classified as an STD. HSV-2 primarily causes blisters around the genital area and is transmitted through sexual contact. When women contract HSV-2 from men, they typically experience an incubation period of 4 to 7 days, often starting with muscle aches, fatigue, fever, and small blisters around the genital area.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can remain dormant in the body’s nerve cells, making the virus difficult to eliminate and leaving some risk for recurring outbreaks. When blisters develop, topical ointments, injections, or laser therapy can be utilized to manage the symptoms.
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