Contact can occur directly, or through contact with infected razors, towels, dishes, etc. The herpes virus can also infect the fetus and cause congenital abnormalities. The first symptoms usually appear 1 or 2 weeks after contact with an infected person, or up to as late as 20 or more days after exposure. The lesions of herpes labialis usually last for 7 to 10 days, then begin to resolve. The virus may become latent, residing in the nerve cells, with recurrence at or near the original site.
Recurrence is usually milder.
It may be triggered by menstrual periods, sun exposure, illness with fever , or other unknown causes. Do not share items with an infected person, especially when herpes lesions are active. Examination may also show enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Viral culture or Tzanck test of the skin lesion may reveal the herpes simplex virus. Untreated, the symptoms will generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks.