Herpetic Lesions Affecting the Oral Cavity- Etiology, Diagnosis, Medication, and Laser Therapy: A Literature Review

Abstract

Oral herpetic lesions, primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), present a significant therapeutic challenge due to their recurrent nature and impact on patient quality of life. After latency onset, HSV-1 can reactivate, causing frequent recurrences in some patients, while most individuals have few recurrences. Traditional treatment options for managing oral herpes include antiviral medications. These antiviral therapies function by inhibiting viral replication and alleviating symptoms, thus reducing the duration of lesions. These treatments have consistently demonstrated efficacy in reducing the duration and severity of lesions; however, their effectiveness can vary depending on the timing of administration, with early intervention yielding more favorable results.