CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Herpes simplex - oral
In the right clinical topic?
All ages
This CKS topic covers the management of oral herpes simplex including gingivostomatitis and cold sores (oral herpes labialis).
This CKS topic does not cover herpetic whitlow, eczema herpeticum, or other herpes infections such as herpes zoster.
There are separate CKS topics on Aphthous ulcer, Chickenpox, Herpes simplex - genital, Herpes simplex - ocular, Palliative cancer care - oral, Post-herpetic neuralgia, Shingles, and Trigeminal neuralgia.
The target audience for this CKS topic is healthcare professionals working within the NHS in England, and providing first contact or primary health care. Patient information from NHS Choices is intended to be printed and given to people with this condition or their carers.
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