1.

Caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)

2. Enters through mucous membranes or breaks
in the skin during contact with infected
persons
3. HSV reproduces inside cell and spreads to
surrounding cells. 
1. Use extreme caution and extra personal protective equipment that
fully covers the body, eyes, and face
2. Wear a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health N95
rated or higher mask to protect against aerosol
3. Avoid instruments and hands touching the lesion as much as possible
4. Change gloves frequently if the procedure is lengthy
5. Wash hands with soap and water between glove changes
6. Provide eye protection for the patient
7. Recommend the patient wash hands and face after treatment
8. Educate the patient about the nature of the herpes virus
• Treatments that shorten healing time for an active lesion should be considered the
treatment of choice for all dental health-care professionals. Those could include laser
treatment, topical medicaments, and antiviral medications.
• Visits to the dentist can trigger lesions in some people. Studies have shown that taking
an antiviral before dental treatment can decrease the rate of lesions. Elective treatment
should be postponed until the lesion has healed completely.
• Though the patient may be comfortable after you have applied a topical medication,
there is still the risk of spreading the disease to the health-care provider.