Oral herpes is a skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type I usually affects the skin above the waistline, whereas Type II causes infections below the waist level, although both types are capable of affecting skin in any part of the body. The most commonly affected area to be infected by the Type II herpes simplex virus is the genital area, and infections caused by this type are commonly called ‘genital herpes’. On the other hand, mouth is the most commonly affected area in infections caused by Type II of the herpes simplex virus, and these infections are generally called ‘oral herpes.’

Oral herpes is a contagious condition. The herpes simplex virus gets transmitted from one person to another through a variety of means. The most common method of transmission is through saliva and kissing is the most common cause of oral herpes. Direct contact with the skin lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus is also another common cause of transmission. Using common razors or touching herpes blisters can cause infection. On the other hand, if someone has just recovered from an oral herpes infection, their normal looking skin may also contain the herpes simplex virus and touching it may lead to infection. Finally, there are people who are asymptomatic carriers of the herpes simplex virus. This means that while they carry the virus on their body, they do not show any sign of infection or suffer from any symptoms. Coming in contact with such people can also lead to infection of the herpes simplex virus. However, the herpes simplex virus does not spread through contact with surfaces, towels, linen, etc. used by an infected person.

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