What is the difference between oral and genital herpes. How does HSV-1 spread from mouth to genitals. Can oral herpes cause genital infections. What are the symptoms of herpes infections. How to prevent herpes transmission.

The Basics of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are widespread and can affect various parts of the body, most commonly the mouth and genital area. There are two main types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 is traditionally associated with oral herpes and HSV-2 with genital herpes, both types can infect either location due to sexual practices.

HSV infections are lifelong, with the virus remaining dormant in nerve cells and periodically reactivating to cause outbreaks. Many people with herpes infections experience mild or no symptoms, making it easy for the virus to spread unknowingly.

Key Facts About HSV Infections:

• HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both cause oral and genital herpes
• Infections are lifelong, with periodic outbreaks
• Many people are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms
• Transmission can occur even without visible symptoms

Oral Herpes: Causes, Symptoms, and Transmission

Oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, is primarily caused by HSV-1. This infection is extremely common, with many people contracting it during childhood through non-sexual contact with infected saliva.

Symptoms of oral herpes typically manifest as painful blisters or sores on or around the mouth. However, it’s important to note that most people with oral herpes do not experience noticeable symptoms.

How is oral herpes transmitted?

Oral herpes can spread through various means:

1. Direct contact with infected saliva
2. Sharing utensils, lip balm, or other personal items
3. Kissing someone with an active outbreak
4. Oral sex with an infected partner

It’s crucial to understand that transmission can occur even when no visible sores are present, as the virus can shed from the skin without symptoms.

The Link Between Oral and Genital Herpes

While HSV-1 is traditionally associated with oral herpes and HSV-2 with genital herpes, the lines between these infections have blurred due to changing sexual practices. HSV-1 can cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact, leading to an increasing number of genital herpes cases caused by HSV-1.

This connection between oral and genital herpes emphasizes the importance of practicing safe sex and being aware of the potential for cross-infection between different body sites.

Can oral herpes cause genital infections?

Yes, oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread to the genitals through oral sex. This means that a person with oral herpes can transmit the virus to their partner’s genital area, resulting in genital herpes caused by HSV-1. Similarly, a person with genital HSV-1 can potentially transmit the virus to a partner’s mouth during oral sex.

Genital Herpes: Prevalence and Transmission Routes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. According to CDC estimates, there were approximately 572,000 new genital herpes infections among people aged 14 to 49 in 2018 alone.

Genital herpes can be caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2, although HSV-2 is still more commonly associated with genital infections. The virus spreads through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

Genital herpes can spread through various forms of sexual contact:

• Direct contact with a herpes sore
• Contact with genital fluids from an infected partner
• Skin-to-skin contact in the genital or oral area
• Receiving oral sex from a partner with oral herpes

It’s important to note that genital herpes can be transmitted even when no visible symptoms are present. This asymptomatic shedding of the virus contributes to its widespread nature.

Recognizing Herpes Symptoms and Seeking Diagnosis

Many people with genital herpes have no symptoms or experience very mild symptoms that may be mistaken for other skin conditions. This lack of noticeable symptoms contributes to the unknowing spread of the virus.

When symptoms do occur, they typically manifest as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. These blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. The first outbreak is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or swollen glands.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

If you suspect you may have genital herpes, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. Diagnosis methods may include:

1. Visual examination of sores
2. Swab test of visible sores
3. Blood test to detect HSV antibodies

It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your sexual history and concerns to ensure appropriate testing and care.

Prevention Strategies for Herpes Transmission

While there is no cure for herpes, there are several strategies to reduce the risk of transmission and manage outbreaks. Prevention is key in controlling the spread of both oral and genital herpes.

How can I prevent herpes transmission?

To lower your risk of contracting or spreading herpes:

• Practice abstinence or maintain a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
• Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity
• Avoid sexual contact during active outbreaks
• Consider daily antiviral medication to reduce viral shedding and outbreak frequency
• Communicate openly with sexual partners about herpes status

It’s important to remember that while these methods can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, they cannot completely eliminate it due to the possibility of asymptomatic viral shedding.

Treatment Options and Managing Herpes Infections

Although there is no cure for herpes, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms, reduce outbreak frequency, and lower the risk of transmission. Antiviral medications are the primary form of treatment for both oral and genital herpes.

What treatments are available for herpes infections?

Treatment options for herpes infections include:

1. Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir)
2. Topical creams or ointments for symptom relief
3. Pain relievers for discomfort during outbreaks
4. Lifestyle modifications to reduce outbreak triggers

Antiviral medications can be prescribed for episodic treatment during outbreaks or as daily suppressive therapy to reduce outbreak frequency and lower the risk of transmission to sexual partners.

Living with Herpes: Emotional and Social Considerations

A herpes diagnosis can have significant emotional and social impacts on individuals. Many people experience feelings of shame, anxiety, or depression related to their diagnosis. It’s crucial to address these emotional aspects alongside physical symptoms.

How can individuals cope with a herpes diagnosis?

Coping strategies for living with herpes include:

• Educating yourself about the infection and its management
• Seeking support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups
• Practicing self-care and stress management techniques
• Communicating openly with partners about the infection
• Focusing on overall health and well-being

Remember that herpes is a common infection that does not define an individual’s worth or value. With proper management and support, people with herpes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives and maintain positive relationships.

Understanding the connection between oral and genital herpes, particularly the role of HSV-1 in both types of infections, is crucial for prevention and management. By practicing safe sex, maintaining open communication with partners, and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can effectively manage herpes infections and reduce the risk of transmission. As research continues and public awareness grows, we can work towards destigmatizing herpes infections and improving the quality of life for those affected.

STD Facts – Genital Herpes

People who are sexually active can get genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). This fact sheet answers basic questions about genital herpes.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is an STD caused by two types of viruses – herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

What is oral herpes?

HSV-1 often causes oral herpes, which can result in cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. However, most people with oral herpes do not have any symptoms. Most people with oral herpes get it during childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva.

Is there a link between genital herpes and oral herpes?

Yes. Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are due to HSV-1.

How common is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is common in the United States. In 2018, CDC estimates show there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in the United States among people aged 14 to 49.¹

How is genital herpes spread?

You can get genital herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. You can get herpes if you have contact with:

• A herpes sore;
• Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection;
• Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection;
• Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes; or
• Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes.

You also can get genital herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or is unaware of their infection. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a partner with oral herpes.

You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. You also will not get it from touching objects, such as silverware, soap, or towels.

If you have more questions about herpes, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.

How do I know if I have genital herpes?

Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair. Because of this, most people do not know they have a herpes infection.

Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. This is known as having an “outbreak”. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. Flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, body aches, or swollen glands) also may occur during the first outbreak.

People who experience an initial outbreak of herpes can have repeated outbreaks, especially if they have HSV-2. However, repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although genital herpes is a lifelong infection, the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.

Ask a healthcare provider to examine you if:

• You notice any symptoms; or
• Your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD.

STD symptoms can include an unusual sore, a smelly genital discharge, burning when peeing, or bleeding between periods (if you have a menstrual cycle).

How will my healthcare provider know if I have genital herpes?

Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at any sores that are present. Providers can also take a sample from the sore(s) and test it. If sores are not present, a blood test may be used to look for HSV antibodies.

Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider about herpes testing and other STDs.

Please note: A herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection. It cannot tell you who gave you the infection or when you got the infection.

How can I prevent genital herpes?

The only way to completely avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:

• Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who does not have herpes.
• Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.

Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that a condom can cover. Also, the skin can release the virus (shed) from areas that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes.

If your sex partner(s) has/have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting it if:

• Your partner takes an anti-herpes medicine every day. This is something your partner should discuss with his or her healthcare provider.
• You avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral sex when your partner has herpes symptoms (i.e., during an “outbreak”).

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

There is no cure for genital herpes. However, there are medicines that can prevent or shorten outbreaks. A daily anti-herpes medicine can make it less likely to pass the infection on to your sex partner(s).

What happens if I don’t receive treatment?

Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems.

If you touch your sores or fluids from the sores, you may transfer herpes to another body part like your eyes. Do not touch the sores or fluids to avoid spreading herpes to another part of your body. If you do touch the sores or fluids, quickly wash your hands thoroughly to help avoid spreading the infection.

If you are pregnant, there can be problems for you and your unborn fetus, or newborn baby. See “I’m pregnant. How could genital herpes affect my baby?” for information about this.

I’m pregnant. How could genital herpes affect my baby?

If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, prenatal care visits are very important. Some research suggest that a genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage or make it more likely to deliver your baby too early. You can pass herpes to your unborn child before birth, but it more commonly passes during delivery. This can lead to a deadly infection in your baby (called neonatal herpes). It is important that you avoid getting genital herpes during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a genital herpes diagnosis or symptoms. Also tell them about any possible exposure to genital herpes.

If you have genital herpes, you may need to take anti-herpes medicine towards the end of your pregnancy. This medicine may reduce your risk of having signs or symptoms of genital herpes when you deliver. At the time of delivery, your healthcare provider should carefully examine you for herpes sores. If you have signs or symptoms of genital herpes at delivery, a ‘C-section’ is likely to occur.

Can I still have sex if I have herpes?

If you have herpes, you should talk to your sex partner(s) about their risk. Using condoms may help lower this risk but it will not get rid of the risk completely. Having sores or other symptoms of herpes can increase your risk of spreading the disease. Even if you do not have any symptoms, you can still infect your sex partners.

You may have concerns about how genital herpes will impact your health, sex life, and relationships. While herpes is not curable, it is important to know that it is manageable with medicine. Daily suppressive therapy (i.e., daily use of antiviral medication) can lower your risk of spreading the virus to others. Talk to a healthcare provider about your concerns and treatment options.

A genital herpes diagnosis may affect how you will feel about current or future sexual relationships. Knowing how to talk to sexual partners about STDs is important.

What is the link between genital herpes and HIV?

Herpes infection can cause sores or breaks in the skin or lining of the mouth, vagina, and rectum. This provides a way for HIV to enter the body. Even without visible sores, herpes increases the number of immune cells in the lining of the genitals. HIV targets immune cells for entry into the body. Having both HIV and genital herpes increases the chance of spreading HIV to a HIV-negative partner during oral, vagina, or anal sex.

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Kids Health Information : Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis

Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis (jin-juh-voe-sto-ma-tie-tis) is inflammation of the gums and lips caused by the herpes virus – the same virus that later causes cold sores. This inflammation damages the skin, resulting in painful ulcers in the mouth and blisters on the lips.

Infections in children are common, and they often go unnoticed. However, about one in four children will develop mouth ulcers after their first infection. Your child may have a fever and become irritable, then a day or two later develop blisters on their lips and ulcers on
their gums. These are painful and often lead to drooling and a refusal to eat or drink. Your child may then become dehydrated.

Signs and symptoms of gingivostomatitis

If your child has been infected with herpes simplex gingivostomatitis, they may show no symptoms. If they do have symptoms, they may include:

• fever
• irritability
• painful mouth ulcers and lip blisters
• poor appetite or reluctance to drink.

The ulcers/blisters usually take 10 to 14 days to go away. The blisters never leave scars.

Care at home

Encourage your child to drink their normal amount of fluids to prevent them becoming dehydrated. There’s no need to worry about them not eating, but it is important that they get enough fluids.

Signs that your child is mildly dehydrated include:

• dizziness or light-headedness
• nausea or headaches
• dark yellow or brown wee (urine should be pale yellow)
• not going to the toilet much (in younger children, fewer wet nappies or nappies not as wet/heavy as usual)
• dry lips, tongue, mouth or throat.

If your child is showing these signs, encourage them to drink more. This can be in the form of water, milk, jelly, icy poles or oral rehydration solutions.

It is important to reduce the pain caused by the blisters so that your child is more likely to want to drink. Give your child pain relief medication (paracetamol or ibuprofen) – see our fact sheet
Pain relief for children. The pain usually goes away after three to four days.

No other medications are needed, because antibiotics and antiviral medications do not work and are of no use in treating this condition.

When to see a doctor

If your child is refusing to drink and you think they may be dehydrated, take them to your GP or to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Signs of severe dehydration include:

• not passing urine
• being pale and losing weight
• dry lips and mouth
• sunken eyes
• cold hands and feet
• no tears when they cry.

Call an ambulance if it is difficult to wake your child up.

See your GP if your child’s pain is not relieved with medication. The doctor may prescribe a numbing gel, which can safely be swallowed. Also see the GP if your child is becoming increasingly unwell, with high fever or vomiting.

A rare but serious complication of herpes simplex infection is inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Symptoms include confusion, significant behaviour change and being very drowsy. If your child has herpes simplex gingivostomatitis and is showing these symptoms, call an ambulance
immediately.

Key points to remember

• Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis is a very common condition.
• Infection can often go unnoticed, but symptoms may include painful mouth blisters.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• The only medications that should be used are pain relievers.

For more information

• Kids Health Info fact sheet:
  Dehydration
• Kids Health Info fact sheet:
  Pain relief for children

Common questions our doctors are asked

Once my child has had gingivostomatitis can she get it
again? 

Once someone has been infected with the herpes simplex virus, the virus will
stay in their body for life. Your child may have other episodes of herpes
reactivation (when the virus affects the body again), but the first instance is
usually the worst, and they may not experience symptoms such as painful
blisters again. Future episodes of herpes is often referred to as cold sores.

How can I get more fluids into my child?

Offer small amounts to drink often. Gastrolyte, HYDRAlyte,
Pedialyte and Repalyte are different types of oral rehydration fluid that can
be used to replace fluids and body salts. These are the best option if your
child is becoming dehydrated. They are also available as icy poles, which
children are often happy to have.

Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital General Medicine and Infectious Diseases departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed May 2018.

This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit

www.rchfoundation.org.au.

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Herpes On Lip Tongue In Throat [9 Photos] Species – LumiDent

Watch video with our dentists

Contents:

• What does herpes look like in the mouth?
• Classification and main symptoms of herpes
• Herpes of the tongue: symptoms
• Herpes on the palate: symptoms
• Routes of transmission of oral herpes
• Causes of herpes in the mouth
• Herpes on the gums: causes
• Herpes in children
• Herpes on the tongue of a child: how to treat
• How to treat herpes on the oral mucosa
• Herpes in the mouth: how to rinse
• How to treat herpes in the mouth in an adult?
• Herpes inside the lips: how to treat
• Home remedies for herpes
• What to do to prevent herpes in the mouth

What does herpes look like in the mouth?

Herpes in the mouth is a common disease caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). The infection is localized around the mouth or affects the mucous membrane inside the oral cavity with small formations. After a few days, the rash bursts, the vesicles turn into small wounds with crusts, which causes itching and burning in the mouth.

Many people wonder about:

• does herpes occur on the oral mucosa in general, since such a manifestation of the virus is less common than the notorious “cold on the lips” in the form of a rash in the mouth and vesicles on the skin?
• How does herpes on the lip differ from its manifestations in the oral cavity?

However, numerous photos of herpes in the mouth of different types indicate that this stomatitis is common among adults and children with a weakened immune system.

If you are wondering what herpes looks like on the tongue, then the infection manifests itself in the form of small formations localized in the oral cavity.

After a few days the rash bursts and the blisters turn into small sores in the mouth with crusts, burning and itching.

The severity of signs of viral stomatitis depends on the stage, in most cases, unpleasant symptoms completely disappear in a maximum of two weeks.

Those who have the causative agent of the disease in their blood know firsthand what herpes looks like in the mouth, but is there a way to reduce the number of relapses?

Photo. What does herpes on the lip look like inside.

Classification and main symptoms of herpes

Herpes in the oral cavity according to the form of the course of the disease can be classified into acute and chronic.

According to the complexity of the course of the disease, herpes is divided into three forms:

• mild: the number of bubbles is insignificant, they do not cause much discomfort;
• medium: there are not many rashes, but there are changes in the blood;
• severe: a large number of rashes, soreness, secondary infection often joins.

The main symptoms of herpes include:

• rashes on lips and mouth;
• vesicles with fluid in the mouth;
• fever;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• causeless fatigue;
• stress, irritability;
• panic attacks.

Herpes in the mouth in a child is more common than in an adult, so the disease is considered “childish”.

It affects babies from the age of two years, and during the first year of life, maternal antibodies remain in the body, protecting against the symptoms of herpes in the mouth.

Herpes on the oral mucosa is of two types:

• sharp;
• and chronic.

In addition, doctors distinguish three forms:

• light;
• medium;
• and heavy –

– depending on the presence of cumulative signs, the degree of deterioration of the patient’s condition and the area of ​​the lesion.

When symptoms of herpes appear on the child’s tongue, treatment should be started immediately so that the disease does not become chronic, characterized by periodic relapses against a background of weakened immunity.

Signs of herpes in the mouth include:

• fever;
• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• redness and swelling of the affected area on the mucosa;
• red rash;
• itching;
• pain when chewing food.

Photo. Herpes on the tongue.

Herpes of the tongue: symptoms

In most cases, herpes appears on the tongue, but it can also spread to the inside of the cheeks or to the gums. The causative agent is a herpes infection – herpes virus type 1. It causes discomfort in the sick person, itching, tingling, making it difficult to eat.

Herpes on the palate: symptoms

Symptoms of palate herpes: swelling and redness of the oral mucosa, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, pain when chewing, fever, bad breath.

Routes of transmission of oral herpes

Oral herpes is transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, with oral-genital contact, in cases of using untreated dishes, cutlery, other people’s things, if personal hygiene is not observed.

The transmission mechanism of the virus involves airborne and contact methods of infection.

The infection enters the body through kissing or any other contact with the patient’s skin, as well as as a result of non-compliance with hygiene rules.

For example, if you use one towel or shared utensils, which is one of the most common causes of herpes on the tongue.

Once in the bloodstream, the virus uses the trigeminal nerve to reach a cluster of nerve cells.

The causative agent may not manifest itself for a long time until a certain point, then characteristic herpes rashes appear on the lip or tongue in an adult or child.

People with acute herpetic infection in the throat or blisters on the lips should separate their own dishes and use strictly individual utensils, especially if there are children in the house, in whom the process is often more severe with complications.

Photo. What does herpes on the lip look like.

Causes of herpes in the mouth

Causes of herpes on the tongue include:

• effects of stress;
• cold;
• natural irritants such as wind, cold or direct sunlight;
• lack of sleep;
• immunosuppression.

Contribute to the occurrence of herpes in the mouth can:

• chronic diseases;
• weak immunity;
• immunodeficiency diseases;
• injuries of the oral mucosa;
• pregnancy;
• alcoholism.

Many are interested in the question of whether there can be herpes on the tongue, and how to distinguish it from stomatitis.

It is not required to take tests and undergo diagnostics, since the main differences are immediately visible: stomatitis affects the cells on the mucous membrane of the cheeks and the inner surface of the lips, while herpes can be found more often on the root of the tongue, tip of the tongue, gums and palate.

The second difference between the two diseases lies in how ulcers are formed: herpetic stomatitis begins immediately with them, and in the second case, rashes appear on the mucous membrane, which eventually open up.

If you find manifestations of the virus, you need to know which doctor treats herpes on the gums in the mouth.

In this case, this is the competence of the dentist, so do not hesitate to contact one of the Lumi-Dent dental clinics for help.

Herpes on gums: causes

The main causes of herpes on the gums are: colds, hypothermia, decreased (weakened) immunity, long-term use of antibiotics and imbalance of microflora in the body, beriberi, stress, insufficient sleep, general overwork, teething.

Photo. The location of herpes on the palate.

Herpes in children

Children often put everything in their mouth, so herpes is usually localized around in the form of vesicles or open small painful sores. They often interfere with children’s eating and drinking. Parents should be careful not to give the child hot or solid food to minimize injury and speedy recovery of the child.

Infection often manifests itself on the mucosa, because children have not yet formed strong immunity.

In addition, they often take toys, unwashed vegetables, fruits and other objects into their mouths, so the issue of treating herpes on the tongue worries parents most often.

A rash may appear as a result of infection with measles or stomatitis, therefore, if blisters of herpes appear on the gums of a child, consult a doctor.

Diagnostics includes the following items:

• history taking;
• examination by a dentist;
• biopsy;
• swab taking;
• carrying out laboratory tests.

Parents need to know for sure how and how to treat herpes in the mouth of a child, so as not to face the serious consequences of improper therapy.

It is not recommended to resort to self-medication, especially when it comes to children’s herpes in the mouth.

There is a high risk of “healing” the disease, due to which it will go into a latent (chronic) form and will make itself felt with almost every mild cold.

Photo. Pediatric dentist in the process of examining a patient, Lumi-Dent dentistry.

Herpes on the tongue of a child: how to treat

To relieve itching and painful sensations in the tongue of a child in the treatment of herpes, the doctor prescribes antiviral drugs. Also, immunostimulants are included in the treatment to strengthen the immune system and prevent the possibility of the herpes virus infecting new areas of the mucosa.

If the child has a high temperature, antipyretics with plenty of fluids are prescribed. With frequent recurrences of the disease, vitamins and general strengthening agents are prescribed.

How to treat herpes on the oral mucosa

HSV most often provokes rashes on the inner surface of the lips. But in cases of improper or insufficient treatment, rashes can locally spread throughout the entire mucosa inside the oral cavity.

Herpes, which has arisen on the gum or on the lip, heals for a long time and causes discomfort.
Sometimes it is difficult to decide how to treat herpes on the mucosa. It is important not only to take the tablets inside, but also to treat the gums locally in the form of a solution of furacilin, chlorhexidine, saline (soda) aqueous solution, sprays for the oral cavity.

Gels containing anesthetics can be used for severe pain.

The question of how to treat herpes vesicles in the mouth is not difficult, since pharmacies sell a large variety of topical antiviral drugs.

For example, “Zovirax”, “Megosin”, “Famvir”, “Valtrex”, “Gerpevir”, “Acyclovir” with herpes in the mouth show high efficiency.

These are the most common and affordable remedies than to treat herpes on the tongue at home.

To normalize the protective functions of the body, doctors recommend taking medications from the group of immunostimulants, and Ibuprofen or Acetatminophen helps to cope with swelling and itching, but it is not recommended to use them uncontrollably.

If herpes on the gums, for example, is accompanied by purulent discharge, antibiotics are prescribed to stop the extensive reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

In this case, it is absolutely impossible to self-medicate – visit the dentist as soon as possible.

Photo. Herpes on the lip from the inside.

Herpes in the mouth: how to rinse

For rinsing with herpes, you can use a saline (soda) solution at the rate of: 1 teaspoon of salt (soda) per glass of water. Also, before eating, the use of Xylocaine solution or anesthetic creams is recommended.

The use of remedies for aphthous wounds is effective: Orabase, Cankaid, Anbesol and other creams of this series.

How to treat herpes in the mouth in an adult?

To eliminate the symptoms of herpes simplex in the mouth in an adult, antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valaciclovir, zovirax are recognized as the most effective. These drugs will help relieve the course of the disease and the frequency of symptoms, but will not completely cure the virus. Your dentist may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.

The two main forms of acyclovir used for topical treatment of herpes are ointment and cream. These are Acyclovir – Sandoz, Virolex, Gerperax, Zovirax.

Herpes inside the lips: how to treat

The best remedy for herpes are drugs with acyclovir in the composition: Zovirax, Atsik, Gerpevir, Virolex, Gerpestil. Also Valaciclovir (Valtrex, Valavir), Penciclovir, Famciclovir.

To speed up the healing process of herpes wounds, zinc ointment, troxevasin, helps.

To quickly eliminate the symptoms of herpes on the lip, you should take oral tablets with acyclovir, smear the lip with ointment. Taking vitamins of groups B and C contributes to the disappearance of symptoms, vitamin E accelerates the healing process of ulcers and reduces pain.

Home remedies for herpes

Infections at the tip or root of the tongue, gums, or palate are often treated with non-drug treatments that have not been clinically proven to be effective, but may help some people.

In the case of herpes treatment at home, you can apply lemon juice or tea with lemon, compresses with it on the blisters and the skin around them. You can apply a slice of fruit to the affected area.

Soothing drops with peppermint oil, witch hazel, or at least 1% lemon balm in the composition help relieve symptoms. A decoction of sage also helps: pour 1 tablespoon with boiling water, hold for half an hour and rinse your mouth. Aloe vera gel moisturizes and relieves inflammation.

The most popular folk methods of how to treat herpes on the tongue and on the mucous membrane:

• Apply milk with a fat content of at least 1.5% every 2-3 hours with a cotton swab on blisters.
• Grind licorice root, add a little boiled water to the powder and spread the gruel over the areas with a rash before going to bed.
• Crush a clove of garlic and apply the mixture to the affected area.

Properly selected pharmacy medicine for herpes in the mouth will relieve you of the problem much faster and more efficiently.

Ointment and medicines are guaranteed to help you successfully treat herpes in the mouth, and avoid the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

While folk recipes for colds may not help at all, or have too little effect.

Photo. Cold on the tongue.

What to do to prevent herpes in the mouth

Doctors have established that almost every inhabitant of the planet is a carrier of the herpes simplex virus. Depending on the general condition of the body, the virus can be in the human body from a very early age and not manifest itself in any way.

Symptoms appear when the immune system is weakened.
It is impossible to completely get rid of herpes, with the help of treatment you can only eliminate the painful exacerbation.

For the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to review the diet, give up bad habits, and strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene.

Herpes on the tip of the tongue causes severe discomfort and aggravation of the general condition due to infection and symptoms accompanying the disease.

Prevention is always easier than curing herpes on the lip, so:

• treat a cold in time,
• strengthen immunity,
• avoid oral injury,
• use lip balm.

To minimize the risk of subsequent recurrences of internal herpes in the mouth, which are inevitable if you already had the characteristic rashes, it is advisable to inject the vaccine.

It is easy to catch viral herpes in the mouth with characteristic unpleasant symptoms, so do not kiss a person with a “cold on the lips.”

Photo. What does herpes look like inside the lip.

If you recognize your situation in the photo of herpes in the oral cavity, we recommend that you consult a doctor.

Specialists of the network of dental clinics Lumi-Dent in Kyiv will conduct an examination and prescribe an effective treatment for an adult or small patient.

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Frequently asked questions and answers

How to rinse your mouth with oral herpes?

• antiseptic solutions – Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, Chlorphyllipt, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, any mouthwash;
• anti-inflammatory drugs – Rotokan.

These home rinses will help prevent infection from multiplying on the wounds, as well as prevent the inflammatory process.

How to smear herpes in the mouth?

• antiviral ointments: Gerpevir, Acyclovir, Zovirax;
• antibacterial agents: Metrogil Denta, Levomikon, Synthomycin;
• wound healing ointments: preparations based on vitamins A and E, Solcoseryl, Bepanten, sea buckthorn oil, Betadine, Kalanchoe juice, Methyluracil.

Can there be herpes on the tongue?

Usually the word “herpes” is associated with the formation of sores on the lips. However, the spread of the herpes virus can be much wider – throughout the oral cavity. More often it is localized on the tongue, it can also spread to the gums, or it affects the surface of the cheek from the inside.

You can identify HSV (herpes simplex virus) on the tongue by symptoms: swelling, redness of the affected area, tingling, burning, itching.

Can there be herpes in the sky?

Herpes may appear on the palate or on the gums, especially in young children, as they are prone to poor oral hygiene. Adults with such symptoms are extremely rare. Herpes in the sky is accompanied by discomfort and rather long healing.

Can there be herpes inside the lip?

Herpetic infection can manifest itself inside the lip in case of a strong decrease in immunity and body defenses. Herpes is characterized by the existence in the human body in a latent form. At the same time, he may not show himself for a long time.

Can there be herpes on the gums?

Herpes in the mouth can also occur on the gums. It occurs in both adults and children, causes discomfort when chewing, severe pain. If you do not resort to treatment in time, complications may arise as a result.

What causes herpes on the tongue?

Herpes on the tongue may appear in cases of sharing with a sick person hygiene products (toothbrush), dishes, kissing, oral sex.