Photos of oral herpes inside mouth. Oral Herpes: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options for Cold Sores

03.05.202108.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common symptoms of oral herpes. How is the herpes simplex virus transmitted. What are effective treatments for cold sores. Can cold sores be prevented. How long do cold sore outbreaks typically last.

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Understanding Oral Herpes: Causes and Transmission

Oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its name, cold sores are not caused by the common cold or fever. The primary culprit behind these painful blisters is the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

How is HSV-1 transmitted. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or body fluids, most often through kissing or sharing utensils. Once contracted, the virus remains in the body for life, hiding in nerve cells between outbreaks.

Is everyone susceptible to cold sores. While approximately two-thirds of the global population carries the HSV-1 virus, not everyone experiences outbreaks. Genetic factors may play a role in determining who develops cold sores and who doesn’t. Research suggests that individuals who frequently experience outbreaks may share certain genes that influence how HSV-1 behaves in their bodies.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Oral Herpes

Identifying cold sores early can help manage symptoms and reduce transmission. What are the telltale signs of an oral herpes outbreak.

Initial tingling or burning sensation on the lip or around the mouth
Redness and swelling in the affected area
Formation of small, fluid-filled blisters
Bursting of blisters, leaving shallow open sores
Crusting and scabbing as the sores heal

How long does a typical cold sore outbreak last. The duration can vary, but most episodes resolve within 7-14 days. First-time outbreaks may last up to two weeks, while subsequent episodes often heal within a week.

Triggers and Risk Factors for Cold Sore Outbreaks

Understanding what triggers cold sore outbreaks can help individuals better manage their condition. Common triggers include:

Stress
Fatigue
Hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation)
Exposure to sunlight or wind
Weakened immune system
Fever or illness
Certain foods or medications

Do cold sores always appear in the same location. Most people experience recurrent outbreaks in the same area, typically on or around the lips. However, cold sores can occasionally appear on other parts of the face, such as the cheeks, chin, or nose.

Treatment Options for Oral Herpes

While there is no cure for oral herpes, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and speed up healing. What are some effective treatments for cold sores.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Several OTC options can provide relief and promote faster healing:

Docosanol cream: An FDA-approved treatment that can shorten healing time
Benzyl alcohol: Helps relieve pain and itching
Dimethicone: Forms a protective barrier over the cold sore
Zinc oxide: May reduce the duration of symptoms

Prescription Medications

For more severe or frequent outbreaks, healthcare providers may prescribe antiviral medications:

Acyclovir (Zovirax): Available as a cream or oral medication
Valacyclovir (Valtrex): Taken orally at the first sign of an outbreak
Famciclovir (Famvir): Can be given as a single dose
Penciclovir (Denavir): Applied as a cream to the affected area

How do antiviral medications work. These drugs help inhibit viral replication, reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks when taken at the first sign of symptoms.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Manage Cold Sores

In addition to medical treatments, several home remedies and lifestyle changes can help manage cold sore outbreaks:

Apply cold or warm compresses to soothe the affected area
Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
Keep the area clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections
Apply petroleum jelly to prevent cracking and aid healing
Avoid touching or picking at the cold sore
Use lip balm with SPF to protect against sun exposure
Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise

Can dietary changes help prevent cold sores. While no specific diet has been proven to prevent outbreaks, maintaining a balanced diet rich in lysine and low in arginine may help. Foods high in lysine include fish, chicken, eggs, and dairy products.

Preventing the Spread of Oral Herpes

Preventing the transmission of HSV-1 is crucial to limiting the spread of oral herpes. How can individuals reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.

Avoid kissing or engaging in oral sex during an active outbreak
Refrain from sharing personal items like utensils, lip balm, or towels
Wash hands frequently, especially after touching a cold sore
Use dental dams or condoms during oral sex to reduce transmission risk
Inform sexual partners about your HSV-1 status

Is it possible to spread the virus without visible symptoms. Yes, asymptomatic shedding can occur, meaning the virus can be transmitted even when no cold sores are present. However, the risk is highest during active outbreaks.

Complications and Related Conditions

While most cases of oral herpes are manageable, complications can arise in certain situations. What are some potential complications associated with HSV-1 infections.

Ocular Herpes

In rare cases, HSV-1 can infect the eye, leading to a condition called ocular herpes. This can cause corneal scarring and, if left untreated, may result in vision loss. Symptoms include eye pain, sensitivity to light, and discharge.

Herpetic Whitlow

Herpetic whitlow is a painful infection of the fingers or thumbs caused by HSV-1. It’s more common in children who suck their thumbs during an oral herpes outbreak but can also affect healthcare workers exposed to the virus.

Eczema Herpeticum

Individuals with atopic dermatitis (eczema) are at risk of developing eczema herpeticum if exposed to HSV-1. This condition causes widespread, painful blisters and requires immediate medical attention.

Can oral herpes lead to genital herpes. While HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes and HSV-2 causes genital herpes, cross-infection can occur through oral-genital contact. This emphasizes the importance of avoiding oral sex during active outbreaks.

Living with Oral Herpes: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with recurrent cold sores can be challenging both physically and emotionally. How can individuals better cope with oral herpes.

Educate yourself about the condition to dispel myths and reduce stigma
Join support groups or online communities to connect with others who have HSV-1
Practice self-care and stress management techniques
Communicate openly with partners about your condition
Keep track of outbreaks and triggers to better manage the condition
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment plans

Is it possible to have a normal life with oral herpes. Absolutely. With proper management and treatment, most people with HSV-1 lead fulfilling lives without significant disruption from cold sores.

Understanding oral herpes, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options empowers individuals to better manage their condition and reduce transmission risks. By staying informed and proactive, those affected by HSV-1 can minimize the impact of cold sores on their daily lives and maintain overall oral health.

Pictures of What They Look Like

Medically Reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar, MD on November 13, 2021

Cold sores — you might hear them called fever blisters — are proof that life can be unfair. Some people get them, others don’t. If you get them, don’t worry. There are ways to treat and prevent them.

Despite the name, that isn’t what causes them. The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is most often the cause. You get it from contact with an infected person’s skin or body fluids. The virus damages your skin as it reproduces. That leaves behind weepy sores that last about a week. Between outbreaks, HSV-1 hides inside nerve cells, so it’s never completely cured.

About two-thirds of us have been infected with the HSV-1 virus. It usually comes via well-meaning kisses from relatives or romantic partners. So why do only an unlucky few get cold sores? The answer may be in your genes. Most of the people who get cold sores share genes that may relate to how HSV-1 acts in your body. This could be what causes outbreaks.

HSV-1 lives in your nerves. It’s pretty quiet most of the time, but you may have triggers that bring it out of hiding and cause cold sores. They can range from sunlight or a fever to stress and getting your period. Some people get cold sores twice a year or less. For others, it’s a monthly ordeal.

Cold sores usually appear on your lip. Canker sores affect the inside of your mouth. They don’t involve the herpes virus and aren’t contagious. No one knows what causes them. Cold sores generally signal their arrival with a warning period of red, irritated skin. Blisters form, burst, and then crust over before they heal.

From the time your skin turns itchy or red, the virus is likely present and you can spread it. You’re most contagious when blisters show up and just after they burst. Once your skin is completely healed and looks normal again, you can’t spread it that way. But you can still pass the virus through your saliva at any time, even when you don’t have a cold sore.

Through body fluids. It’s usually present on an infected person’s lip, even if there’s no obvious sore. Kisses are the main method. Because the virus often lives in saliva, you can also spread it if you share kitchen utensils or drinking glasses. Oral sex sometimes leads to infection of your partner’s genitals.

Yes. Use caution while you have a sore. Don’t kiss, and don’t share toothbrushes, silverware, or glasses. Skip oral sex. That will reduce most of the spread of HSV-1, although you may not be able to control the spread completely.

While the first outbreak can last up to 2 weeks, the ones after that may not be longer than a week. There’s no cure for cold sores, but some over-the-counter creams and gels can ease symptoms like burning and pain. You can also try hot or cold compresses.

They often shorten the time it takes a cold sore to heal. But they work best if you put them on at the very first sign of an outbreak. Docosanol cream is available over the counter. Acyclovir (Zovirax) cream and penciclovir (Denavir) cream are available by prescription.

They can lower the amount of healing time when you take them at the first sign of a cold sore — like tingly, red, or itchy skin. You’ll start acyclovir before cold sores fully flare and take it five times a day for 5 days, or you can take valacyclovir (Valtrex) at the first sign of a cold sore and then 12 hours later. Famciclovir (Famvir) can be given as a single dose of medicine. So can acyclovir buccal (Sitavig), but instead of swallowing it you place against your gums and it releases the medicine as it dissolves.

What about a cold sore that isn’t on your lip? They aren’t as common, but they can pop up anywhere on your face, like your cheek, chin, or nose. Most people’s cold sores reappear in the same area each time.

Yes, but it’s rare. It can happen if you touch a cold sore, then touch an area of broken skin or a mucous membrane (that’s the moist, protective lining found in places where your body opens to the outside — mouth, nose, genitals). That can lead to a herpes skin infection. To prevent this, wash your hands and don’t touch the cold sore.

Your eyes: This is called ocular herpes, and it most often affects the cornea. It’s the leading infectious cause of corneal blindness in the U.S., so get treatment as soon as possible. Herpetic whitlow is a painful condition that affects your fingers. Kids often get it when they have a cold sore and suck their fingers or thumb.

It’s tough to hold them off entirely, but there are things you can do to help keep them at bay. Learn what your triggers are and avoid them. Stay out of the sun, or use sunscreen and UV-blocking lip balm. Figure out what works to manage your stress. Keep your immune system healthy with plenty of sleep and daily exercise.

Make an appointment if:

You have a weakened immune system.
The cold sores don’t heal within 2 weeks.
Your symptoms are severe.
Your eyes are irritated.
You have severe or frequent cold sore outbreaks.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

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(3) Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty

(4) Bernd Opitz / Riser

(7) Cormac Hanley / The Image Bank

(8) Steve Mason / Getty

(9) Studio MPM / Photonica

(11) Jupiter Images Unlimited

(13) Alain Daussin / Riser

(15) Thomas Northcut / Riser

(16) Normann Hochheimer / Doc-Stock

SOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology: “Viral Infections: Herpes Simplex.”

University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences: “Ocular Herpes Simplex. “

Cernik, C. Archives of Internal Medicine, June 9, 2008.

American Dental Association: “Canker Sores and Cold Sores.”

Kriesel, J. Human Genome Variation, published online Nov. 20, 2014.

National Eye Institute: “Facts About the Cornea and Corneal Disease.”

Xu, F. JAMA, 2006.

Corey, L. New England Journal of Medicine, 1986.

Pope. L.E. Antiviral Research, 1998.

Spruance, S.L. New England Journal of Medicine, 1977.

UpToDate: Treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in immunocompetent patients.”

Merriam Webster: “Mucous Membrane.”

Mayo Clinic: “Cold Sore: Symptoms.”

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Warning: Images of mouth sores ahead.

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Canker sores

Canker sores may look like small oval-shaped ulcers in your mouth that appear white, gray, or yellow. They may be surrounded by a red “halo” of irritation. They may also appear as a painful red area.

Share on PinterestA canker sore is a small shallow ulcer on the inside of your mouth. frank600/Getty Images

Canker sores are also called aphthous stomatitis or aphthous ulcers. According to 2021 research, they are common and affect about 20 percent of the general population.

They are usually harmless and heal on their own in a couple of weeks. If you have recurring ulcers, it may be due to other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, vitamin deficiency, or HIV.

Canker sores may classified by their size. This can include:

mild, which are less than 1 centimeter in diameter and heal within 1 to 2 weeks
major, which are deeper and larger — 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter — and can take weeks or months to heal
herpetiform, which are smaller — 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter — but occur in clusters of 10 to 100 and can take a few weeks to heal

What causes canker sores in your mouth?

Canker sores are commonly caused by trauma like biting the inside of your cheek, burns, allergies, or sensitivities. They may have other causes as well. However, canker sores are not contagious.

Certain conditions may make you more prone to them. These can include:

a weakened immune system because of illness or stress
hormone changes, such as menstruation
a vitamin deficiency, especially of folate and B12
intestinal issues, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
exposure to toxins in drinking water
emotional or psychological stress
smoking or a history of smoking

Cold sores

Cold sores look like fluid-filled blisters that appear near the mouth and lips. They can appear red or darker in color. The affected area may tingle or burn before the sore is visible.

Share on PinterestCold sores are tiny blisters that appear on the lip. LPETTET/Getty Images

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1). Outbreaks may also be accompanied by mild, flu-like symptoms, such as low fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

This virus can be dormant inside of your body. Sores may appear when the virus reactivates and last for 2 to 6 weeks, according to 2021 research. This can occur when the immune system is weak or during times of stress.

Outbreaks are more common if you:

are under stress
are ill or have a weakened immune system
have had too much sun exposure
have a break in the skin of your mouth

The virus that causes cold sores is contagious and can be spread through contact with cold sores. It can be spread through kissing, sharing food, or sharing cosmetics. It is also possible to catch HSV-1 when sores cannot be seen.

Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2), can look similar in appearance to cold sores. Both viruses may be spread through sex without a condom or other barrier method if you or your partner has an active outbreak.

Folate deficiency and anemia

A folate deficiency is caused by not having enough folate, also known as vitamin B9. Folate is an important B vitamin used to make and repair DNA. It’s critical to proper development in embryos. Being deficient in folate can also lead to folate deficiency anemia.

Anemia occurs when your supply of red blood cells is too low. When your red blood cells are reduced, damaged, or impaired, you may have problems transporting enough oxygen throughout your body. It can have an impact on different organ systems in your body.

Both folate deficiency and anemia can cause mouth sores. While folate deficiency can cause anemia, other types of anemia, like iron deficiency anemia, can cause mouth sores as well. These sores may look like small mouth ulcers or canker sores and be white, gray, yellow, or red in color.

Share on PinterestAnemia can cause mouth ulcers. Tuan_Azizi/ShutterstockShare on PinterestAnemia can present in many ways, including skin changes. Casa nayafana/Shutterstock

Folate deficiency may also cause additional symptoms, including:

fatigue
weakness
pale skin
tongue swelling
gray hair
growth delay in children

Anemia can also cause additional symptoms that may include:

pale, cold skin
pale gums
dizziness
lightheadedness
fatigue
increased or decreased blood pressure
racing or pounding heart

Anemia has many causes and may occur quickly or over a long period of time. Anemia that occurs quickly may be caused by:

blood loss from injury
surgery
endometriosis
childbirth
heavy menstrual periods
gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, IBS, and cancer

Chronic anemia may be related to autoimmune diseases, inherited genetic conditions, overexposure to lead, and other conditions.

Gingivostomatitis

Gingivostomatitis is a common infection of the mouth and gums, often seen in children.

It produces tender sores on the gums or insides of the cheeks. Like canker sores, they can appear grayish or yellow on the outside and red in the center. Pain can range from mild to severe.

Share on PinterestSwelling and sores in the mouth is known as gingivostomatitis. James Heilman, MD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you have gingivostomatitis, you may also experience mild, flu-like symptoms. These sores may also lead to drooling and pain with eating. Young children may refuse to eat.

Ulcers caused by this condition can last about 2 to 3 weeks, according to 2021 research.

Gingivostomatitis is often caused by viral infections, such as HSV-1 and coxsackievirus, and bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus. These infections can also be caused by not flossing and brushing teeth regularly.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono, can occur with a rash. This rash can occur on the skin or inside of your mouth. Flat spots may appear pink or purple.

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It often affects adolescents and young adults in high school and college.

Share on PinterestInfectious mono presents with sore throat with discharge. Another Average Joe/Getty Images

Symptoms typically last for 2 to 4 weeks but may last weeks longer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms may also include:

fever
swollen lymph glands
sore throat
headache
fatigue
night sweats
body aches

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops on the inside of your mouth and on your tongue. It’s most common in infants and children, but it may be a sign of a weakened immune system in adults. Having dry mouth or taking medications like antibiotics may increase your risk of developing it.

It looks like creamy white bumps that appear on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils and can be scraped off.

Share on PinterestOral thrush appears as white fungus on the tongue. Victoria 1/Shutterstock

Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that naturally occurs in the body. The CDC says this condition is usually treated with antifungal medications for 7 to 14 days.

Additional symptoms may include:

pain at the site of the bumps
cotton-like feeling in the mouth
loss of taste
pain while swallowing or eating
dry, cracked skin at the corners of the mouth

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses in the enterovirus family. It’s common in children under the age of 5.

It causes painful red blisters in the mouth and on the tongue and gums. You may also experience flat or raised red spots located on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, buttocks, or genital area. On darker skin tones, bumps may appear skin-colored or grayish-brown in color.

Share on PinterestHand, foot, and mouth disease presents as mouth sores with rash on the hands and feet. adriaticfoto/Shutterstock

Other symptoms may include:

fever
sore throat
feeling unwell
skin rash

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is contagious but usually not serious. It usually resolves in 7 to 10 days, according to the CDC.

The infection is more contagious during the first week.

Leukoplakia

Oral leukoplakia is a white patch that develops in the mouth. It is common in people who use tobacco of all kinds.

Leukoplakia may look like thick, white patches on your tongue and the lining of your mouth. They may be raised, hard, or have a “hairy” appearance.

Share on PinterestOral leukoplakia resembles a white patch. Photography courtesy of Michael Gaither/Wikimedia

Leukoplakia can be harmless and often goes away on its own. But 2021 research suggests 1 to 9 percent of people with this condition may develop oral cancer. If you have this condition, visit a doctor, who may take a sample of the cells for diagnosis.

Regular dental appointments may help catch leukoplakia.

Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the mucous membranes of the gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue.

It may cause white, lacy, raised patches of tissue in the mouth that can resemble spiderwebs. It may also cause tender, swollen patches that are bright red with ulcers. Open ulcers may bleed and cause pain when you eat or brush your teeth. They may also burn or sting.

Share on PinterestLichen planus causes a lacy white rash which can present in the mouth. Dermatology11/Getty Images

Lichen planus is not contagious. However, it is a chronic condition that cannot be cured.

Medication, such as corticosteroids and immune response medications, along with using a mild toothpaste may help manage symptoms.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an atypical immune system response to gluten that can damage the lining of the small intestine. Damage to the villi — the small hair-like threads in your small intestine — may lead to poor absorption of important dietary nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, and calcium.

Vitamin deficiency can lead to conditions like anemia. This may increase your risk of developing mouth ulcers.

Share on PinterestCeliac disease is caused by a reaction to gluten, which presents with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Vicki Smith/Getty Images

Symptoms range in severity and may differ between adults and children. They can include:

diarrhea
weight loss
stomach pain
anemia
joint pain
bloating
gassiness
fatty stools
skin rash
mouth sores

In children, symptoms may include:

weight loss
growth delay
delayed puberty
chronic diarrhea or constipation
stomach pain
yellow or discolored teeth

Celiac disease is a chronic condition and has no cure. You can manage celiac disease through diet and avoiding gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, and tritical. People with celiac disease may also experience symptoms from cross contamination with these ingredients.

Mouth cancer

Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the mouth or oral cavity. This includes the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, front two-thirds of the tongue, roof, and floor of the mouth. Cancer is caused by the growth and spread of abnormal cells.

Oral cancer may look like ulcers, white patches, or red patches that appear inside the mouth or on the lips and do not heal. Doctors use the terms leukoplakia and erythroplakia to describe these tissue changes inside the mouth.

Share on PinterestOral cancer can affect the gums. Photography courtesy of Bionerd/wikimedia

Other symptoms of oral cancer may include:

weight loss
bleeding gums
ear pain
swollen lymph nodes in the neck

If you have unexplained white patches inside your mouth, visit a doctor. They can perform a biopsy to check for cancerous or precancerous cells. Early detection of cancers such as oral cancer can improve your outlook.

Pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disease. Having an autoimmune disease means that your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your body. Pemphigus vulgaris affects the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, anus, and lungs.

It can cause painful, itchy skin blisters that break and bleed easily. Blisters in the mouth and throat may cause pain with swallowing and eating.

Share on PinterestSkin blisters caused by pemphigus vulgaris. Photography by DermNet New Zealand

Symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris can include:

blisters that start in the mouth or on skin
blisters that may come and go
blisters that ooze, crust, or peel

Treatment usually involves systemic corticosteroids. They typically take effect within 3 months, according to 2021 research.

In most cases, mouth sores cause some redness and pain, especially when eating and drinking. They can also cause a burning or tingling sensation around the sore. Depending on the size, severity, and location of the sores in your mouth, they can make it difficult to eat, drink, swallow, talk, or breathe. The sores may also develop blisters.

Contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms:

sores that are larger than 1/2 inch in diameter
frequent outbreaks of mouth sores
rash
joint pain
fever
diarrhea

Several things can lead to mouth sores, ranging from minor everyday causes to serious illnesses. Usually, a mouth sore might develop if you:

bite your tongue, cheek, or lip
burn your mouth
experience irritation from a sharp object, such as braces, a retainer, or dentures
brush your teeth too hard or use a very firm toothbrush
use chewing tobacco or smoke cigarettes
have the herpes simplex virus

Occasionally, mouth sores are the result of — or a reaction to — the following:

over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids
gingivostomatitis
infectious mononucleosis
oral thrush
hand, foot, and mouth disease
radiation or chemotherapy
autoimmune disorders
bleeding disorders
cancer
celiac disease
bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
a weakened immune system due to AIDS or a recent organ transplant

You can usually tell when you have a mouth sore without needing a healthcare professional’s diagnosis. However, contact a healthcare professional if you:

have white patches on your sores, as this may be a sign of leukoplakia or oral lichen planus
have or suspect you have herpes simplex or another infection
have sores that don’t go away or get worse after a couple of weeks
started taking a new medication
started cancer treatment
recently had transplant surgery

During your visit, a healthcare professional will examine your mouth, tongue, and lips. If they suspect you have cancer, they may perform a biopsy and run some tests.

Minor mouth sores often go away naturally within 1 to 2 weeks. Some simple home remedies might help reduce the pain and possibly speed up the healing process. You may want to:

avoid hot, spicy, salty, citrus-based, and high sugar foods
avoid tobacco and alcohol
gargle with salt water
eat ice, ice pops, sherbet, or other cold foods
take a pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
avoid squeezing or picking at the sores or blisters
apply a thin paste of baking soda and water
gently dab on a solution that is 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water
ask your pharmacist about other over-the-counter medications, pastes, or mouthwashes that may be helpful

If you see a healthcare professional for your mouth sores, they may prescribe a pain medication, anti-inflammatory drug, or steroid gel. If your mouth sores are a result of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, your healthcare professional might provide a medication to treat the infection.

In cases of mouth cancer, a biopsy will be taken first. Afterward, you may need surgery or chemotherapy.

There is no absolute way to prevent all mouth sores. However, you can take certain steps to lower the chance of getting them. These may include:

avoiding very hot foods and drinks
chewing slowly
using a soft toothbrush and practicing regular dental hygiene
contacting your dentist if any dental hardware or teeth may be irritating your mouth
decreasing stress
eating a balanced diet
reducing or eliminating food irritants, such as hot, spicy foods
taking vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins
drinking plenty of water
avoiding smoking or using tobacco
avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption
shading your lips when in the sun, or using SPF 15 lip balm

In most cases, mouth sores have no long-term effects. In some cases, they may leave scarring.

If you have herpes simplex, the sores may reappear. Cold sores may also cause scarring.

In cases of cancer, your long-term side effects and outlook depend on the type, severity, and treatment of your cancer.

What are four types of mouth sores?

Mouth sores can happen for many reasons, including:

infections
medication use
allergies
having a weakened immune system
cancer

How do you heal sores in your mouth?

A doctor may prescribe medication to address an underlying issue. Some lifestyle tips for treating and preventing mouth sores include:

gargling with salt water
avoiding smoking and other tobacco use
applying a paste of baking soda and water

What viruses can cause mouth sores?

Viruses that can lead to mouth sores include:

HSV-1
HSV-2
HIV and AIDS due to a weakened immune system
mononucleosis
hand, foot, and mouth disease

When should I be concerned about mouth sores?

It’s best to see a doctor if you have sores that:

recur often
are large and very painful
do not go away or get worse
occur with other symptoms, such as a fever

How long do mouth sores last?

This will depend on the cause. Canker sores usually resolve within 1–2 weeks but can take longer. If a sore lasts longer than 2 weeks and does not appear to be healing, it is best to see a doctor.

Mouth sores are common and usually last only 1 or 2 weeks.

They can make eating and drinking painful. Some over-the-counter rinses, gels, or medications may help.

Severe or recurring mouth sores may be a sign of a chronic or more serious condition. If you have frequent unexplained mouth sores or mouth sores that won’t go away, contact a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment

Genital herpes – symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods.

Primary infection is when the virus enters the body for the first time and the person has not yet developed antibodies to it. This can manifest itself both with the first rash on the body, and asymptomatically, which happens most often. External manifestations of primary infection with the virus last up to 14-22 days with an increase in symptoms in the first week. The disease can proceed for quite a long time, not only the genitals can be affected, and be accompanied by general and local / local symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, and myalgia. Local phenomena include pain, painful urination, itching, discharge (from the vagina or urethra). Symptoms may gradually disappear up to 2-3 weeks. Sometimes there may be a more complex course of HSV that require hospitalization (severe aseptic meningitis, disseminated infection, etc.). In such cases, the course of the disease can be delayed up to 1.5 months.

Non-primary infection with occurs in people who have already been exposed to the virus and who have antibodies to it. In these patients, the disease, as a rule, proceeds with less severe symptoms: the duration of which is about 15 days. Sometimes, the virus can be asymptomatic, and the course of the disease lasts 7-8 days.

Recurrent infection is detected in those patients who have both symptoms of genital herpes and antibodies to the reactivated type of virus. The course of relapse can also be asymptomatic, and therefore, HSV can be diagnosed by performing specific research methods. The severity and duration of the course of the disease during relapse is even less than with the above forms of genital infection, and is only 2-3 days. Relapse in type 2 HSV occurs more frequently than in type 1 HSV. The frequency and nature of the appearances in patients can be quite different and affect the well-being.

Causes causing activation and/or recurrence of HSV:

immunosuppression;
hypothermia or vice versa overheating of the body.
stress and some physiological conditions of the body.;
medical manipulations/surgical interventions.
intercurrent diseases (acute disease, joined to existing chronic ones, for example: secondary infection).

The first manifestation of herpesvirus infection, as a rule, manifests itself more rapidly than subsequent relapses. In some patients, they are short-lived. Most infected people do not have symptoms of genital herpes.

HSV affects the skin and mucous membranes (most often on the face and genitals), the central nervous system, causing meningitis, encephalitis, eyes (conjunctivitis, keratitis). Also, HSV can provoke a pathological course during pregnancy and childbirth, and cause miscarriage, miscarriage, developmental anomalies and / or fetal death, generalized damage by the pathogen of the virus in all organs and systems of the newborn. There has been an association between cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. HSV, like some other herpesviruses, it is capable of a latent course of the process, which subsequently reactivates and can cause constant exacerbations of the disease and asymptomatic isolation of the virus.

Ways of transmission of HSV

Airborne. Contact household. Through non-sterile instruments, personal hygiene products (razors, etc.). Sexually. Vertical transmission of the virus (from mother to fetus). The disease is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, regardless of the form of intimacy (genital, oral, anal) from a patient with genital herpes or a carrier of the virus. Infection can occur when the partner who is the source of the infection has a recurrence of the disease or, most importantly, when he sheds the virus without having clinical symptoms. Sometimes, HSV can infect individuals who do not have active manifestations of the virus at the time of sexual intercourse or even episodes of virus activation, and therefore do not even know that they are infected. It is not excluded the possibility of infection through household through personal hygiene products. HSV is introduced into the body through the skin mucous membranes, after which it is captured using viral receptors by sensory nerve endings. Herpes has a devastating effect on the patient’s immune system and, therefore, becomes the cause of secondary immunodeficiency. Relapses of HSV disrupt the patient’s full-fledged sexual life, and are often the cause of neuropsychiatric and psychological disorders. Manifestations on the mucous membrane and skin are the most common manifestation of the disease, and infection with genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

The risk of infection of the baby during pregnancy and childbirth depends on many factors, and can reach a 75% probability. Intrauterine infection caused by HSV-2 is less common. In the vast majority of cases, infection of the newborn occurs during childbirth when the baby passes through the birth canal of the mother. Moreover, the transmission of infection is possible both in the presence of lesions in the cervix and vulva, and with asymptomatic isolation of the virus. When the virus is isolated during pregnancy, it can cause fetal death, causing missed / non-developing pregnancies and provoke miscarriages, both in the early and late stages of gestation. HSV takes the 2nd place after the rubella virus in terms of fetal abnormalities. Possible, infection of the newborn and after childbirth, with active manifestation in the woman in labor and honey. personnel, but this happens very rarely.

Symptoms

Typical localization in women: on the large and small labia, on the vulva, clitoris, in the vagina, and on the cervix, and also often on the perianal region, and buttocks. In men, these are the glans penis, foreskin, and urethra.

There are several forms of recurrent genital herpes:

Manifest form of recurrent herpes is characterized by the presence of herpetic elements in the lesion. Typical manifestations of the disease are vesicles, erosion, sores, exudation, recurrent nature of the disease. Some patients with genital herpes complain of general malaise throughout the body, headaches, fever to subfebrile values, some have disturbed sleep, and also anxiety and irritability appear. As a rule, at the stage of development of the disease, patients note a burning sensation, itching, “irritation and” tickling “, pain in the genital area. The affected area becomes somewhat edematous, reddens, and then, single or multiple small vesicles up to 2-3 mm appear. The contents of these vesicles are initially transparent, then cloudy, and become purulent. Within a few days, the blisters empty, dry up, crusts form, which gradually fall off, and spots remain in place of these rashes for several days, and subsequently disappear completely.
Atypical form occurs in the form of swelling and itching. The affected area is represented by deep recurrent cracks in the skin, genital mucosa and underlying soft tissues, which heal in 4-5 days.
Abortive herpes is most common in patients who have already received antiviral drugs and vaccine therapy. Herpetic lesions in this form of herpes bypass the stages due to the manifest form, and may appear as itchy spots or papules that resolve on their own within 1-3 days. Abortive forms of herpes include: erythematous, papular, and prurigoneurotic, in which there are no vesicular elements. Diagnosis of varieties of genital herpes, occurring in an erased abortive form, sometimes causes great difficulties. The disease is usually recognized when the typical recurrences of herpes alternate with rashes or occur simultaneously with them.
Subclinical form of genital herpes is mainly detected when examining individuals with STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), or in married couples with impaired reproductive functions. This form is characterized by “microsymptoms” (short-term appearance of mild, superficial cracks, accompanied by slight itching), or the complete absence of any external manifestations.

Patients with genital herpes are conditionally divided into three stages depending on the location and severity:

Stage 1 – damage to the external genital organs.
Stage 2 – herpetic colpitis, cervicitis, urethritis.
Stage 3 – herpetic endometritis (virus infection of the uterine mucosa), salpingitis (fallopian tubes) or cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).

Herpetic vesicles form characteristic polycyclic scalloped figures. Subsequently, superficial, covered with a grayish coating of sores are formed according to the number of former bubbles or continuous erosion with a smooth bottom and not undermined edges, surrounded by a bright red rim. The sores are not deep and do not bleed. Herpetic ulcers are sometimes very painful. Sores and erosions heal without leaving scars. Herpetic eruptions on the labia minora and vulva in women, in some cases, cause significant swelling of the labia. With herpetic cervicitis, the cervix is edematous, often has erosion. Relapses occur either spontaneously, or after sexual intercourse, or before and after menstruation. Often the appearance of genital herpes is provoked by other infections. Herpetic recurrent infection can be localized not only in the area of the external genitalia, but also affect the mucous membrane of the vagina, cervix and ascending through the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, mucosa of the urethra and bladder, and cause a specific lesion in them.

The clinical picture of the herpes virus in men appear most often in the form of small vesicles, and the formation of superficial ulcers on the glans penis, foreskin, groove area. The course of the disease is characterized by recurrent episodes. Complaints with herpetic urethritis in men begin with the appearance of pain, with irradiation to the scrotum, penis, urethra, legs, buttocks, perineum, burning sensation in the urethra. Patients also note these complaints during urination, the appearance of light or yellowish discharge from the urethra, redness and swelling in the area of the opening of the urethra. At the stage of erosion healing, erythematous or pigmented spots are visualized in this place. The chronic course of recurrent balanoposthitis is detected in most patients with herpes.

Infection of the genitals caused by HSV in some patients provokes psychological and even psychosexual disorders, in the form of embarrassment, fear of sexual intercourse, depression, loss of self-confidence, mental trauma, anger, decreased self-esteem, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, negative emotions, hostility and even aggressiveness towards the source of infection. Many, out of fear of rejection, hide the information that they have genital herpes. Women perceive and endure this news more emotionally, due to the psychological characteristics of the weaker sex. Moreover, in those patients who first encountered genital herpes, there are deeper psychological problems than with other sexually transmitted diseases. Frequent exacerbations, and pronounced manifestations of the disease can affect his behavior and even change the character of the patient.

Oral herpes – Liko-Med Medical Center

Oral herpes

Oral herpes is a common and highly contagious viral infection. This disease is characterized by rashes around the mouth, on the tongue, on the skin, or on the face. Oral herpes differs in manifestations from genital herpes and is transmitted during childbirth from mother to child, through sexual contact, as well as through the use of other people’s personal hygiene items and untreated cutlery.

The disease may be asymptomatic, but an infected person may be a carrier of oral herpes. In most cases, no treatment is required in the initial stage of the disease. When the initial signs of infection appear, discomfort can be reduced with a special ointment or gel. Antiviral drugs can help reduce the intensity of the disease, making it less severe. A complete cure for oral herpes is impossible, because the virus remains in the human body for life, asymptomatic or in the form of periodic outbreaks.

What to expect

The initial manifestation of oral herpes in most cases occurs in the form of severe outbreaks. As a symptom, tingling, burning or itching that occurs in the area of localization of the blisters can be considered. Painful formations burst or crust, after which they heal for two weeks.

The herpes virus penetrates from the skin into the blood and nerve cells immediately after infection, remaining in the body for life. The disease can proceed in a latent form and manifest itself only after exposure to predisposing factors on the body. As time goes by, oral herpes outbreaks become less frequent and less intense.

Risk factors

It is possible to contract the herpes virus from an infected person. If there is an oral herpes virus in the body, predisposing factors such as stress, fatigue, colds, fever, overheating in the sun, menstruation, pregnancy, cuts, or surgery can provoke outbreaks.

Prevalence

Mouth herpes virus is found in the body of almost every person. With the help of the conducted research, it was found that by the age of 50 9out of 10 people are infected with oral herpes.

Preventive measures

If an adult or young child develops tingling, burning or sores on the face after kissing or using personal hygiene items, then measures should be taken to prevent the development of the disease.

Preventive measures include boiling towels, strict personal hygiene, avoiding oral sex, and using cotton swabs to treat herpes sores.

Treatment

When symptoms of oral herpes appear, it is recommended to use special gels and ointments containing zinc. In the presence of pain, it is recommended to take drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The severity and frequency of outbreaks can be reduced with antiviral drugs.

It is better to start treatment at the very beginning of an outbreak of oral herpes with the following drugs:

Aciclovir;
Famciclovir;
Valaciclovir.

What should I do myself?

Wash sores with antiseptic soap and water;
Treat with L-lysine and anestezin;
Drink more fluids;
Do not get cold;
Avoid sunlight and stress.

When to see a doctor?

Call an ambulance if you have a fever and large areas of redness. It is recommended to go to the doctor if there is a characteristic discomfort and sores that do not heal for 10 days or more. With a strong decrease in immunity and the presence of cancer or AIDS, oral herpes is a serious reason to see a doctor.

It is necessary to visit a specialist if the sores spread to the eyes and the presence of severe pain in the area of the affected skin.