Herpes on the Mouth: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Oral herpes is a blister that appears around the lips or inside the mouth. It is caused by close mouth-to-mouth contact with an infected person, such as kissing, which may expose the virus to germs that may be mixed with saliva. When the herpes virus enters the body and into the body of another person, it can lead to serious complications such as arthritis, eye and brain infections, especially in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV.

Definition

What is herpes on the mouth?

Oral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth, and gums caused by two types of herpes simplex viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex virus type 1 can cause an infection that spreads and leads to oral herpes, which can cause sores. In 2016, an estimated 3.7 billion people, or 67% of the population under 50 years of age, had oral and genital herpes simplex virus-1 infections. An estimated 122–192 million people aged 15–49 years had genital herpes simplex infection alone.

Herpes simplex type 2 can cause herpes in the genitals and anus, but sometimes it can also cause herpes in the mouth if you have oral sex .

symptom

Oral herpes

Most cases of oral herpes may not cause any symptoms, and some people may not know they have been infected with HSV-1. However, oral herpes can develop over time , หากคุณสนใจเล่นพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุด สามารถสมัครสมาชิก UFABET ได้ที่นี่ พร้อมรับโปรโมชั่นพิเศษสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ and you can look for the following signs:

  • A burning sensation, redness, and itching in the area infected with the herpes virus before the wound appears.
  • There are blisters in the mouth, around the mouth, and on the lips, and there may be clear fluid inside the sores.
  • After 4-6 days, the wound may scab over and disappear on its own.
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes

cause

Causes of herpes on the mouth

The cause of herpes in the mouth is contact with the saliva of an infected person or a sore infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 in the mouth through oral activities such as kissing, oral sex, or sharing personal items.

Risk factors for oral herpes

Risk factors that may trigger repeated or frequent cold sores on the mouth include:

  • Surgery affecting nerves
  • Taking immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids
  • Prolonged exposure to sunlight
  • Stress or emotional states

Diagnosis and treatment

The information here is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor for more information.

Diagnosis of oral herpes

If you have pain and a rash around or inside your mouth, your doctor may diagnose you by taking a blood sample and a tissue sample from your mouth to test for the herpes simplex virus. Because herpes in the mouth can sometimes be confused with infections from other conditions, such as allergies, more detailed blood and tissue analysis is required.

Treatment of herpes simplex

Oral herpes: Your doctor may treat you with antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir, which are effective at treating herpes simplex and may help relieve severe symptoms. It’s best to start taking antiviral medications as soon as possible, within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, to reduce the spread of the virus and relieve the pain from oral herpes sores.

In addition, you should follow your doctor’s advice to treat the initial mouth sore as follows:

  • Do not touch or pick at the wound to prevent pus and scarring.
  • Apply a compress and clean the wound with a gauze soaked in saline or boiled water, or rinse your mouth with saline if there is a mouth ulcer.
  • Get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Take medication as needed, such as paracetamol to reduce fever or wipe the body to reduce body temperature.

Lifestyle adjustments and self-care

Lifestyle adjustments and self-care to prevent herpes on the mouth

Ways to prevent herpes on the mouth include avoiding contact with the secretions of infected people, keeping a distance, and not sharing objects that have been exposed to saliva, such as drinking glasses, forks, spoons, and utensils. Also, avoid oral sex or use condoms or rubber sheets every time to reduce the spread of the herpes virus.