Herpes In The Mouth - Mouth Herpes

Herpes simplex type 1

Herpes in the mouth is a result of the herpes simplex type 1 virus. It usually results in cold sores, but there are instances where the usual blisters that appear around the mouth do not appear at all. This does not mean that the herpes virus is not present, but that it is asymptomatic. It is this circumstance in which the herpes may manifest inside the mouth.

Transmission, symptoms and treatment

As with any type of herpes, the herpes simplex 1 virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person (kissing or touching) or even from using the same drinking recipient as an infected person.

The virus enters your body and it will travel along your nerves until it reaches the spinal cord where it will settle and start to multiply. In this first phase, you are likely to experience flu-like symptoms like fever, muscle pain and swollen lymph glands. After this phase, the virus will remain latent for a while.

The Good News About Bad News: Herpes Everything You Need to Know

Depending on the person infected, it will at one point travel along the nerves back to the surface of the skin and multiply there as well – resulting the common cold sores. In the case of herpes inside the mouth, the virus might not create blisters or sores, thus remaining relatively asymptomatic. But in the event that it does become symptomatic, the sores resulted from the outbreak can be a real nuisance, for they will interfere with regular eating habits, making it very painful to chew and swallow solid foods.

Treatment for herpes in the mouth usually should start with pain-relieving medication. This will make the whole outbreak easier to deal with. Antiviral medication is used to push the virus back and reduce the chance of recurrence. Medication that is used for the common cold should be administered if you are experiencing a fever and swollen lymph glands in the neck.

There is no permanent cure for herpes simplex. The only thing you can do is manage and treat symptoms. Maintaining a strong immune system can prevent recurrence. Also, administering antiviral medication from time to time can reduce the risk of contaminating other people.

Herpes in the mouth and canker sores

There are numerous cases in which herpes simplex has been confused with canker sores and the other way around. It is important to determine whether you have canker sores or not, because these are not viral infections and you do not need to treat as you would herpes.

Studies show that a staggering 20% of the world's population suffers from cold sores (herpes simplex type 1). Canker sores are not as much the result of an infection as they are the result of lesions. An exact reason for canker sores is not yet known by the medical community, but it is believed that they are the result of stress, lack of sleep or vitamin deficiency.

Both herpes and canker sores appear as small itching blisters. This is why they are easily confused. But herpes simplex usually becomes symptomatic around the mouth rather than in the mouth. To get an accurate diagnosis, visit your doctor and follow the according treatment.

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