Mouth Herpes

Mouth herpes is most commonly known as cold sores. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and it is highly contagious, but manageable.

How can you get mouth herpes?

Cold sores are very common. Caused by the HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1), the infection is easily transmittable. Direct contact with an infected person (kissing) is the main transmission method. The herpes simplex virus type 2 can also cause it, even though it is mainly responsible for the genital herpes. Everybody can get the herpes virus. It is the most common skin disease and it has been around for a very long time. The origins of the virus are unknown.

As mentioned above, it is usually contacted through direct contact with an infected person. Kissing an infected person or even drinking from the same bottle or glass out of which a herpes carrier has drank will most likely result in you getting the virus as well. There is no certainty that an outbreak will occur right after you got infected, or even ever at all. But the virus will be there.

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Symptoms of mouth herpes

Cold sores firstly make themselves noticeable as mild rashes of the skin around the mouth or on the lips. They are itchy and very uncomfortable. If you are going through your first outbreak, the symptoms will be somewhat more pronounced. Subsequent outbreaks will be easier to deal with and will heal faster. Along with the rash, you might experience fever and muscle pain. Again, these symptoms are common for the first outbreaks – do not panic, just treat the symptoms and you will be fine.

The next thing you will notice is that in the area where the rash began, small blisters or sores will start to appear. A single blister may appear or several, stacked tightly together. The itching and/or burning sensation will persist. It is important to treat them as soon as possible. Scarring is very uncommon, even if you scratch – the skin will heal itself over time. But being that cold sores are uncomfortable and not a pretty sight, it is best to deal with them as soon as possible.

Treatments for cold sores

In treating mouth herpes, a treatment for infection should be sought. Antiviral medication, although considered a serious treatment for herpes simplex 1, is probably the most effective and direct treatment. Used along with special ointments for cold sores, it can deliver the best results in the shortest amount of time.

The sores or blisters will heal by themselves in about two weeks. But with proper treatment, you can reduce that time to as little as three days. In order to prevent another outbreak, try and maintain a healthy diet and a strong immune system. Also, for as long as the blisters are still present on your skin, avoid contact (kissing or drinking from same container) with other people in order to prevent spreading the virus.

There is no permanent cure for herpes simplex. All you can do for the moment is manage the symptoms as soon as possible in order to avoid unnecessary discomfort

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