Oral Herpes Symptoms

Oral herpes is more commonly known as fever blisters or cold sores. The condition causes the appearance of small fluid-filled painful blisters on the skin and the mucous membrane of the body, the most commonly affected areas being the upper lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, and the inside of the cheek.

This infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. The herpes simplex virus type 2 usually causes genital herpes. But rarely, it can cause cold sores as well. However, almost 80% of the total cases of oral herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, while the remaining 20% are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2.

A primary infection caused by this virus usually heals without scarring. But this virus can remain within the body, and migrate from the skin to the nervous tissues of the spine, where it can lay dormant for a while before causing an outbreak of cold sores.

Some people may not experience another recurrence, while others can be troubled by frequent outbreaks of cold sores, whenever the virus gets activated.

What exactly triggers such outbreaks is not known, but a range of factors, including fever, exposure to sunlight, emotional or physical stress, and a weakened immune system are believed to play an important role in activating the virus.

A primary infection caused by the herpes simplex virus may or may not produce symptoms. Only 10% individuals have been found to develop symptoms, like fever and blisters during a primary infection with the herpes simplex virus.

This viral infection is also characterized by an incubation period of 2 to 12 days, which means that it can take about 2 to 12 days for the symptoms to appear, after contracting the virus.

The typical symptom of this viral infection is the appearance of fluid-filled blisters on the upper lips or the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. There can be a solitary blister or a clusters tiny sores. In addition to the lips, gums, front of the tongue, roof of the mouth, the inside of the cheek, as well as the throat can be affected by this condition.

The sores or blisters can be accompanied by fever, muscle pain, and tiredness. Apart from pain, one can feel a burning or tingling sensation on the affected areas. Ultimately, the sores burst, and they become crusted and yellow in color.

Sores that appear inside the mouth can cause difficulty in eating and drinking, as they can be really painful. On the other hand, blisters that appear on the gums can cause swelling of the gums. The lymph nodes of the neck can also become swollen or enlarged due to this viral infection.

Generally, the infection subsides on its own without any medical intervention. But if the symptoms worsen over a period of time, and make eating and drinking quite troublesome, then medical intervention may be required.

Young children and individuals with a weakened immune system are more likely to need medical help to alleviate the symptoms, and prevent the complications associated with this infection. In infants, the virus can migrate to the brain, and cause encephalitis if this infection is not treated on time.

Physicians usually evaluate the signs and symptoms produced by the infection, along with a sample of the sores, in order to detect the presence of herpes simplex virus. Antigen and antibody studies, and blood sampling for antibody studies are also carried out for a confirmed diagnosis. Another diagnostic test employed for this purpose is 'tzanck smear' test.

Topical anesthetics are generally used to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the cold sores. Infants and people with a weak immune system may require oral or IV medications.

Oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famvir or famciclovir are some antiviral drugs that are used for treating a serious infection. These medications have also shown efficacy in reducing the frequency or recurrences of this viral infection.

Oral herpes is a contagious disease, and it can easily spread from an infected person to a healthy individual through close contact. It can also spread from one area of the body to another area, for which care must be taken to clean the hands properly after touching the blisters.

Though these blisters usually heal on their own, it is better to consult a physician if the symptoms worsen, instead of subsiding within a few days, or if the affected individual develops dehydration, dry mouth, and a painful throat.

Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.