Oral herpes

Oral herpes is one of the most common types of mouth infection. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and creates small blisters filled with fluids to develop inside the mouth or around your lips. These are usually called cold sores.

Symptoms

Oral herpes can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with a person who has the virus or by using objects which have had contact with the virus like lipstick or razors. Once you contract the herpes simplex virus, it will remain in your body for life. Most of the time it won't be active and this is known as the dormant state. However sometimes the virus will suddenly become active once more and your cold sores will make an unwelcome return.

For the vast majority of those with HSV, there won't be any symptoms at all, so the virus often goes unnoticed. But in some cases the first infection will cause several symptoms and make them feel quite ill. Children under the age of five are at an increased risk of becoming ill due to their first infection. The most common symptoms of oral herpes infection include;

  • Blisters inside the mouth
  • Swelling and pain in the gums
  • Blisters around the lips
  • Swollen glands
  • Sore throat
  • Halitosis
  • Excess saliva
  • Dehydration
  • Flu Like symptoms

Children are more likely to get blistering in the mouth and experience swelling in the gums. Sores in the mouth last between ten days to two weeks and can cause difficulty with eating and drinking. Adults who contract HSV for the first time are more likely to experience problems with the throat including swelling and glandular-type illnesses. After the initial infection the virus tends to become dormant in your body, only activating on occasion. The most common recurring symptoms are cold sores occurring around the lips or inside the mouth which can produce tingling sensations, swelling around the lip and redness. Cold sores can also fill with fluid and develop a crust when they break open. This scab usually comes off around a week after bursting.

In some rare cases HSV may spread to other areas of your body or skin including eyes, genitals and fingers. HSV infections can be unusually severe and even fatal in those who have a weakened immune system due to other medical issues. Furthermore, in patients with atopic eczema, contracting HSV can also cause an unusually severe infection.

Causes

There's two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oral herpes tends to be caused by the HSV-1 strain however in some cases it may be caused by HSV-2. Both kinds of the virus may also be responsible for genital herpes. As mentioned, HSV is commonly transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. It may also be spread by sharing objects which have had contact with the virus like lipsticks or razors. The virus can also be spread during oral sex between the mouth and the genitals.

Episodes of cold sores can often have triggers, the most common of these are;

  • Menstruation
  • Emotional stress
  • Fever
  • Injury or trauma to the mouth
  • Tiredness
  • Exposing the lips to excessive sunlight

Treatment

Although there's no cure for HSV, there are a number of things you can do to help with discomfort and pain or to prevent the spread of the virus. Painkillers available over the counter are usually enough to help with any pain caused by the cold sores. However you can help the cold sore to clear up quicker with Anti-viral creams, available at most pharmacies. In cases where the infection is excessive or very frequent your doctor may prescribe anti-viral tablets to combat the HSV. There's also a number of products which can help ease the irritation on the skin after the cold sore has developed. To help contain the spread of the virus it's important to not touch your cold sore or wash your hands thoroughly if you have. Similarly, try not to engage in oral sex or kissing until you or your partner's cold sores have dissipated completely. Avoid sharing objects which have had contact with the virus such as cutlery, towels or lipstick. If you wear contact lenses, then wash your hands before putting them in to help protect against infections in your eye.