OVERVIEW

Oral herpes is a viral infection that causes blisters and sores on the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks or nose, and sometimes on the face, chin, and neck. These sores may sometimes be called fever blisters or cold sores. Oral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1, but can also be caused by HSV-2, which is typically associated with genital herpes.

HSV-1 is most commonly spread through kissing or sharing drinking glasses and utensils, but can also be spread through contact with infected saliva, such as through sharing a straw. It can also be spread through contact with infected skin, such as through sharing towels or during close contact sports.

HSV-2 is most commonly spread through sexual contact, but can also be spread through contact with infected saliva.

There is no cure for HSV infections, but there are treatments that can help to ease the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms vary, depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence. The first time you have a cold sore, symptoms may not start for up to 20 days after you were first exposed to the virus. The sores can last several days, and the blisters can take two to three weeks to heal completely. Recurrences typically appear at the same spot each time and tend to be less severe than the first outbreak.

CAUSES

Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 usually causes cold sores. HSV-2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. But either type can spread to the face or genitals through close contact, such as kissing or oral sex. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels might also spread HSV-1.

Cold sores are most contagious when you have oozing blisters because the virus easily spreads through contact with infected body fluids. But you can spread the virus even if you don’t have blisters. Many people who are infected with the virus that causes cold sores never develop signs and symptoms.

TREATMENT

To reduce the frequency, severity and duration of outbreaks, we prescribe antivirals such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir (Pill and Ointment available).