Find out all about oral herpes diagnosis, treatment and prevention and how to deal with life once you get infected with this super annoying thing!
The basics
Oral herpes is yet another proof that life can be unfair. Some people have them, and some do not. They produce itching and pain, and can make you feel self-conscious. Once you get oral herpes diagnosis, be prepared for hell. Unfortunately, there are ways to treat and prevent them, but not to cure them forever.
Your oral herpes is not your fault
The type of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause. It is obtained through contact with the skin or body fluids of an infected person. The virus damages the skin when it reproduces. That leaves behind purulent sores that last about a week. Between two outbreaks, HSV-1 hides inside nerve cells, so it is never completely cured.
Why does not everybody get it?
About two-thirds of us have been infected with the HSV-1 virus. Usually, it comes through kisses from family members or partners. But why only a few unlucky ones have oral herpes? The answer may be in your genes. Most people who get oral herpes share genes that can refer to how HSV-1 works in their bodies. This could be the cause of outbreaks.
What are its triggers?
HSV-1 lives on its nerves. It is fairly quiet most of the time, but there may be triggers that pull it out of its hiding place and cause oral herpes. These triggers can be from sunlight or a fever to stress or in case of women, during their period. Some people get oral herpes twice a year or less. For others, this is a monthly nightmare.
Mouth ulcers are not the same
Oral herpes usually appear on the lip. Mouth ulcers or cold sores affect the inside of your mouth. They do not involve the herpes virus, and are not contagious. No one knows what their causes are. Oral herpes usually signal arrival with a warning period of red and irritated skin. Blisters are then formed, exploded, and then crusted before they are cured.
When are you contagious?
From the moment your skin turns red and itchy, the virus is likely to manifest and can be spread. You are more contagious when the blisters appear and just after they burst. Once your skin is completely healed and looks normal again, it cannot spread that way. But you can pass the virus through the saliva at any time, even when you do not have oral herpes.
How is the virus transmitted?
Through the body fluids. They are usually present on the lips of an infected person, even if there is no obvious pain. Kissing is the main method. Since the virus often lives in saliva, it can also be transmitted if you share cooking utensils or drinking glasses. Oral sex sometimes leads to infection of your partner’s genitals.
Can you stop the spread?
Yes. Be careful while you have a sore. Do not kiss, do not share toothbrushes, dishes, or glasses. Forget oral sex. That will further reduce the spread of the HSV-1 virus, and you may not be able to control the spread completely.
How to relieve your pain?
While the first outbreak can last up to 2 weeks, the following do not last more than a week. There is no cure for oral herpes, but some creams and gels can relieve symptoms such as burning and pain. You can also treat them with hot or cold compresses.
Antiviral creams can help
They often reduce the time it takes herpes to heal. But these are more effective if you put them with the first sign of an outbreak. Docosanol cream (Abreva) is available at the pharmacy. Creams Aciclovir (Zovirax) and penciclovir (Denavir) are available with a prescription.
Oral herpes diagnosis – How do you know that you have oral herpes?
What about an oral herpes that is not on the lip? These are not so common, but they can appear anywhere on the face, such as the cheek, chin or nose. Most people’s oral herpes appear again in the same area. For others, which is rare, their herpes appears on different places. Nevertheless, if you have all of the previously mentioned symptoms, be sure it is oral herpes.
Can it be transmitted to your body?
Yes, but in extremely rare cases. It can happen if you touch an oral herpes, and then touch an open skin surface or a mucous membrane (which is the protective and moist lining, found in places where your body opens outwards – mouth, nose, genitals). That can lead to a skin infection by herpes. To avoid this, you should wash your hands and never touch oral herpes.
Where else can it appear?
In your eyes: This is called ocular herpes and most often affects the cornea. It is the leading infectious cause of corneal blindness in the US in order to obtain treatment as soon as possible. Herpetic whitening is a painful condition affecting the fingers.
How to prevent outbreaks?
It’s hard to keep them out of the way, but there are things you can do to help keep them at bay. Learn what your triggers are to avoid them. Do not expose to the sun or use sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection. Find out what to do to manage your stress. Keep your immune system healthy by sleeping a lot and exercising daily.
When should you go to the doctor to confirm the oral herpes diagnosis?
Request an appointment if:
- You have a weakened immune system.
- The oral herpes does not heal within two weeks.
- The symptoms are severe.
- Your eyes are irritated.
- Oral herpes outbreaks are severe and recurring.
Useful info: Doctors Are Urging You Not To Let Your Dog Lick Your Face – Here Are The Reasons Why!
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