Herpes on the lips and mouth can be characterized by the appearance of sores such as canker sores on the lips or mouth. Recognize the symptoms of herpes, so you can deal with it properly.
Herpes on the lips and mouth is also known as herpes labialis or oral herpes. Just like genital herpes, this condition is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1. This virus can infect anyone easily. Using eating utensils, lip balm or kissing with herpes sufferers, will be at risk of contracting this disease.
Symptoms of Herpes on the Lips and Mouth
Symptoms of herpes on the lips and mouth usually appear within 1-3 weeks after being infected with the virus (the incubation period of the virus). Symptoms vary, but some people experience thrush the first time the virus strikes.
Symptoms of herpes on the lips and mouth are also characterized by:
- Itching and tingling sensation in the infected area
- Small blisters or blisters on the lips and surrounding area. These blisters can rupture and dry up within 6 days.
- In some cases, the sores can spread to the gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, and the inside of the cheeks.
- In some people, oral herpes can trigger other symptoms, such as muscle aches, fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and pain when swallowing.
Herpes on the lips can be cured but the herpes virus can't go away completely. After the symptoms of infection disappear, this virus will stay in the spinal cord tissue, in a sleep or inactive state and can reactivate or recur at any time when you are stressed or suffer a physical injury.
How to Overcome Herpes on the Lips and Mouth
If you experience herpes symptoms around the lips and mouth, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Then, the doctor will perform a physical examination and laboratory tests to confirm it.
If from the results of the examination it is proven that you have herpes in the mouth and lips, the doctor will provide treatment in the form of anti-virus, such as: acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. Giving this type of drug is useful to relieve symptoms and help reduce the risk of spreading from sufferers to others.
In addition to giving these drugs, there are several steps that can be taken to relieve the symptoms that appear, such as:
- Keeps lips and mouth clean.
- Compress the injured area with a cold or warm compress to relieve the pain that appears.
- Avoid consumption of warm drinks, spicy, sour and salty foods for some time.
- Take pain medication.
Herpes cannot be cured, so it is important to know how to minimize transmission. You are advised to avoid using glasses, cutlery, make-up, lip balm together, because these objects could be a medium of transmission of the herpes virus. In addition, it is advisable to be careful in oral sex activities, because it can cause the herpes virus to spread on the lips and mouth.
Although all ages have the possibility of getting herpes on the lips and mouth, children are more at risk of contracting it, especially if there is direct contact with adults who have herpes. Immediately consult a doctor, if you suspect that you have herpes on the lips and mouth, to get the right treatment.