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Herpes on the lips and mouth can be characterized by the appearance of sores such as canker sores on the lips or mouth. Get to know the symptoms of herpes, so you can deal with it properly.
Herpes on the lips and mouth are also known as herpes labialis or oral herpes. Just like genital herpes, this condition is caused by infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. This virus can infect anyone easily. Using cutlery, lip balm or kissing with herpes sufferers, will be at risk of contracting this disease.
Symptoms of Herpes in the Lips and Mouth
Symptoms usually appear within 1-3 weeks after being infected with the virus (viral incubation period). Symptoms vary, but some people experience canker sores when they first attack.
Symptoms of herpes in the lips and mouth are also characterized by:
- Itching and tingling sensation in the infected area
- Small blisters or resilient lesions on the area of the lips and surroundings. These blisters can rupture and dry out within 6 days.
- In some cases, the wound can spread to the area of the gums, tongue, palate, and the inside of the cheek.
- In some people, oral herpes can trigger other symptoms, such as muscle pain, fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and pain when swallowing.
Herpes in the lips can heal but the herpes virus cannot disappear completely. After the symptoms of the infection disappear, this virus will stay in the spinal cord tissue, in a state of sleep or inactivity and can return to active or relapsing at any time when you are stressed or suffer a physical injury.
How to Overcome Herpes in the Lips and Mouth
If you experience symptoms of herpes around the lips and mouth, it is recommended to see a doctor. Then, the doctor will do a physical examination and laboratory examination to confirm it.
If the results of your examination are proven to suffer from herpes in the mouth and lips, the doctor will provide anti-viral treatment, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. Giving this type of drug is useful to relieve symptoms and help reduce the risk of spread from patients to others.
In addition to the administration of these drugs, there are several steps that can be taken to relieve the symptoms that appear, such as:
- Keep your lips and mouth clean.
- Compress the injured area with a cold or warm compress to relieve the pain that arises.
- Avoid consuming warm drinks, spicy, acidic and salty foods for some time.
- Take painkillers.
Herpes cannot be cured, so it is important to know how to minimize transmission. You are advised to avoid the use of glasses, cutlery, makeup, lip balm together because it can be a medium for the transmission of the herpes virus. In addition, it is advisable to be careful in oral sex activities, because it can cause contracting the herpes virus in the lips and mouth.
Although all ages have the possibility of developing herpes in the lips and mouth, children are more at risk for contracting, especially if there is direct contact with adults who suffer from herpes. Immediately check with your doctor, if you suspect contracting herpes in the lips and mouth, to get proper treatment.
