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Oral herpes, i.e. cold sores
Oral herpes is an infection caused by a virus, with symptoms of redness, itching and blisters typically on the lips. See a doctor if the symptoms are prolonged, come back or appear for the first time, or if there is discharge from the blister area.
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Oral herpes at a glance
- An infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus remains permanently in the body and can be reactivated during stress or a cold.
- About 90% of the adult population have caught the virus at some point in their lives, but not all experience symptoms.
- Oral herpes is most commonly treated with aciclovir or valaciclovir.
Symptoms of oral herpes
The typical initial symptoms of oral herpes include redness and an itching or tingling sensation in the lips and oral mucosa. A couple of days after the appearance of these symptoms, blisters develop on the lips. The blisters are initially clear before first turning yellowish and then developing into watery scabs. The scabs will fall off in a week or two.
Typical symptoms of oral herpes include:
- Redness, itching and tingling of the lips and oral mucosa.
- Blisters, which are initially clear but turn yellowish and then become watery scabs.
An oral herpes infection can also spread to other parts of the face than the area of the mouth and lips. A quite common location of oral herpes is next to the nostrils. If the herpes symptoms spread near the eyes, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist.
The virus is asymptomatic most of the time, but it can be reactivated by the common cold, sunshine or stress, for example. There is no way of preventing an oral herpes infection, so it's is not worth placing restrictions on your life to try to prevent an infection.
Transmission of oral herpes
Oral herpes spreads quite easily through contact. To prevent spreading the virus, unnecessary touching of the infected area during an active infection should be avoided, hands should be washed extra carefully and good oral hygiene should be maintained. Keeping the symptomatic area clean also prevents oral herpes from spreading. If you have symptoms of oral herpes, avoid visiting a dentist or other dental care professional.
Oral herpes during pregnancy
Some experience more symptoms of herpes during pregnancy. If the herpes is located in the genital area, it should be reported to the staff of the maternity clinic as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. However, oral herpes cannot be passed on to the foetus because the virus has not entered the bloodstream.
Oral herpes in children
Children can also become infected with herpes. Most children experience the first symptoms at the age of 3–5. Children under 3 with the herpes virus can experience inflammation of the mouth and lips (stomatitis), which may also include a minor fever. Children with symptoms should always see a doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if the oral herpes persists or if it's the first time you have symptoms of oral herpes. It's recommended that a doctor confirms that the symptoms are caused by oral herpes before treatment is started.
See a doctor if the blister area starts to produce pus. A bacterial infection may develop in a blister that is producing pus. The doctor will then assess if the area needs to be treated with an antibiotic cream or an antiseptic hydrocortisone cream.
If the herpes recurs frequently, a doctor may prescribe a prophylactic medication. Prophylactic treatment involves a small dose of aciclovir or valaciclovir.
Treatment of oral herpes
Oral herpes is most commonly treated with aciclovir or valaciclovir. If the infection is intense, orally taken aciclovir or valaciclovir can provide quick relief. Herpes will clear up on its own in a week or two.
Pharmacological treatment of oral herpes
The most commonly used medications for oral herpes are aciclovir and valaciclovir. They are antiviral medications. Aciclovir creams and valaciclovir tablets are available in pharmacies without a prescription.
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Frequently asked questions about oral herpes
Oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores, is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus does not leave the body and can cause occasional symptoms.
The typical initial symptoms of oral herpes include redness and an itching or tingling sensation in the lips and oral mucosa. A couple of days after the appearance of these symptoms, blisters develop on the lips. The blisters are initially clear before first turning yellowish and then developing into watery scabs. The scabs will fall off in a week or two.
The virus is asymptomatic most of the time, but it can be reactivated by the common cold, sunshine or stress, for example. Some experience more symptoms of herpes during pregnancy.
Oral herpes spreads quite easily through contact. To prevent spreading the virus, unnecessary touching of the infected area during an active infection should be avoided, hands should be washed extra carefully and good oral hygiene should be maintained. Keeping the symptomatic area clean also prevents oral herpes from spreading.
Oral herpes is most commonly treated with the antiviral medications aciclovir or valaciclovir. Aciclovir creams and valaciclovir tablets are available in pharmacies without a prescription. The virus does not leave the body, however, and can cause occasional symptoms.
