It is a mouth infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). It would cause painful sores, lesions on the tongue, gums and inside the cheeks and even on the face. This infection is more or less like cold sores and two types of virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) causes this problem.
Causes :
Herpes virus is the main cause for this infection which creates painful sores in the mouth and tongue. The virus finds entry into the body, whenever there are small wounds or cuts in your skin or mucous membranes.
This infection is highly contagious and spreads to other persons who come in direct contact with the affected person. You can get this infection by simply touching the person or sharing their towels.
Symptoms :
Incubation period for getting the infection may range from 3-12 days. Till that time, the virus remains in your body without any symptoms. Generally the symptoms will last for 2 weeks.
Some of the signs of oral herpes infection are fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, pain, tingling sensation, itching and formation of sores. Blisters may appear on the tongue, inside oral cavity or inner cheeks. Blisters may be single or in groups which will gradually break down forming reddish ulcers. It will stay on the mouth for some days and finally becomes dry and pale.
There may be pain when there are severe oral sores or blisters. It occurs in tongue, mouth and inner cheeks and on the upper lips. In severe cases, it may affect the lymph nodes of the neck causing inflammation.
Diagnoses :
Viral culture or staining test is done for checking oral herpes infection.
Pictures of Oral Herpes :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Oral Herpes
Treatment :
Self care :
You can use over the counter medicines like Tylenol and Ibuprofen for treating mild forms of sores with pain. Drink at least 5-7 glasses of water daily. Avoid making physical contact with persons who are susceptible to this infection. Apply yogurt on the affected area to heal the blisters.
Medical remedies are available in the form of topical anesthetics like lidocaine for relieving pain.
Intravenous therapy is suggested for patients with affected immune systems. In rare cases, the patients like infants (for dehydration), people with lowered immunity level and who are in the advanced stage of infection should be hospitalized.
Antiviral drugs like Famvir, Zovirax and Valtrex are prescribed for patients who have repeated attacks of herpes infection.