Oral Herpes - Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Oral herpes is a chronic condition caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and is sometimes referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. It’s a common infection around the mouth.

While some infected people never develop symptoms, others may experience painful and periodic outbreaks. According to the World Health Organization’s most recent data, 3.7 billion people under 50 had oral herpes in 2016.

Over 50 to 80 percent of American adults have oral herpes. About 90 percent will be exposed to the virus by age 50.

What Causes Oral Herpes?

Oral herpes spreads among people through physical contact with the virus in active sores, saliva, or surfaces in or around the mouth. This means you can catch oral herpes from kissing someone who has the virus.

It can also spread through oral sex, although this usually causes genital herpes. People with oral herpes cannot be reinfected, as their body already has the virus. However, they are still at risk of catching genital herpes.

What Does Oral Herpes Look Like?

When people have symptoms, it is usually in the form of mild to severe blisters or sores around different parts of the mouth, including:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Roof of the mouth
• Gums
• The area below the nose

These sores are highly contagious and can last up to a week to 10 days. The blisters usually rupture after the first or second day and eventually form scabs.

If you do not experience any breakouts, the virus remains dormant in a group of nerve cells. However, there is always the risk of physical symptoms manifesting.ally rupture after the first or second day and eventually form scabs.

Symptoms of Oral Herpes

Although oral herpes can be asymptomatic, some people can experience symptoms. These may look like other medical conditions, so it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms of oral herpes are usually the worst during the initial infection. You may experience:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Fever
• Body pain
• Sores around the mouth area

What are the Potential Complications of Oral Herpes?

The most common complication of oral herpes is genital herpes or HIV infection. People infected with genital herpes are also at a higher risk of getting HIV.

Other complications of oral herpes include:

• Neonatal herpes — If someone catches oral herpes for the first time during pregnancy, they put the infant at risk of developing this potentially fatal and rare condition.
• Severe diseases — Oral herpes may cause encephalitis, keratitis, and aseptic meningitis. Although rare, you can develop lesions on the buttocks, groin, fingers, or eyes.
• Mental and emotional distress — People who experience frequent outbreaks of blisters and sores may begin to experience negative feelings that impact their quality of life.

What Causes Oral Herpes to Recur?

Because oral herpes is a chronic condition, some people may experience frequent outbreaks. They are most common during the first year after the first flare-up.

Medical professionals are still determining specific triggers that cause these outbreaks. However, several of these factors could contribute to a recurrence:

• Recent fever
• Stress
• Menstruation
• Physical injury
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Surgery

These outbreaks can lessen as you develop more antibodies against the virus.

Symptoms of Recurring Oral Herpes

Symptoms are typically milder during recurring infections. However, sores may still vary from mild to severe.

A recurring outbreak will usually begin to show signs around the area where the sores will eventually erupt. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, heat, or pain.

How to Prevent Oral Herpes

The best way to prevent oral herpes is to avoid physical contact with a person with an active herpes infection. Those with the virus should abstain from sexual activity when experiencing symptoms.

It’s most contagious when active sores are present, but oral herpes can still be spread by someone without symptoms. Here are other things you can do as an extra precaution:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly.
• Get tested for HIV.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you suspect you have symptoms.

What Treatments are Available for Oral Herpes?

A typical treatment plan for oral herpes involves antiviral medications. They can’t cure the infection, but they help manage the severity and frequency of symptoms.

During treatment, you’ll need to keep the blistered area clean and dry. Apply topical antiviral ointments and use over-the-counter anesthetics or anti-inflammatory ointments.

Additionally, your treatment will also depend on various factors, including:

• Age
• Overall health and medical history
• Personal preferences
• Tolerance for specific medications or therapies
• Expected treatment outcomes

How is Oral Herpes Diagnosed?

It can be challenging to diagnose oral herpes because the condition can be asymptomatic. In some cases, the symptoms it manifests can look like other conditions.

If you are showing symptoms, your medical provider may assess the location and appearance of your blisters. They may also perform a PCR test, biopsy, or blood test.

• Assess the location and appearance of your blisters
• PCR test
• Blood test
• Biopsy

A PCR test involves examining a person’s blood in the laboratory. If the herpes simplex virus is present in the blood sample, a person is positive for oral herpes.