Herpes on Tongue

Herpes simplex virus is a virus causing the viral disease commonly known as herpes. The strains of viruses that are responsible for causing this viral disease are HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 causes blisters on lips, nose, chin, tongue and gums. Painful sores in and around the tongue are often mistaken for canker sores or mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers are not infectious and can be treated easily. However, oral herpes is contagious. The symptoms can be alleviated with anti-viral medication.

Symptoms

Herpes on tongue can spread to a healthy person if he/she is using infected utensils like spoon and forks. It can also spread through infected towels. It takes around three weeks for the symptoms to appear on the tongue after the infection. The area around the tongue is covered with skin lesions which are filled with yellow colored fluid. The fluid filled blisters are highly infectious and there are high chances of a person to transmit the disease during this time.

The symptoms will vary depending upon the severity of the infection. The signs can vary from mild tingling sores to reddish painful blisters around the tongue area. The early symptoms are mostly common as that of a flu, including chills and fever, and headache. In severe cases, the affected individual can develop large painful sores particularly on the tongue. If the symptoms are not treated in time, it can cause eye damage as the virus starts spreading towards the eye region.

Treatment

Oral anti-viral drugs like Acyclovir or Flamciclovir can be taken to reduce the number of lesions caused by these blisters. One can also apply a baking soda on the sores, this helps to reduce the irritation caused. Certain herbs like Prunella vulgaris and tea-tree oil have also proved to be beneficial in preventing such infections.

Preventive Measures

This virus can spread through direct contact, therefore it is important to avoid kissing and oral sex with an infected person. Maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth thrice in a day and use dental floss to clean your teeth. Frequent dental check ups will help to maintain oral hygiene. The symptoms of this painful infection can be minimized with the usage of antihistamines and other corticosteroids. In case you notice any symptoms, avoid taking spicy foods as this may aggravate the pain.

Herpes virus can attack people having weak immune system, or, if a person suffers from serious illnesses. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper diet, precautions and oral hygiene, to keep away the painful blisters on your tongue.