Mouth Herpes Treatment

Mouth or oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores is a viral infection that is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1. Though 80% of oral herpes is caused by this virus, it can also be caused due to the Herpes Simplex Virus-2 which is responsible for the occurrence of genital herpes. While genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, mouth herpes can be caused due to contact through skin, mucous membranes and saliva. Moreover, cold sores which is commonly seen in young children, is because they have a weak immune system. However, even adults and old people can be affected by mouth herpes. Although oral herpes is not a very serious disease, if not treated at the right time, it has the potential of causing serious consequences. Hence, it is important for one to know about the mouth herpes treatment thoroughly.

Mouth Herpes Causes
Before, we look into the treatment measures for mouth or oral herpes, let us try to know more about what causes cold sores. As I said earlier, one of the most common reasons that causes the occurrence of oral herpes or cold sores is skin contact. Also, when people share utensils, glasses, towels, linen, etc. with individuals who have oral herpes, this can also become the reason for the occurrence of cold sores. Apart from this, performing oral sex on people who are suffering from genital herpes can also lead to oral herpes in people. Moreover, it is also said that the HSV virus remains in the person's body in a dormant state throughout his life. In such conditions, a small thing can trigger this problem again in the future.

Mouth Herpes Symptoms
Once a person is infected with the HSV-1 virus, it can take anywhere between 2-12 days for the mouth herpes symptoms to appear. The most common symptoms of oral herpes is the appearance of cold sores on the areas around the mouth. Before the sores appear, one is likely to experience a tingling sensation in the area, along with redness and inflammation. These cold sores, also known as fever blisters, usually appear on the lips, nose, gums, neck, front of the tongue, chin, roof of the mouth, inside of the cheeks and sometimes on the throat also. These cold sores can be quite painful and can cause discomfort while eating and drinking. Sometimes, mouth herpes are misdiagnosed as mouth ulcers by people because they look more or less the same.

Mouth Herpes Treatment
An important thing that people have to remember is that mouth herpes cannot be completely cured. Most of the mouth herpes medicines and other treatment measures aim at curing the symptoms, but there is no treatment yet found which can treat the virus completely. Nevertheless, there are some really effective remedies for cold sores. Most health practitioners prescribe certain topical creams that one can apply on the fever blisters. Some of the topical medications that can aid in getting rid of the cold sores include Abreva, Dynamiclear, Zovirax, etc. Apart from this, certain antiviral medications like famciclovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, etc. are also usually recommended for treating oral herpes. If the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores are unbearable, you can also opt for some over-the-counter painkillers. However, consult your health practitioner, before you take any of the medicines.

Apart from the medical cold sores treatments, it is also possible to find mouth herpes cure with the help of natural treatment measures. Lysine is an amino acid which is naturally found in foods like meat, dairy products, etc. As lysine is an important factor that can help in improving the functioning of the immune system, it can also aid in curing mouth herpes. Lysine for cold sores is available in the form of supplements as well as topical ointments which can be used for curing this problem. Moreover, other herbal supplements like propolis, lemon balm, etc. are also some of the best methods of mouth herpes treatment. Other than this, consuming red grapes as well as yogurt is also said to be an effective way of getting rid of oral herpes. Placing a pack of ice cubes or a warm tea bag on them is also said to be one of the good home remedies for cold sores as they help in reducing the soreness as well as the pain associated with it.

I hope this article on mouth herpes treatment has been helpful as well as informative. Most cases of mouth herpes can be treated with these medications, topical ointments. However, babies younger than six weeks or those who have a weak immune system as well as those who are suffering from severe infection will have to be given special treatment by admitting them in the hospital.