Oral Herpes Symptoms in Men

Oral herpes can be described as an eruption of painful sores in and around the mouth cavity. It include lips, cheeks, nose, chin, roof of the mouth, tongue and gums. They are also often referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. The virus that causes herpes inside mouth is known as herpes simplex virus (HSV). Mainly two different types of this virus cause herpes in men. One is the HSV-1 which is responsible for causing oral herpes in 80 percent of the cases and the other one is HSV- 2 which may cause oral herpes in certain cases but mostly causes genital herpes. Oral herpes symptoms in men caused by both types of virus are the same. Read more on what causes cold sores.

When do Oral Herpes Symptoms Appear?

The virus that causes oral herpes enters our body through the cells present in the outer layers of the skin tissue. In most cases, no symptoms can be observed when the virus enters our body. The virus tries to reproduce in the nuclei of the host cell. During the process of multiplication, the host cell is destroyed by the virus, and the initial symptoms of pain, tenderness, inflammation of the skin and outbreak of blisters are observed. All these symptoms confirm the presence of herpes simplex virus in the body. Even after the blisters go, the virus remains in the body.

The viral particles move from the skin surface to the end of the nerve cells and stay there in a dormant state. This phase is known as latent phase. The virus continues to survive in the host cell without multiplication. When the virus starts reproducing again, this is said to have entered the shedding phase. At this point of time, no symptoms of reactivation of the virus can be seen. However, the virus becomes highly contagious and starts spreading infections through body fluids like saliva. Then again, the signs and symptoms of oral herpes reappear and sores and blisters begin to form. An individual might experience oral herpes symptoms a number of times in his lifetime. Read more on stages of herpes.

What are the Oral Herpes Symptoms in Men?

The early oral herpes symptoms in men can be observed prior to the activation of cold sores. At this stage, one experiences an itchy sensation with a tingly feeling at the nerve points of the areas where the blisters are going to appear. It may be accompanied by general symptoms like chills and fever, headache, muscle ache, fatigue, etc. Then, one or more red bumps erupt on the surface of the skin at the top of which small watery blisters are formed which may cause throbbing. In the next stage, the blisters get ruptured and a fluid like substances is secreted. In this phase, herpes is most contagious. From this fluid, herpes can spread to other areas in and around the mouth. At the final stage of oral herpes, a yellow skin cover appears on the broken blisters. This is known as scabbing of the blisters. This is a sign of healing of the blisters. Slowly, this yellow skin comes out in the form of flakes and new pink skin covers the affected area. Oral herpes do not leave behind any kind of scar in the infected area. Here's more on oral herpes symptoms.

Treatment for Oral Herpes in Men

Normally, oral herpes do not need any treatment and they are cured on their own. Applying certain over the counter ointments that can provide temporary relief from the pain and soreness resulting from oral herpes. If you get frequent outbreaks of oral herpes that are painful, you can consult your doctor who will prescribe anti viral medicines and vitamin supplements that can reduce the severity of the oral herpes and delay their recurrence as well. Some herbal remedies for oral herpes can cure oral herpes naturally. Read more on:

• Natural Cure for Herpes
• Herbal Remedies for Herpes

There is almost no difference in the oral herpes symptoms in men and those in women. The importance of knowing the symptoms of oral herpes lies with the fact that you can suppress their outbreak or decrease the duration of herpes outbreak if the symptoms are detected on time.