Oral Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

What are oral herpes simplex virus infections?

• Oral herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus (germ). These may affect any part inside or around the mouth, including the lip and the area around it. An oral HSV infection may be primary (first) or recurrent.
  
  
• Primary HSV infection commonly leads to a disease called gingivostomatitis. This is often seen in children but can also occur in adolescents and adults. After the first infection, the virus can hide in your nerves and may return. If it returns, it is now called a recurrent HSV infection, which is usually milder than the primary infection. A recurrent HSV infection is commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters. You may get sores due to this infection many times in your lifetime.

What causes oral herpes simplex virus infections?

• Oral HSV infections are most often caused by HSV type 1 (HSV-1). HSV type 2 often infects the genital and rear end area but may also infect the mouth. Both types can cause primary or recurrent HSV infection. Oral HSV infection is usually spread by getting in close personal contact with an HSV-infected person. This is usually through kissing, using contaminated (dirty) utensils, or by touching the eyes or a wound with dirty hands. Oral infections caused by HSV-2 may depend on the person's sexual practices. The blisters carry the herpes simplex virus until they heal.
  
  
• Stress, trauma, or exposure to heat or cold may increase your risk of having a cold sore. Anything that may decrease your body's ability to fight infection may also cause a cold sore to form.

What are the signs and symptoms of oral herpes simplex virus infections?

Signs and symptoms of oral HSV infections may depend on your present health condition. They usually develop suddenly and heal without treatment in about 10 days. Signs and symptoms may include any of the following:

• Blisters or painful small, round, shallow ulcers on any part of the mouth. This includes the gums, tongue, hard or soft palate (roof of the mouth), or floor of the mouth. It may also affect the lip or area near the mouth, such as the skin of the nose. Sores usually are filled with a yellow-white fluid and may break easily. Sores may join together to form larger open sores.
  
  
• Burning, tingling, itching, or pain at the affected area before sores form.
  
  
• Fever, chills, headache, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
  
  
• Getting tired and irritated easily and more than normal.
  
  
• Loss of appetite or not wanting to eat or drink.
  
  
• Red, swollen, bleeding gums, or sore throat.

How are oral herpes simplex virus infections diagnosed?

Your caregiver may check your health history, including other diseases, medicines you are taking, and past surgeries. He will also need to know when the sores started, along with your other symptoms. You may also have any of the following:

• Biopsy: This is a procedure where caregivers remove a small piece of tissue from the ulcer. This sample is then sent to the lab for tests.
  
  
• Culture: This is a test to grow and identify the germ that is causing your infection. A sample may be taken by rubbing a cotton swab on the ulcer or taking a sample of fluid from the blister.
  
  
• Smear test: A sample is taken from the affected area and checked under the microscope. This will help caregivers learn what is causing your condition.

How are oral herpes simplex virus infections treated?

There is no particular medicine available to treat oral HSV infections but the sores normally heal on their own without scarring. Your caregiver may choose a medicine to fight the germs causing your infection based on your health condition. You may have any of the following:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Antiviral medicine: Antiviral medicine may be given to help decrease the number of days you are sick. This medicine may be gargled, applied directly on sores with a cotton swab, or taken by mouth. People with weak immune (body defense) systems or severe diseases may need antiviral medicine.
    
    
  • Other medicines: Some medicines may be given to relieve your signs and symptoms. Your caregiver may also give you certain medicines to treat or control other problems.
  
  
• Supportive treatment: Supportive treatment, including intravenous (IV) fluids and nutritional therapy, may also be given. You should also rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.

What are the risks of having oral herpes simplex virus infection?

Oral HSV infection may cause more problems if left untreated. You may not be able to eat or drink because of the pain. The infection may spread directly to other parts of your body or to other people. The virus may cause the infection to return and affect other areas of the body, such as the face or brain. Treatment for oral HSV infection may also have unpleasant effects. You may have nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or other side effects if certain medicines used for gargling are swallowed. If given through the vein, some antiviral medicines may lead to kidney problems. Talk to your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your disease, medicine, or care.

Where can I find more information?

Having an oral HSV infection may be hard. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Oral Herpes Simplex Virus Infections