Fit & Proper: Why it is necessary to treat oral herpes early

Oral herpes is an infection typically caused by the herpes simplex virus-1, or HSV-1. The infection, which manifests in the oral cavity, is not uncommon and a lot of people below the age of 22 are prone to this contagion. Also known as herpes labialis, it appears in the form of painful blisters mainly around the mouth. These could either be multiple diffused ulcers or concentrated in a particular area. They could also occur on the skin of the lips.

The disease is also known as "cold sores" as it is normally preceded by sore throat, fever and chills. A person freshly infected by the virus is prone to cold and flu, followed by inflammation if the cause is HSV-1. Patients suffering from this infection find it difficult to swallow food, water and even medicine due to the soreness. At the onset of classic vesicles, small fluid-filled blisters may also appear inside the mouth or on the back of the throat, and the lymph nodes in the neck may swell.

Since it is a viral infection, it can spread in many ways, the fastest being contact with an infected person or a contaminated surface. Sexual interaction could also cause and spread this infection. For example, genital herpes in the partner could infect the person with oral herpes.

The sufferer experiences excruciating pain and can be provided symptomatic relief as prescribed by the doctor. If precaution is taken in time, the disease does not have major implications.

There are no vital treatments available for this infection that subsides on its own, just like any other virus. The doctor might, however, prescribe medications, such as anaesthetics to reduce the pain that is caused as the infection recedes. Anti-viral drugs might also be recommended to control or limit the spread of the infection. Distressed patients could also use ice to minimise the pain. The only problem is that once you get infected, it may take some time for the symptoms to develop. So you might not be able to figure out where you caught this virus from. The virus lies dormant in the body and resurfaces due to precipitating factors such as exposure to sunlight, fever, stress, compromised immunity and so on.

If adequate care is not taken to curb the virus, it could lead to conditions such as herpes encephalitis that affects the central nervous system or ocular herpes, which could lead to loss of vision for life. So, it is necessary to understand the importance of diagnosing the disease and nipping it in the bud.

HSV-1 virus is generally self-limiting, does not require any major treatment and takes about 10 to 14 days to die down. It is painful but not life-threatening and can subside with adequate care.
Karishma Jaradi
Aesthetic dentist, Dentzz Dental Care Centres