Are you getting painful blisters on your lips? Let's learn about oral herpes!

Have you ever woken up in the morning with a slight tingling, itching, and pain on your lips? After a couple of days, a small blister has formed on the spot, which gradually gets bigger, cracks, and becomes more painful? Many people call this condition "chapped lips" or "fever blisters." This is actually an infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Today, we'll talk about everything in a very simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is Oral Herpes?

Simply put, Oral Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus causes painful, watery blisters to form on your lips, around your mouth, and sometimes under your nose, inside your mouth, on your tongue, or on your roof of the mouth . These are what we commonly call "fever blisters" or " cold sores." When you first get this infection, you may also experience symptoms like fever and body aches . Imagine, these blisters first appear as small, watery blisters. Within a day or two, they burst and start to ooze a yellowish fluid. Then, the sores form a crust and gradually heal.

Types of herpes viruses and is it lifelong?

There are two main types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). 1. HSV-1: This is the type that usually causes oral herpes. 2. HSV-2: This type usually causes genital herpes. But here's an important point. HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, and HSV-2 can cause oral herpes.

Is this a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Most people get HSV-1 during childhood, through non-sexual contact. For example, you can get it when an infected relative or family member kisses you. However, the virus can also be spread through sexual activity. For example, oral sex) can spread the HSV-1 virus from the mouth to the genitals, and the HSV-2 virus from the genitals to the mouth. Therefore, it is also considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD/ STI ). But just because you have it doesn't mean you contracted it sexually. The most important thing is to talk honestly and openly about it with your sexual partners.

How is Oral Herpes transmitted?

This virus is very contagious. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 67% of the world's population is infected with the HSV-1 virus. The main ways of transmission are:

• By directly touching an infected wound or blister.
• By kissing someone who is infected.
• By touching the saliva of an infected person.
• By using items such as lip balm, razors, towels, toothbrushes, drinking glasses, or cutlery that have been used by an infected person.

What are the symptoms? Let's look at them step by step.

Symptoms of herpes infection can be identified in two main stages.

What causes recurrent herpes outbreaks?

The following factors can cause the virus to suddenly become active after going dormant:

• Exposure to strong sunlight.
• Developing a fever or other illness.
• Severe emotional stress .
• Women have monthly periods .
• Physical stress, such as surgery or injury.

What are the best times to see a doctor?

Most of the time, this condition resolves without treatment within two to three weeks. However, you should definitely see your doctor in the following cases:

• If this is the first time you've had herpes blisters.
• If you have a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV-infected, undergoing cancer treatment, or organ transplant recipient).
• If the blisters haven't healed after 2 weeks.
• If the pain is too much , that means it's so painful that you can't even eat or drink.
• If these blisters recur frequently (like once a month).
• If you have pain in your eyes, redness, or a feeling like sand has gotten in them (this is an emergency because the virus can affect the eyes).

What treatments and relief can be done at home?

Until you see a doctor, or if the condition is mild, you can try these things to reduce pain and discomfort.

• Painkillers: Take a painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
• Cold or hot compresses: Soaking a clean cloth in cold or lukewarm water and applying it to the blister can reduce pain.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juice, etc. Sucking on ice popsicles can help relieve the pain of mouth ulcers.
• OTC creams: There are some OTC creams available at the pharmacy. When applying these , use a cotton bud instead of your hands. This can help prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of your body by touching the wound with your hand.
• Sun protection: Using a lip balm that contains sunblock can help prevent the disease from recurring due to sunlight.

What treatments does the doctor provide?

The doctor will prescribe treatment based on your condition.

• Antiviral medicines: If the disease recurs frequently or the pain is severe, oral tablets (such as `Acyclovir`, `Valacyclovir`) may be prescribed.
• Antiviral ointments: A special cream may be prescribed to apply to the blisters.
• These medications are most effective if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Some people may need to be hospitalized. These include people with weakened immune systems, those whose virus has spread to organs such as the brain (encephalitis) or eyes (keratitis), and babies who are infected from their mothers at birth.

How can I prevent it from recurring and spreading to others?

This is the most important part. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

• When there are blisters:
• Don't kiss other people, especially small babies.
• Do not share your towels, toothbrushes, razors, water glasses, etc. with others.
• Avoid oral sex completely until the wound heals.
• If you touch the wounds, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• During normal times:
• Even if you or your partner do not have symptoms, avoid unprotected sex. It is important to use a condom or dental dam.

Herpes, Oral Herpes, Cold Sores, Cold Sores, Mouth Sores, HSV-1, Viral Infection