Oral herpes is a skin problem that appears when the body is under stress, such as during a fever. The cause is infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). As the name suggests, oral herpes often appears around the mouth, but it can also appear on the face, inside the nose, or in the genital area. Genital herpes is more commonly caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus, but both viruses can still appear in the mouth or genitals.
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Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Development of Oral Herpes
Step 1. Recognize that HSV-1 infection is common
In America, it is recorded that 60% of adolescents experience HSV-1 infection, and 85% experience it when they reach the age of 60 years. In the UK, about 7 in 10 people have the infection, but only 1 in 5 people are aware of it. That's because they have an infection, but are asymptomatic.
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of the first attack
Oral herpes shows consistent symptoms, but the first attack is different. At that point, you will notice symptoms that will no longer be present at a later stage. These symptoms are:
- Fever
- Gums feel sore or dry if herpes appears in the mouth
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle ache
Step 3. Watch for predictable signs of the next attack
After the first attack, you can predict when oral herpes will appear. The initial indication is that the area affected by the infection suddenly stings and itch. In addition, you will also experience a numb sensation in the area. This stage, called the prodromal stage, is experienced by 46% to 60% of people with oral herpes.
In addition, the initial symptoms of oral herpes are inflammation, redness, excessive sensitivity, or pain in the herpes area will appear
Step 4. Observe redness and swelling
When it first appears, oral herpes sometimes looks like a pimple. It hurts. The area will be prominent and reddish in color, the skin around it is also red. You will also notice the appearance of small blisters which will then coalesce into one.
Oral herpes appears in various sizes, ranging from 2 mm to 7 mm
Step 5. Know that the blister is full of viral particles
Blisters will appear in prominent areas. When the body fights HSV-1, white blood cells rush to the area and the blisters fill with a clear fluid that contains the virus.
Because oral herpes is filled with infectious fluid, never break it. The virus that sticks to the hands will spread to other people or get into the eyes, and even spread to the genital area
Step 6. Wait for the blister to burst
When the blisters burst, it means that the development of oral herpes has entered the third most painful stage. The herpes area will be moist and appear reddish in the open blister. This stage of discharge from the blister is the most contagious stage. To prevent the spread of infection, make sure you always wash your hands after touching your face. It can take three days for oral herpes to go into the next stage.
Step 7. Don't peel off the scab
Once the blister bursts, a crust will appear on the top, followed by a scab which is actually a protective barrier. When the wound heals, the scab opens and bleeds. You will also feel itching and pain. Do not touch because the wound can open again and eventually slow healing.
Step 8. Avoid possible transmission of infection during the healing process
You can still transmit herpes if the scab has not peeled off on its own and exposed healthy, intact skin underneath. In this final stage, the skin behind the scab looks dry and crusty. The area around it is also a bit swollen and red. The process from the appearance of stinging and itching to the scab peeling lasts for 8 to 12 days.
- Do not share glasses or cutlery with other people until you are fully healed. Do not kiss or touch herpes on other people.
- Keep your hands away from your face because infectious fluids can transfer to your skin. In turn, this will spread the infection to other people or other parts of the body.
Step 9. Distinguish oral herpes from sores with the same symptoms
Sometimes the appearance of canker sores and mucositis is the same as herpes, but they are actually different because they are not caused by the herpes virus.
- Canker sores appear in the mouth, usually between the cheeks and lips. Braces users sometimes experience canker sores because the stirrup rubs against the cheek. According to doctors, there are many causes of canker sores, such as sores, certain types of toothpaste, food sensitivities, stress, allergies, inflammation, and immune disorders.
- Mucositis is an inflammation that appears in the mouth and esophagus that usually occurs in the process of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is able to kill cancer cells that divide rapidly, but cannot distinguish cancer cells from cells in the mouth which divide very quickly. The result is an open wound that is very painful.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Oral Herpes
Step 1. Know that there is no cure for herpes simplex virus infection
Once you are infected, the virus will remain in the body. In the body, the virus is dormant for years so most people don't know it exists. However, the virus is still alive and will emerge when the conditions are right. If the infection progresses to oral herpes, you will continue to have it for life.
However, you don't need to panic. Oral herpes can be treated so it doesn't affect your life. There are several things that can be done to deal with developing oral herpes
Step 2. Use over-the-counter medications
Docosanol (or Abreva) is already approved as a remedy for oral herpes. The active ingredients are benzyl alcohol and mild mineral oil, and can reduce the duration of herpes to just a few days. For best effect, use as soon as you feel the stinging and itching sensation that indicates the first attack. However, you can still use it even if you have entered the stage of blistering.
Step 3. Discuss the use of prescription medications with your doctor
There are some people who only occasionally get oral herpes, while others always experience it. If you are very bothered by the frequency of occurrence of oral herpes, try using an antiviral medication as a preventative measure. Ask your doctor if you can get a prescription for acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir, famciclovir, or denavir.
Step 4. Reduce the pain
There is no cure for oral herpes, but there are many ways to reduce the pain from blisters. Among some pain relievers that have been approved for external use are benzyl alcohol, dibucaine, dyclonine, juniper tar, lidocaine, menthol, phenol, tetracaine, and benzocaine.
You can also apply ice to the herpes area to reduce pain and discomfort. Do not touch the ice directly on the skin, use a washcloth or cloth as a barrier
Step 5. Use coconut oil to speed up healing
Coconut oil is a powerful antiviral. One of its main components is lauric acid which contains the monocaprin molecule. Researchers found that monocaprin was very effective against HSV-1.
- Start using coconut oil as soon as oral herpes develops.
- Apply with a cotton bud, not fingers. Touching herpes with your hands will spread the herpes and the infection to other areas.
Step 6. Use lysine to shorten the duration
The herpes simplex virus requires the amino acid "arginine" in order to grow and reproduce. "Lysine" is an amino acid that counteracts the reproductive effects of arginine. Lysine is available in topical products (ointments) and oral supplements (pills). Use every day when you have oral herpes.
- Topical lysine can also be made on its own. Crush a lysine pill and mix it with a little coconut oil. Then, apply it on the blister.
- By using topical lysine, it means that you treat oral herpes in two ways at once, namely internal treatment with pills and external treatment.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Oral Herpes
Step 1. Know how the herpes virus spreads
Oral herpes is highly contagious and can be spread even though it is only in the early stages before the blisters develop. The spread of the virus can occur from person to person through eating utensils, razors, towels, or kissing. Oral herpes can also be transmitted through oral sex. HSV-1 can spread to the genital area, and HSV-2 can spread to the lips.
Step 2. Avoid foods high in arginine
The herpes virus uses arginine to grow and reproduce. If you get a lot of arginine intake from food, the body will be more susceptible to viruses. As a result, the frequency of the appearance of oral herpes will increase. So, avoid the following foods:
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Peanuts
- Grains
- Cereals
Step 3. Increase lysine consumption
Even if you don't get an attack, lysine supplements are still useful for preventing the possibility of oral herpes. Taking 1–3 grams of lysine supplements daily can reduce the frequency and intensity of herpes. In addition, try to eat foods high in lysine, such as:
- Fish
- Chicken
- Cow
- Sheep
- Milk
- Cheese
- Legumes.
Step 4. Reduce your exposure to oral herpes triggers
Although the development of the virus varies, there are some common triggers that cause oral herpes. If you can reduce the following triggers, you may not get oral herpes as often:
- Fever due to virus
- Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy.
- Changes in the immune system, such as burns, chemotherapy, or use of anti-rejection drugs after an organ transplant.
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Exposure to sun and wind.
Step 5. Improve body health
A healthier body will be able to suppress the virus better so as to reduce the frequency of occurrence of oral herpes.
- Follow a healthy diet with foods rich in lysine.
- Reduce consumption of foods rich in arginine.
- Sleep at least 8 hours every night.
- Exercise every day to reduce stress.
- Take vitamin supplements to reduce the risk of viral fever.
- Wear lip protection when going out during the day.
Tips
- You can prevent the development of oral herpes by recognizing and avoiding stressors.
- Begin treatment as soon as you feel the first symptoms. Early treatment will reduce the duration and intensity of the blisters.
Warning
- Oral herpes has been very contagious since the appearance of itching and stinging, until the scabs of the blisters peeled off. Don't share eating utensils and towels with other people, or kiss your partner and children until the blisters disappear.
- In most cases, oral herpes goes away on its own. However, call your doctor if your immune system is weak due to cancer or cancer treatment, has difficulty swallowing, has a fever, or a second herpes appears once the first has healed.
