Oral herpes are small blisters that appear on and near the lips. When it breaks, the blister will form a scab. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus which is highly contagious. The virus can infect the mouth or genitals. There is no cure for oral herpes, but there are things you can do to get rid of it quickly.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Identifying Oral Herpes
Step 1. Recognize the signs of oral herpes
The appearance of oral herpes goes through three phases. Although symptoms vary, most affected people experience:
- A stinging, itching, or burning sensation before herpes is visible.
- blisters. Blisters most often appear on the edges of the lips, but can also be seen on the nose or cheeks. In young children, blisters also sometimes appear in the mouth.
- The blisters burst and ooze fluid, then form a scab. The blisters usually heal within two weeks, but sometimes up to a month.
Step 2. Take care of yourself when you are newly infected
The first stage is generally the most severe. You will also experience some of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Gum pain
- Muscle ache
Step 3. See a doctor if it doesn't heal
Oral herpes usually goes away on its own without medical treatment, but if it doesn't go away or if you have complications, see your doctor. See a doctor if:
- Your immune system is weakened. These cases are usually experienced by people suffering from HIV/AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, severe burns, eczema, or taking anti-rejection drugs after an organ transplant.
- Eyes are irritated or infected.
- Oral herpes is common, does not heal within two weeks, or is very severe.
Part 2 of 4: Using Home Care
Step 1. Use a cold compress
Apply a cool, damp washcloth to the herpes area. Cold compresses can reduce redness so that herpes is less visible. In addition, the compress also softens the scabs and aids recovery.
- You can also wrap an ice cube in a washcloth to numb the herpes area.
- Do not rub the compress as this can irritate or spread the fluid to other areas.
Step 2. Try alternative medicine
The results of scientific studies on alternative medicine are not clear, but some people feel the benefits. You can try:
- lysine. Lysine is an amino acid that can be purchased as an oral supplement or cream. You can use it as a prophylactic, 500–3,000 mg/day. Start using it as soon as you suspect you have the herpes virus.
- Propolis. Propolis is also called synthetic beeswax. You can use it in the form of an ointment to speed up recovery.
- Rhubarb and sage.
Step 3. Reduce stress
Most people feel that oral herpes is triggered by stress, perhaps because stress weakens the immune system. If this is the case, you may want to consider stress management techniques, such as:
- Relaxation techniques that include meditation, deep breathing, visualizing calming images, yoga, or tai chi.
- Sport. Exercising 15 to 30 minutes a day will make you better physically and emotionally. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that relax and improve your mood.
- Find social support. You can reach out to friends or family, or see a counselor.
Part 3 of 4: Using Medicine
Step 1. Use an over-the-counter cream
Docosanol (Abreva) will help speed up recovery and can be purchased at pharmacies.
Read and follow the instructions on the packaging. Consult a doctor before using it if you are pregnant, nursing, or caring for young children
Step 2. Try an antivirus cream
Antiviral cream should be applied as soon as you feel a stinging sensation, even before the blisters are visible. Apply up to five times a day for five days, unless the instructions on the cream's package tell you differently. The following antiviral creams can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription:
- Aciclovir
- Penciclovir
Step 3. Try an oral herpes patch
This special plaster can cover the herpes and contains a gel that heals the blisters. The benefits are double because it contains medicine and also covers the herpes so you won't accidentally touch it and prevent the spread of the virus.
The gel in this plaster is called a hydrocolloid. If it's your first time using it, read the instructions on the package first
Step 4. Relieve pain with topical cream
Oral herpes causes discomfort and you can treat it with topical cream. Look for over-the-counter creams that contain the following ingredients:
- Lidocaine
- Benzocaine
Step 5. Reduce discomfort with painkillers
If topical cream isn't enough, try an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Ibuprofen is not recommended for people with asthma or peptic ulcers.
- Children and adolescents should not take medications that contain aspirin.
- Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Step 6. Take prescription antiviral medication
There are two types of antiviral drugs, namely creams and pills. If herpes is very severe, you may need an injection. If home remedies don't work, your doctor may prescribe:
- Acyclovir (Xerese, Zovirax). Usually, the dose given is 400 mg three times a day or 200 mg five times a day for ten days.
- Famciclovir (Famvir). You will need to take this medication in a dose of 500 mg three times a day for seven to ten days.
- Penciclovir (Denavir). This is a 1% cream that should be applied on the lips and face affected by herpes.
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex). For early episodes, take 1 gram twice daily for ten days. For recurrence cases, use 500 mg twice daily for three days. To reduce viral transmission, take 500 mg daily.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Oral Herpes
Step 1. Avoid contact with the blisters
The herpes virus is highly contagious. The virus lives in the fluid of the blisters, but can also spread when there are no blisters. You can prevent transmission by:
- Do not touch or peel the herpes. Try closing it.
- Do not share eating utensils, razors, or towels with others, especially if blisters appear.
- Do not kiss or have oral sex when a blister is present. Viruses are very easily spread through kissing and oral sex.
Step 2. Wash your hands
After treating oral herpes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Washing your hands is especially important if you touch a person who has a weak immune system, such as:
- Baby
- Patients undergoing cancer treatment
- HIV/AIDS sufferers
- People taking anti-rejection drugs after organ transplants
- Pregnant women
Step 3. Protect the herpes-prone area from the sun and wind even if there is no herpes
Some people think that sun exposure can cause herpes. If you feel the same way, try the following precautions:
- Apply sunscreen on vulnerable areas. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
- Use lipstick that contains sunscreen
- Use lip balm with sunscreen to prevent dry, burning, or chapped lips.
Warning
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or caring for young children, consult your doctor before using any medication, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
- Supplements and over-the-counter medications can interact with other prescription medications. If you're not sure whether a particular drug or supplement is safe, talk to your doctor.
- Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the medicine package unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
