Oral Herpes (Cold Sores)
If you have a cold sore then you have been affected by the contagious virus herpes simplex type 1, otherwise known as oral herpes. Herpes simplex type 1 differs from herpes simplex type 2, which will usually cause sores in your genital area. If you have oral herpes you may never notice any symptoms. Or, you may develop painful sores on your lips or other facial areas that last for many days. To relieve the pain of your cold sores, consider pain-relieving ointments, as there is no medical cure for oral herpes. However, if your cold sore does not clear up within one to two weeks, visit your doctor to make sure there is no underlying bacterial infection.
Recently Answered
- Q What causes oral herpes?
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Oral herpes, or cold sores, are the result of an infection by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes oral herpes, while herpes simplex virus type 2 causes genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, and herpes... Full Answer
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- Q What are cold sores?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineSurely, there are plenty of places on your body where you love a little tingling, but right above your lip before a first date, an interview, or your reality show tryout isn't one of them. What starts as a tingle and ends as a full-blown cold sore can be... Full Answer
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- Q How are cold sores treated?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyFoods with lysine can help retard herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores. Learn about this and other ways to treat cold sores in this video with Dr. Oz. Full Answer
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- Q How many people have herpes simplex virus 1?
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In the United States, between 30 and 90 percent of all adults have antibodies formed to kill HSV1.This virus is responsible for cold sores and lies dormant in nerve cells between infections, which usually occur when the immune system response is lowered,... Full Answer
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- Q What natural remedies are used for cold sores?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyKnown to reduce healing time and, in some cases, prevent cold sores from coming back, lemon balm is a calming herb with antimicrobial properties. Look for lemon balm cream, ointment or supplements. You can also buy the herb itself, brew it as a... Full Answer
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- Q Is oral herpes contagious?
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Herpes simplex, the virus that causes oral herpes, is contagious. To prevent catching the virus, do not kiss or share personal items with anyone who has a cold sore. If you already have oral herpes, avoid physical contact with anyone until your... Full Answer
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- Q If I have oral herpes, how often will I experience an outbreak?
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Oral herpes is the result of a virus, herpes simplex type 1. Even after your first cold sore goes away, the virus remains in your body and can cause an outbreak at any time. However, it is possible to manage the occurrence of additional outbreaks... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat oral herpes?
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There is no cure for oral herpes. The infection is the result of a virus, herpes simplex type 1, which remains in the body even when there is no outbreak on the skin. However, antiviral medications can help to ease and manage symptoms of the... Full Answer
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- Q How do I know if I might be developing a cold sore?
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Oftentimes, people who have oral herpes will be able to tell when a cold sore is beginning to develop. A tingling sensation or slight pain in the lip area will begin a couple of days before a cold sore actually surfaces. If you experience these... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for oral herpes?
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While there is no cure for oral herpes, there are treatment options that can help to ease and manage symptoms. If the infection is mild, reduce irritation by cleaning the sore with water and soap and icing the area. Antiviral medications like acyclovir,... Full Answer
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