Herpes Simplex

in Grand Rapids, MI

What Causes Oral Herpes to Spread?

Oral herpes spreads from person to person through close physical contact, such as kissing or oral sex. Cold sores are contagious even when we can’t see them, which is part of the reason why they’re so rampant. An estimated 50-80 percent of adults have oral herpes, and 90 percent of adults are exposed to the virus by age 50.

What Is a Herpes Simplex Outbreak?

Once infected, you have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of your life. When the virus is inactive, it lies dormant within your nerve cells. You may never develop symptoms from the virus at all.

If you do develop symptoms, your first outbreak will likely be your worst. Recurring outbreaks are usually milder as your body builds antibodies to the herpes simplex virus. Some people only have one or two outbreaks during their lifetime, while others have as many as 4-5 outbreaks a year.

What Triggers Oral Herpes?

Did your cold sores seem to come out of nowhere? Common triggers for an oral herpes outbreak include:

• Stress
• Fever or illness
• Injury
• Sun exposure
• Menstruation

What Are Common Cold Sore Symptoms?

Cold sore symptoms, or herpes simplex virus symptoms, often follow this pattern:

• Initial redness, swelling, itching, or pain develop in the area where the infection will erupt
• Fluid-filled blisters appear on, around, or inside your mouth (both the fluid and blisters are highly contagious)
• The blisters leak fluid and become sores
• After 4-6 days, the sores begin to crust over and heal

The first time you have a cold sore, symptoms may not begin for up to 20 days after your exposure to the herpes simplex virus. During a first-time outbreak, you might also experience:

• Painful gums
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

How Is Herpes Simplex Diagnosed?

Oral herpes is often confused with many other infections, including allergic reactions. Your Forefront dermatologist should be able to diagnose oral herpes based on the location and appearance of your blisters. We can also analyze a sample in our lab to confirm the presence of the herpes simplex virus.

When Do I Need Herpes Simplex Treatment?

Cold sores generally clear up without treatment, but be sure to visit a dermatologist if:

• Your symptoms are severe
• The sores don’t heal within two weeks
• You get cold sores frequently
• The sores spread to other parts of your body, such as your eyes, hands, or genitals

Your recommended treatment may include:

• Topical antiviral creams
• Oral antiviral pills
• Antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections
• Pain medication

Prescription creams and medications can help you heal faster – especially if you start treatment at the first sign of a cold sore. They can also reduce the frequency, length, and severity of future outbreaks.

While your cold sores are healing, it’s important to protect them from the sun. We recommend wearing a lip balm with 30 SPF or higher. If you wear lip balm year-round, it could also help prevent new cold sores.