Avoiding infection with oral herpes
THE highly contagious oral herpes, or herpes of the mouth, can be spread in a number of ways if due caution is not taken. Dr Shantell Neely-James, obstetrician-gynaecologist and consultant general practitioner at West Trade Medical, Portmore, says the infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and only affects humans.
“It generally causes painful sores on the lips, gums, tongue, the roof of the mouth and cheeks, which can be easily transmitted to other people that you come in contact with,” said Dr Neely-James.
She explained that the disease, which is caused by an infection with HSV type one, affects more than 80 per cent of infected individuals. Infection with HSV-1 can result from contact with infected saliva, mucous membrane, or skin. Touching infected items such as razors, towels, dishes, and sharing lipstick from an infected person puts you at risk, and parents can spread the infection to their children during regular daily activities.
“A small percentage of oral herpes is caused by HSV-2 which is the herpes subtype that causes genital herpes,” Dr Neely James said. “This HSV-2 can be spread to the mouth during oral sex.”
She said the mouth sores commonly occur in children between ages one and two, so a significant portion of the population would have been infected with HSV before age 20. Most infected persons get an oral ulcer or other symptoms, but some people are asymptomatic.
“Warning symptoms may be present such as itching, tingling or burning of the lips or skin around the mouth prior to seeing the blister. Some people may also experience fever, sore throat or pain when swallowing. After this initial period, blisters or a rash may be seen on the gums, lips, mouth or throat,” Dr Neely disclosed.
She said that once these blisters break, then red or grey sores will be seen. These sores usually heal, but the virus doesn’t leave your body. They often resolve on their own within one to two weeks, and while some people may have a single episode, others may experience a recurrence, for example, during periods of stress — whether physical or emotional — having another infection, or even during menstruation.
While most cases of cold sores resolve on their own depending on the severity of the symptoms, Dr Neely-James said that you may need to see your doctor for treatment.
“Treating oral herpes can be achieved by the use of antiviral medications such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir or Valacyclovir. Best results are seen when these medications are used when you have the warning signs of mouth sores. Other non-medical remedies for alleviating the symptoms of oral ulcers are icing the area with an ice compress, avoidance of hot or very acidic foods or drinks, or rinsing or gargling with warm salt water. Pain relievers such as Acetaminophen may be useful,” Dr Neely-James advised.
She said that especially since there is no cure for herpes, you can take measures to avoid becoming infected or spreading the HSV to other people. These include:
•Avoid direct contact with an infected person. This is the best way to prevent becoming infected.
•Always use a condom when having sexual intercourse, and try to limit your intimate partners to one.
•Do not become intimate with your partner when he or she is having an outbreak until the sores heal and the skin looks normal again.
•For infected parents, practise proper hand hygiene before touching your child, and avoid kissing your child until proper measures have been taken.
•Don’t allow random people, even family, to kiss your child. Also, they should always wash their hands before touching your child.
•Do not share cups, towels, silverware, clothing or make-up during an outbreak, as these can pass the virus around.
•Don’t reuse make-up such as lipsticks, lip balms or any other applicator that may come in contact with the sores. You can contract the virus when you reuse these.
•Oral sex should be avoided if there is a sore present or if there is an active oral ulcer.
