Not only because of sexually transmitted diseases, it turns out that oral herpes can appear even due to direct contact with sufferers through saliva or other objects. Of course, the symptoms of herpes make us feel uncomfortable and reduce our self-confidence. How can we find out more about this skin disease? Stay tuned to find out!
What is Oral Herpes and its Causal Factors?
Oral herpes occurs due to a viral infection and will generally affect the area around the mouth and lips (oral). Symptoms include the appearance of small fluid-filled blisters (cold sores) that can sometimes feel painful, itchy, or even a burning feeling!
A well-known causative factor of herpes in the general public is sexually transmitted diseases, but not oral herpes. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with herpes blisters, saliva, or objects that have been contaminated by the virus, such as cutlery, lipstick, or toothbrushes. Although the symptoms can bring us discomfort, the disease is usually harmless. But for people with weakened immune systems, it can become more serious and complicated!
The HSV-1 virus can enter the body through small openings in the skin or mucous membranes (e.g. inside the mouth). After entering, the virus will stay in the body and can become latent (dormant) in the facial nerve. Although not always active, the virus can recur at any time, especially when the body experiences stress, fatigue, or other health problems. How scary is that, Sereni-Trees?
Recognize the Symptoms of Oral Herpes on the Skin
The symptoms of this disease can vary depending on the severity and reaction of each individual’s body. However, in general, the symptoms of oral herpes can be divided into:
- Fluid-filled blisters
They usually appear around the lips, mouth or nose. These blisters may burst and leave painful open sores.
- Tingling or burning sensation
Before the blisters appear, the area that will be infected often itches, burns or tingles.
- Pain when eating or speaking
Herpes sores around the mouth can make eating, drinking or talking uncomfortable.
- Fever and fatigue
In some people, a first-time oral herpes infection may be accompanied by fever, headache or fatigue.
Keep in mind that the first symptoms of oral herpes are usually more severe than later flare-ups, as the body has not yet developed sufficient immunity to the virus. Even so, it’s best to get checked and consulted as soon as the first symptoms appear!
Avoid Doing These 2 Things
As we discussed earlier, oral herpes can be transmitted from direct contact. Meanwhile, there are several activities that we should avoid to prevent it. First, oral sexual activity or kissing with a partner who has the virus. In this activity, there can be an exchange of body fluids through saliva, so we can get infected easily. It can even spread to our genital area! Then, try to avoid sharing tools or personal items with just anyone, for example, spoons, glasses or toothbrushes. This also has the potential to transmit viruses other than HSV-1.
Therefore, be careful about sharing personal items! Always maintain personal hygiene!
How to deal with and the healing period for oral herpes
If this has happened, then we must cure this disease by consulting a doctor. Usually the doctor will give antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir (reduces the severity of symptoms and accelerates healing). These drugs can be taken orally or applied in the form of creams, as directed.
We can also avoid the factors that cause it! Avoid direct contact with people with oral herpes and reduce overexposure to sunlight (especially without protection), stress or overexertion. Why? Stress can aggravate the disease and slow down the healing process!
Then, during the healing process we can do some of these things:
- Take pain relievers, such as paracetamol (if necessary)
- Maintain lip and oral hygiene
- Apply cold or warm compresses to the injured area to relieve the pain.
- Avoid consumption of warm drinks, spicy, sour and salty foods for some time (depending on the doctor’s direction and severity)
Herpes is NOT totally curable. Therefore, these measures are aimed at minimizing the risk of transmission. One important note that we must remember is that children are more at risk of contracting it, especially if their parents/caregivers suffer from the same disease. So let’s take care of our health and avoid oral herpes!
Is Oral Herpes the Same as a Rash?
Oral herpes can be caused by the HSV-1 virus, while the cause of the rash can be many things. For example, allergies or irritation. The symptoms between the two are also different. The rash does not take the form of fluid-filled blisters like herpes, but rather reddish, swollen or scaly areas of skin. The area where the rash appears can also spread across all areas of the skin exposed to the factor. In addition, rashes are not contagious and can be cured unlike herpes which can appear when our body’s immunity is lowered.
In conclusion, although both skin conditions are uncomfortable, they are still different, Sereni-Trees! A rash is more varied in its cure, symptoms, and causative factors.
Can you soothe oral herpes with natural skincare?
Herpes symptoms can be annoying, but don’t worry because during the healing process, we can also use natural skincare such as Serenitree calming body lotion. Complete with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, natural ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Calendula Extract, Lavender Oil, and Lemongrass Oil, can indeed help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
By combining this natural body wash and body lotion, uncomfortable symptoms can be relieved and help the healing process. Remember Sereni-Trees, healthy skin keeps skin diseases at bay. So, are you interested in trying this natural alternative to relieve the symptoms of oral herpes?