Oral Herpes


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Oral herpes is a very common form of oral infection and is caused by the virus ‘herpes simplex virus’ or HSV.  It is generally caught through contact with someone else who has the virus and more likely if they are experiencing excretion of the virus through blistering or by using objects that have been in contact with the virus such as razors or lipsticks.  The most common characteristic of oral herpes are small, fluid filled blisters on the inside of the mouth or around your lips.  These are the same in appearance as cold sores. 

Symptoms of Oral Herpes

There aren’t always visible symptoms of the oral herpes virus, and as such it is possible to have it without even realising.  Sometimes, however, the infection can cause visible symptoms and you might feel very ill.  This is most likely in children under the age of five, although can also affect adults who contract the virus.


  • Blisters around the mouth and lips.  These look a lot like cold sores.
  • Swollen glands
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath
  • Increased saliva production
  • Dehydration
  • Flu type symptoms

The herpes virus will be present in the body permanently once infected, although it can be subdued using medicines and injection. 

Oral Herpes Treatments

Once you have contracted Oral Herpes it will always be present in your body, there is no cure for the virus.  There are medications available to help you with any visible and physical symptoms that you may experience.  The virus can be contained so that it doesn’t affect you on a day to day basis. 

Over the counter painkillers ought to help with any pain you experience, and there are also a number of anti-viral creams that can help to speed up your recovery. Anti-viral injections can be used to prevent the virus from multiplying and to help prevent any further contamination of others. 

Oral Herpes Maintenance

Unfortunately once your have oral herpes, you will always have oral herpes.  It is important that if you know you have it you:

  • Avoid sharing objects that may have had viral contact with others
  • Wash your hands after touching any physical blisters
  • Make sure you have clean hands when applying any contact lenses or if touching your eyes
  • It has been said that aloe vera can help to sooth the blisters

Using an anti-viral pill every day has been proven to reduce the effects of oral herpes by over half and to seriously reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

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