Treatment for Oral Herpes

Herpes labialis, or oral herpes, is a much more common disease than you might expect. According to MedlinePlus, most people have oral herpes by the age of 20. It is a result of infection by the herpes simplex virus type 1, not to be confused with herpes simplex virus type 2 (which causes genital herpes), and occurs on areas in or around your mouth. It most commonly appears in the form of small lesions or blisters around the infected area. There are several ways you can treat oral herpes.

Treatment

• In some instances, symptoms of oral herpes may disappear on their own within a week or two. However, this isn't always the case. There are antiviral medicines available to help people who may be experiencing herpes symptoms that won't go away, or which recur over and over again.

  Your doctor may recommend that you wash the lesions using an antiseptic soap to prevent their spread to the surrounding skin. If the lesions cause you any pain, you can apply heat or cold to the area--much like you would a sports injury--to ease the pain.

  When using an antiviral medication, take it as soon as you see an outbreak coming. Doing this will help reduce the appearance of lesions, and may help you prevent further outbreaks. However, in cases where outbreaks occur more often, you may need to take the medication more regularly. Talk to your doctor to find out what solution is right for you.

  There are also certain homeopathic remedies available. In the case of oral herpes, homeopathic solutions generally are available either over the counter or from online distributors. Some such remedies to take before lesions appear include natrum muriaticum, apis mellifica, rhus toxicodendron, and sepia. If lesions already have appeared, you can still find remedies like arsenicum album and borax.

Other Advice

• Herpes labialis is spread through direct contact, or through contact with infected objects such as razors, clippers, scissors and even towels. Be responsible. Help prevent the spread of the virus by using sanitary practices. Wash the lesions with antiseptic soap. Avoid direct contact with others during flareups (kissing or any other direct physical contact with another), and don't share things like towels, plates, silverware or anything else that may come into contact with the infected areas.

Final Thoughts

• If you think you might have oral herpes, seek help from a medical professional. Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and provide valuable advice regarding treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Don't rely on self-diagnosis, and always remember your responsibility to your sexual partners and others around you.