Mouth Diseases

Is this herpes?

12/06/1999

Question:

I have sores in my mouth and irritation around the mouth that is sore but not blistered. Is this herpes simplex?

Answer:

Herpes simplex, type I, is a common oral viral infection and it should be stressed that this is not the same thing as genitial herpes, which is Herpes simplex, type II. Oral herpes occurs in two forms: primary and secondary (or recurrent). Primary herpes only happens once, and most people will have the disease during childhood. Patients often have a fever and slightly swollen, tender lymph nodes ("glands") in the neck, as well as sores throughout the mouth. Sometimes the skin around the mouth will have sores as well. The sores start as small blisters, but these break very quickly and may not be noticed at all, especially the ones in the mouth. Recurrent herpes (also known as "fever blisters" or "cold sores") develops on the dry part of the lips. It often begins as a tingling or itching sensation, followed by a group of small blisters that break, crust over and eventually heal over a 7-9 day period. Unfortunately, many things (other viral infections, allergic reactions, etc.) can cause sores that may look like herpes. It is important to have the sores evaluated by someone who is familiar with oral diseases so that a correct diagnosis can be made and the right treatment can be given.

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Response by:

Carl M. Allen, DDS, MSD
Professor & Director, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Pathology
Dental Faculty Practice
Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University