Herpes simplex virus type 1: This type
of herpes primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes, commonly producing cold
sores and fever blisters.
After the first herpes simplex infection, the patient becomes susceptible
to recurrent infections, which may be provoked by fever, menses, stress,
heat, and cold.
Cause: Caused by Herpes-virus hominis. It is transmitted
by oral and respiratory secretions and drainage from lesions.
Symptoms:
Primary infection: patient may experience a brief period of prodromal
tingling and itching, accompanied by fever and pharyngitis, followed by
eruption of vesicles on any part of the oral mucosa, especially in the
tongue, gums, and cheeks.
Vesicles (sac -like filled with fluid) form on an erythematous (red)
base, then rupture and leave a painful ulcer, followed by a yellowish crust
Increased salivation
Halitosis
Possible anorexia
Conjunctivitis
Fever
Treatment:
Symptomatic and supportive therapy is essential
Primary infection usually requires an analgesic-antipyretic to reduce
fever and relieve pain.
Anesthetic mouthwashes, such as viscous lidocaine, to help reduce the
pain of gingivostomatitis, enabling the patient to eat and for preventing
dehydration.
Drying agents, such as calamine lotion, make skin lesions less painful
Your doctor may prescribe Acyclovir, and antiviral agent, to decrease
symptoms, the recurrence rate, and contagion.
Helpful hints and home remedies:
Replace your toothbrush - Toothbrush can harbor the herpes virus for
days, reinfecting you after the present cold sore heals. (throw toothbrush
away after the blister develops, and when it heals replace again with a
new one.)
Stay away from food that are arginine rich such as chocolate, cola,
peas, peanuts, gelatin, beer, and grain cereals.
Stress enhance this disorder - so relax.