Oral herpes is a common infection that typically affects the mouth and lips. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes can be mild or it can be a more serious infection that leads to blisters on or around the mouth.

If you’ve been diagnosed with oral herpes, you may be feeling overwhelmed and worried. Don’t panic – there are plenty of ways to treat oral herpes. Most cases of oral herpes can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and natural remedies. However, in some cases, oral herpes can become a more serious infection that requires medication and/or hospitalization. In this article, we’ll understand the basics of oral herpes, as well as some of the best ways to treat it.

Symptoms of Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is a common infection that causes sores on the lips or in the mouth. It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and it can be passed from one person to another through the exchange of saliva.

Most people who have oral herpes don’t know they have it, because they don’t experience any symptoms. But if you do experience symptoms, they might include:

• Sores on your lips or in your mouth
• Tingling or itching around your lips
• A burning feeling in your mouth
• Swollen glands in your neck or head

You can treat oral herpes by just taking care of minor things which are mentioned below.

Self-Care for Oral Herpes

So you’ve been diagnosed with oral herpes. First things first, don’t panic. It’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of things you can do to help manage and treat the infection.

Here are a few self-care tips that should help:

• Keep your lips hydrated by using a lip balm or cream.
• Avoid acidic and spicy foods, which can aggravate the infection.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water a few times a day to help soothe the soreness.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and inflammation.

Remember, it’s important to be patient and give your body time to heal. These tips should help make the healing process a bit more comfortable.

When to Seek Medical Care

There are times when you should seek medical care for oral herpes. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call your doctor:

• Fever
• Swelling in your lymph nodes
• A rash on your face or body
• Extreme pain
• If you’re pregnant
• If you have a weakened immune system
• If the sores are not going away

Prevention

Prevention is key with oral herpes, so make sure you’re practicing safe sex and using a condom. If you have any cuts or abrasions in your mouth, avoid oral sex until they’ve healed.

In terms of treatment, over-the-counter medications like acyclovir can help reduce the symptoms of an outbreak. Apply a cream or ointment directly to the sores, and take the medication according to the instructions on the package. You can also try using ice packs or holding cold drinks against the sores to help ease the pain.

It’s important to keep in mind that outbreaks can happen at any time, so it’s best to be prepared. By following these tips, you can help reduce the symptoms and duration of an oral herpes outbreak.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor. You can easily find one of the best doctors across Pakistan at oladoc. So, if you are looking for the best dermatologist in Lahore or an experienced skin specialist in Karachi, we got you covered.