Oral herpes is an infection of the mouth and lips caused by the herpes simplex virus (also termed HSV). The virus causes painful sores on lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, and inside the cheeks and sometimes on the face and neck. It also can cause symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. People commonly refer to the infection as “cold sores.” Another condition, “canker sore,” is often thought to be caused by HSV, but this is not true. Canker sores occur only inside the mouth, on the tongue and on the soft palate (roof of mouth), not on skin surfaces. Although they reoccur, they are not contagious, usually are self-limiting, and have almost no complications. Canker sores are caused by substances that irritate the oral mucosa. Continue reading
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A guide of Herpes Gingivostomatitis for parents
What is herpes gingivostomatitis?
herpetic gingivostomatitis picture.Image is taken from http://www.brown.edu/Courses/Bio_160/Projects2000/Herpes/HSV/Photos.html
Herpes gingivostomatitis is an infection of the mouth and lips that is caused by Herpes Simplex virus type I is a different kind of herpes virus than the kind that is sexually transmitted.
Herpes gingivostomatitis commonly present with mouth sores with fever in toddlers and young children (10 years of age with a peak incidence at 2-4 years of age). It is also seen in young adults, especially in more affluent communities (15 to 25 years of age).
Once an individual is infected, the virus spreads to regional mass of nerve tissue, where it remains latent but can be reactivated whenever conditions are appropriate (lack of antibody or immunocompromised condition).
How the diseases can be transmitted?
The infection is passed from person to person through contact with saliva that contains the virus (such as sharing utensils, cups, and bottles; thumb sucking; and putting toys in the mouth). Often the contact is with a person who has cold sores. Continue reading