Oral herpes is caused by the virus herpes simplex type 1. Many people are already infected with it in childhood, although the disease stays asymptomatic in these years. Today, more than 95% of adults carry herpes virus, and many of them are not even aware of it. In many cases Herpes simplex remains asymptomatic for a long time. It is very important to pay attention to the changes of your body and notice the symptoms, so you can treat the disease in time.

Causes of oral herpes

You can be infected via body fluids or skin contact, which is called the primary infection. Once the virus is in your body, it will remain until the end of your life, and it will appear when your immune system is weak enough (this is the secondary infection). You should not be scared about it, in many cases the virus stays asymptomatic in your whole life.
If your body weakens, your immune system can not defend against the virus, so it can attack immediately. It can happen because of high exhaustion and stress, menstruation, or side-effects of certain diseases and medicines.

Symptoms of oral herpes

In the case of a primary infection, the incubation period is 1-2 weeks, when there is no symptom at all. Later you may feel burning pain and itching around your mouth, then redness and swelling with clear blisters can show up in this area. After that the blisters fulminate and leave a crappy, scabby sore in their place.
In addition, your temperature may rise and you can have fever, or you can feel the enlargement of the lymph nodes as a side-effect. The whole illness usually lasts for 7 to 10 days.

Treatment of oral herpes

Oral herpes can also be treated at home, making the pain more acceptable. You can use aloe gel, ice, vitamin c and e and liquorice extract as well. If you want to learn more about home remedies, read our article here!