I get blisters around my mouth
WHAT you have described is consistent with the cold sores associated with a virus infection called herpes simplex. It has two subtypes I and II. Type I commonly causes lesions in the mouth while type II is the cause of genital lesions (genital herpes).
Ask the doctor with Dr. Gloria Ndagire
Dear Doctor,
I get blisters around my mouth especially when I am suffering from a cold or fever. I sometimes get them even when I am not sick. What could be the problem? Can this disease be cured?
Ruthie
Dear Ruthie,
WHAT you have described is consistent with the cold sores associated with a virus infection called herpes simplex. It has two subtypes I and II. Type I commonly causes lesions in the mouth while type II is the cause of genital lesions (genital herpes).
It is a very contagious virus and can be transmitted from person to person through contact with the fluid from the blisters and saliva from infected persons.
This explains why many people are infected with the type I virus. Unfortunately, the infection is lifelong since there is no cure yet.
In most cases, the blisters heal with no medication and no complications. This is however followed by latency in the nervous system and the virus can be reactivated.
Reactivation of the infection may be secondary to stress, fatigue, exposure to the sun and menses in women. Sickness and fever may also cause reactivation.
Antiviral drugs may be used in case of severe infections which may occur in people with poor immune systems, including children. Eat healthy, limit stress and avoid touching the sores.
Write to Ask The Doctor, P. O Box 9815, Kampala
Or health@newvision.co.ug
Dear Doctor,
I get blisters around my mouth especially when I am suffering from a cold or fever. I sometimes get them even when I am not sick. What could be the problem? Can this disease be cured?
Ruthie
Dear Ruthie,
WHAT you have described is consistent with the cold sores associated with a virus infection called herpes simplex. It has two subtypes I and II. Type I commonly causes lesions in the mouth while type II is the cause of genital lesions (genital herpes).
It is a very contagious virus and can be transmitted from person to person through contact with the fluid from the blisters and saliva from infected persons.
This explains why many people are infected with the type I virus. Unfortunately, the infection is lifelong since there is no cure yet.
In most cases, the blisters heal with no medication and no complications. This is however followed by latency in the nervous system and the virus can be reactivated.
Reactivation of the infection may be secondary to stress, fatigue, exposure to the sun and menses in women. Sickness and fever may also cause reactivation.
Antiviral drugs may be used in case of severe infections which may occur in people with poor immune systems, including children. Eat healthy, limit stress and avoid touching the sores.
Write to Ask The Doctor, P. O Box 9815, Kampala
Or health@newvision.co.ug