Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Oral Herpes
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Oral herpes is a common condition that shows up as blisters in the mouth or the area around it. They usually develop on the gums, roof of the mouth, outside of the lips, or the nostrils. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type I, or HSV-1.
What is going on in the body?
Oral herpes occurs in two stages: primary infection and recurrence of infection. At some time during childhood, most people come down with the primary infection. The individual may or may not have symptoms. This primary infection takes about two weeks to clear up. After that, the virus remains in the body but is inactive.
After this primary infection, a recurrence can happen at any time. Many outbreaks occur without any obvious reason. However, the following factors may trigger a recurrence:
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Oral herpes is caused by the HSV-1 virus. People in the following categories may be more at risk for oral herpes:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Someone with an active oral herpes infection may have the following symptoms:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the disease diagnosed?
Oral herpes is generally diagnosed with a history and physical exam. There are laboratory tests for this virus, but they are seldom needed.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Oral herpes can be passed from person to person. Someone with oral herpes should not share lipstick, utensils, or drinks with others. Touching and kissing can also spread the virus.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Oral herpes causes no serious long-term effects. The virus will stay in the person's body indefinitely.
What are the risks to others?
Oral herpes can be spread from person to person much like a cold or flu. Sores also can be spread to other parts of the body such as fingers or eyes. Sometimes sores can also spread to the genitals.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the disease?
In most cases, sores caused by oral herpes are self-limiting. They will usually crust over and go away in about two weeks. If they last longer, the healthcare professional should be consulted. Treatment for oral herpes includes the following:
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antiviral medications may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
The sores usually clear up and go away in about two weeks. If they last longer than this or if they come back often, the healthcare provider should be consulted.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:Marvin Goldfogel, DDS
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:06/01/01
Reviewer:Daniel C. Pizzi, DMD
Date Reviewed:06/01/01