Canker sores and herpes

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What is canker sores?

Aphthous ulcers are a white or yellow, well-circumscribed, painful, wound-shaped lesion that occurs inside the mouth. It is also called “mouth sores” in Turkish. It can be seen in areas of the mouth such as cheeks, lips, tongue, gums and floor of the mouth. Canker sores can occur individually or in clusters and usually heal spontaneously within 7-10 days. However, because they are painful, they can make daily activities such as eating, drinking and speaking difficult.

What are the symptoms?

Canker sores are small sores or ulcers that usually appear inside the mouth. Canker sores are painful, round, whitish or yellowish sores that can occur in the most sensitive parts of the oral tissues. Symptoms of canker sores are:

A painful sore that suddenly appears in the mouth
A reddish ring around the wound
White or yellowish wound center

Aphthas usually occur one by one and their sizes can vary between 1-2 mm and 1 cm. Additionally, canker sores can sometimes ulcerate or merge with surrounding tissues and turn into larger wounds. Canker sores can occur anywhere in the mouth, but they usually appear on the underside of the tongue, the inside of the lips, or the inner surface of the cheeks.

What are the Causes of Canker Sores?

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, various factors such as intraoral trauma, injury to oral tissues during tooth brushing or flossing, stress, hormonal changes, nutritional disorders, and immune system diseases may play a role in the formation of aphtha. At the same time, some medications can also cause aphtha.

How is Aphthous Treatment Done?

Canker sores are a condition that can heal on their own in most cases and usually do not require specific treatment. However, if canker sores symptoms become bothersome, one or more of the following treatments may help:

Use mouthwashes to reduce pain: Antiseptic solutions sold in pharmacies or homemade solutions such as salt water can be used to relieve pain and clean the aphthous area.
Use topical medications to relieve pain: Mouthwashes or gels can be used to relieve pain in the canker area. Some topical medications can be applied directly to the aphthous area.
Steroidal drugs: There are also steroid-containing drugs used to combat canker sores. These medications can reduce the size and pain of canker sores. However, steroid medications should only be prescribed by physicians.
Eat soft and warm foods: Eating hard or sharp foods can make the pain of canker sores worse. Eating soft, warm foods can help relieve pain.
Drugs: Painkillers may be prescribed for canker sores.

Note: If canker sores recur frequently, are large in size, or persist for a long time, it is recommended to consult a dentist.

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a skin lesion that occurs as a result of infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The HSV virus, with which most people are infected, persists in the body and, with a suitable triggering factor, can cause herpes to recur. The main symptoms of cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually form around the lips or nose. These blisters are accompanied by pain, itching, burning and tenderness.

What are the Causes of Herpes?

Herpes is a skin infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. HSV, especially the HSV-1 strain, is the most common cause of cold sores. HSV can be spread by contact or airborne. Here are some factors that cause cold sores:

Weak immune system: A weak immune system can cause the virus to easily reproduce in the body, which can lead to herpes.
Stress: Stress can cause herpes by weakening the immune system.
Physical injuries: Minor injuries to the lip area can allow the HSV virus to come into contact with skin cells and cause cold sores.
Sunlight: Sunlight is another factor that can cause cold sores. It is thought that exposure to sunlight can cause herpes by weakening the immune system.
Other infections: Other infections in the body can cause the immune system to weaken, leading to herpes formation.

Herpes can occur especially during stressful times or when the immune system is weakened.

How to Treat Herpes?

Herpes treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms caused by herpes, and there is no treatment to completely eliminate the virus itself. There are many treatment options to relieve the symptoms of herpes, such as:

Antiviral medications: The most common cause of cold sores is the herpes simplex virus, and antiviral medications can prevent the spread and proliferation of this virus. These medications are generally used in cases of frequently recurring or severe herpes.
Topical medications: Painkillers, antiseptics, and anti-inflammatory medications taken orally or applied topically can be used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by cold sores.
Home treatment: Simple home treatments such as ice packs, painkillers, and antiseptics can be used to relieve the symptoms of cold sores.

What are the Cold Cold Prevention Methods?

The best way to prevent herpes is to prevent the spread of the virus. The following steps can be taken for this:

Washing hands: The herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, can spread easily through contact. Washing hands frequently can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Personal hygiene: Paying attention to the hygiene of areas where viruses can easily spread, such as the mouth and nose, can help prevent herpes.

Using sunscreen: Sun rays can trigger the symptoms caused by herpes. Using sunscreen before sun exposure can prevent cold sores from appearing.

Diet: A healthy diet can help strengthen the immune system and prevent cold sores from occurring.

Reducing stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and trigger the appearance of herpes. Techniques that help reduce stress, such as exercise, yoga, and meditation, can help prevent cold sores.