Oral herpes can manifest itself in many places, and one of the most uncomfortable is on the tongue. Show Herpes sores, often referred to as cold sores or fever blisters, can be incredibly painful and unsightly, and the condition itself comes with a lot of stigma, despite the fact that it’s extremely common. If you’re one of the approximately 1 in 2 Americans who currently has the oral herpes virus, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about the condition—especially if your sores appear on your tongue (though you may also find them on your lips, cheeks, gums, and other places in and around your mouth). In the following article, we’ll discuss what herpes on the tongue looks and feels like, what causes it, and how it spreads. We’ll also go into depth about how you can treat and manage it (after all, it is an incurable condition), and what precautions you can take to help protect yourself or others from becoming infected. The more you know, the easier it is to make informed decisions about your health, so we’re glad you’re here to learn more. Herpes on Tongue SymptomsMost people who become infected with oral herpes experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, those who are symptomatic can experience extremely uncomfortable symptoms, especially when they’re in hard to awkward places, like the tongue. When people experience these symptoms, it’s referred to as having an “outbreak.” Oral herpes symptoms come in stages, and normally appear as the following:
Most people will have their most intense set of symptoms during their first-ever outbreak of oral herpes, and recurrent outbreaks will be far less bothersome. There are also some symptoms that typically only occur before and during a first outbreak, and are rare during recurrent outbreaks. These include:
Herpes on Tongue CausesHerpes on the tongue is most often caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which most often causes oral herpes. It can also be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which most often causes genital herpes. Once you have become infected with either type of the virus, there are several things that can trigger an oral herpes outbreak, which can cause herpes sores to appear on the tongue, as well as the lips, gums, roof of the mouth, and inside of the cheeks. Common triggers include:
Herpes vs Canker SoresHerpes sores and canker sores can be hard to differentiate visually—but they are very different when it comes down to it. Like oral herpes, canker sores are painful red bumps with whitish centers that develop inside the mouth, sometimes in clusters. They can be incredibly uncomfortable and make eating and drinking challenging. However, unlike herpes sores, canker sores are not contagious, and they are actually mouth ulcers, not fluid-filled blisters. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but there are several things that can trigger them, including stress, hormone changes, food allergies, mouth injury, immune system issues, viral infections, and more. Unlike herpes sores, canker sores are only inside the mouth and often appear on the tongue, inner lips, back of the throat, and inside of the cheek. Both herpes sores and canker sores tend to go away on their own after two weeks, and can be incredibly painful as they heal. How Does Herpes Spread?As previously discussed, oral herpes is caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2, two highly contagious forms of the herpes virus. HSV-1 is the form that most often causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 most often causes genital herpes. Oral herpes typically spreads when someone shares saliva or comes in close contact with a person who is infected with HSV-1. This can happen through kissing, touching, or sharing personal objects like towels, makeup, or utensils with an infected person. Treatment and ManagementFortunately, there are many options for treating herpes on the tongue—and most are incredibly effective. Your doctor will typically recommend the following treatment options for managing the condition: Self-care: This is all about practicing proper hygiene in order to ensure the virus doesn’t spread to other parts of your body, and doing your best to care for any symptoms you may be experiencing. Herpes on the tongue can be extremely uncomfortable, and hard to treat because your tongue is made up of muscles that you use frequently. If you are experiencing sores on your tongue, try to avoid spicy or salty foods, and opt for cool, soft, nutritious foods instead. It’s also important to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated, even if drinking is painful. If necessary, use a straw and take small, frequent sips of cool water throughout the day. Make sure you also change your toothbrush or sanitize it after a breakout, herpes can live for many days after an outbreak starts. Over-the-counter medication: If your sores are uncomfortable, there are a number of over-the-counter pain relievers you can take to soothe your symptoms. Your local pharmacy should carry oral pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as topical creams and ointments. These topical medications tend to work best if you apply them as soon as you feel an outbreak coming on, as they can stop it in its tracks. If you are using an OTC medication inside your mouth, make sure it is labeled to be used there, you can always ask your Pharmacist or Provider if you have any questions. Prescription medication: If proper hygiene and over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to reduce your symptoms, your doctor may decide to prescribe you a topical and/or oral medication to add to your treatment plan. Oral anti-herpes medications (like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir) can be effective when taken as soon as you sense an outbreak coming on. If you frequently experience recurrent outbreaks, your doctor may also prescribe a daily antiviral medication, which can significantly reduce the risk of an outbreak coming on as well as the risk of spreading the virus. Prevention and PrecautionsWhether you have already been diagnosed with herpes or are close with someone who has, there are multiple ways to keep yourself and the people around you safe and healthy. If you have already been diagnosed with herpes and have dealt with herpes on the tongue in the past, you should take the following precautions to reduce your risk of experiencing a future outbreak:
If you have never been diagnosed with oral herpes, take the following precautions to prevent yourself from becoming infected:
When to See a Medical ProviderMost cases of herpes on the tongue will heal on their own after a couple of weeks, with no need for medical intervention. However, there are certain situations where it is crucial to check in with your doctor. For example, you should see a medical professional immediately if you experience any of the following:
Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat can be mistaken for herpes on tongue? Canker sores are often mistaken for herpes sores on the tongue, as they also appear as red sores with yellow or whitish centers. While both are painful, herpes sores and canker sores are very different, with the most important difference being that herpes sores are contagious, while canker sores are not. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Why do I get cold sores on my tongue all the time?What causes recurrent cold sores? Cold sores can occur when a person contracts the herpes simplex virus, which causes small, fluid-filled blisters around the lips and in the mouth. Many people get cold sores repeatedly throughout their lifetime, as the virus lies dormant in the body between outbreaks.
How do I stop recurring cold sores?If you have frequently recurring bouts of cold sores, use antiviral medication as soon as you feel the tingling sensation that indicates a cold sore is about to develop. You'll need to apply the cream up to five times a day for four to five days. Antiviral creams can only help to heal a current outbreak of cold sores.
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