The blisters that are small and fluid-filled that may be found around your lips or inside your mouth are called cold sores. These are normally caused by HSV 1 or herpes simplex virus. Said type of infection may be passed by means of skin contact like kissing. Once this virus is acquired, it stays in the body forever. This is why about eight out of ten people have antibodies for the said virus.
The symptoms for these cold sores inside the mouth are mild. Sometimes, there are not even any symptoms at all. But for children who gets affected by the said virus for the first time may get ill and have the following symptoms such as headache, high temperature, painful and swollen gums. The blisters will then appear about ten to fourteen days after being infected. For adults, the symptoms would include headache, fever, swollen tonsils, and sore throat.
Various factors may prompt the emergence of cold sores inside the mouth. Said factors include fever, a dental procedure, mouth injury, tiredness, emotional stress, menstruation, and too much sunlight on your lips. Now, there are also several ways wherein you can prevent having cold sores inside the mouth. One of these ways would be avoiding kissing someone infected by the aforementioned virus.
Another option would be to avoid having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes. It is also not advisable to share make-up, medicines, or creams that might have had contact with an area that is affected.
These cold sores inside the mouth can result to complications if left untreated, for instance; such blisters may be infected with some bacteria that would cause impetigo. They may even spread to other parts of the body such as the genitals that could cause genital herpes, one’s eyes that could cause vision damage, or fingers. And if the virus spreads to skin that is broken, serious skin infection may result.
The remedies for cold sores inside mouth include medicines that are over the counter. One example would be Carbamide peroxide, which is very effective in having the infection cleansed. Such medication also works well in having you rid of the cold sores inside the mouth. Said medication is to be taken until the sores are removed.
For a homemade remedy, you can make a mouthwash composed of two oz. of water, which is to be combined with two oz. of hydrogen peroxide. In addition to this, you should also add a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of baking soda. Be sure that you do not swallow the mixture once you use it as a mouthwash.
One more remedy or homemade treatment that you can try is to apply some Aloe Vera gel or black tea bags on the affected area.
So as not to increase the discomfort or pain caused by cold sores inside the mouth, it is advised that you do not use toothpaste or toothbrushes with SLS in them. Such ingredient has the tendency of triggering the infection. More so, try avoiding any acidic and spicy foods like tomatoes and limes. Any crunchy or sharp foods should also be avoided for they may poke the wound, which could be very painful.