Intraoral Lesions
Oral lesions (sores) are sores that make eating and talking painful. The most common and recurring mouth sores are cold sores and canker sores. Although these two types of sores look similar, they are different.
What is herpes?
Cold sores are a general name given to fluid-filled blisters seen on the lips. These blisters burst and crust within hours. Cold sores are usually painful and the pain occurs a few days before the lesion appears.
The discomfort lasts 7-10 days. Cold sores can rarely be seen on the gums and hard palate.
What are the causes of cold sores?
A cold sore occurs when the herpes simplex virus becomes active. This virus waits silently and insidiously in patients who have had this infection before and becomes active in situations such as stress, fever, trauma, hormonal changes and exposure to sunlight. Recurrent lesions tend to settle in the same place.
Is there a risk of cold sores spreading?
Yes. The period between the cold sore bursting and the complete healing is the riskiest period for the spread of the infection. The virus can spread to your eyes, genitals and infect other people.
How is cold sore treated?
There is no definitive treatment for cold sores today, but intensive studies are being conducted on this subject. An antiviral agent such as 5% acyclovir ointment can be used to relieve discomfort.
How can cold sores be prevented?
- When a lesion is seen, areas such as the mouth, nose, and genital area should be protected against infection.
- Sexual contact with a person who has a cold sore in the genital area should be avoided or protective measures should be taken.
- If a cold sore is present, avoid bursting the lesion to prevent further spread of the cold sore.
- Hands should be washed thoroughly before touching someone or areas of your own body that are at risk of infection.
What is aphtha?
Canker sores, which are often confused with herpes, are small, superficial ulcers that appear on the tongue, soft palate, lips and inside of the cheeks. Canker sores are quite painful and last 5-10 days.
Although they are more common in women, canker sores are seen in approximately 20% of the population. Canker sores are usually seen in a single area, but in some cases they can be seen in multiple areas.
What are the causes of canker sores?
Canker sores are an immune system reaction that occurs in situations such as stress, trauma, Behcet’s disease, B12 deficiency or exposure to local irritants such as acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus fruits, etc.).
Is there a risk of canker sores spreading?
No. Unlike herpes, canker sores are not caused by bacteria or a virus, so they do not spread locally or spread to someone else.
How is canker sore treated?
There is no definitive treatment for canker sores. However, eliminating the factors that cause discomfort and protecting against infection will help alleviate and eliminate canker sores. Cortisone-type medications (corticosteroids) also help treat canker sores.
You should see your doctor or dentist for mouth sores that last longer than two weeks and do not heal.