Occasional recurrent wounds in the mouth that cause severe pain that prevents speaking and eating can be seen in many healthy people. The most common recurrent mouth sores are herpes and canker sores (aphthous ulcers). It is important to differentiate these two lesions, which are very difficult to distinguish from each other when seen in the mouth, as their causes and treatments are completely different.
Herpes
It is often seen on the lower or upper lip, at the skin-mucosa junction It is a disease that manifests itself as fluid-filled blisters seen on the line. Although it can also be seen in the oral mucosa, gums or hard palate, it is rare. Herpes is usually painful, and the pain occurs a few days before the lesion appears. These blisters burst and crust over within hours. It heals in 7-10 days.
REASON: Cold sores occur when a herpes simplex virus becomes active. This virus remains silent in patients who have previously had this infection and becomes active in situations such as stress, fever, trauma, physical fatigue, hormonal changes and exposure to sunlight. Recurrent lesions tend to settle in the same place.
The period after the herpes bursts until it is completely healed is the most risky period for the spread of the infection. The virus can also be transmitted to the eyes, genitals and other people.
PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS:
When a lesion is seen, areas containing mucosa such as the inside of the mouth, inside the nose and the sexual area should be protected against infection. .
Do not pinch and burst the herpes.
Wash your hands carefully before touching someone or touching your eyes or genital area.
Despite all the warnings, it should not be forgotten that the herpes virus can reach without herpes.
TREATMENT:
Usually, treatment for complaints is sufficient. Anti-viral ointment can be used starting before the lesions appear. In order not to cause secondary infection, it is appropriate not to remove the crusts on the lesion. Antiseptic and analgesic effective spray can be used to reduce the pain.
AFT
Canker sores can occur on the tongue, soft palate, lips. They are small, superficial ulcers with a diameter of 2-5 mm and seen on the inner parts of the cheeks. They are quite painful and take around 7-10 days to heal.
REASON:
Although there is no definitive information about its causes, it is thought to be caused by changes in the local immune response in cases such as local trauma, exposure to mucosal irritants such as acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus fruits, etc.). It may be single or multiple.
Since the cause is not bacteria or viruses, it is not possible to spread regionally or infect someone else.
TREATMENT:
Treatment is applied for complaints such as pain and difficulty in eating. Protection from infection is required. Corticosteroid ointments used externally have been shown to be beneficial. Painkillers, antiseptics and analgesic mouthwashes are used. Today, no definitive treatment has been found.
OTHER WOUNDS
Mouth wounds that do not heal for more than two weeks must be examined by a doctor.
Read: 0
