$Unique_ID{BRK01421}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Could a Mouth Sore be Caused by a Herpes Infection?}
$Subject{mouth rash herpes}
$Volume{A-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Could a Mouth Sore be Caused by a Herpes Infection?


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QUESTION:  I have a mouth sore that keeps coming back over and over again.
During a recent discussion with my boy friend on other matters I had a
horrible thought that perhaps this might be a herpes infection like the sexual
kind.  Could this be true?  My friend says that it is impossible, that there
are two different kinds of infection.  Please help me.

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ANSWER:  I know where your friend is coming from, for it was previously
thought that all the herpes sores below the waist were caused by one type of
herpes virus (HSV-2 for herpes simplex virus), while herpes simplex infections
above the waist were the result of an HSV-1 infection.  That is no longer the
thinking, which now states that either virus type can cause lesions on any
body area.  But a sore in the mouth is not necessarily a herpes infection, for
there are many other possible reasons.  It might be a common aphthous ulcer,
the result of an iron or B12 deficiency, a reaction to an allergy, the result
of a local injury or even due to a psychological problem.  All would require
different kinds of treatment so your best bet is to consult your local
physician or dentist.  It may take a test or two, but that is the correct way
to determine the exact nature of your problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
