Symptoms Of Oral Herpes
Oral herpes is most often caused by HSV-1, but can also be caused by HSV-2. It usually affects the lips and, in some primary attacks, the mucous membranes in the mouth. A herpes infection may occur on the cheeks or in the nose, but facial herpes is very uncommon.
Primary Oral Herpes Infection
If the primary oral infection causes symptoms, they can be very painful, particularly in children. Symptoms include:
- Tingling, burning, or itching around the mouth are the first signs.
- Red, fluid-filled blisters that may form on the lips, gums, mouth, and throat.
- Blisters that break open and leak. As they heal, they turn yellow and crusty, eventually turning into pink skin. The sores last 10 to 14 days and can be very uncomfortable.
- Blisters that may be preceded or accompanied by sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and painful swallowing.
Recurrent Oral Herpes Infection
A recurrent oral herpes infection is much milder than the primary outbreak. It usually manifests as a single sore, commonly called a cold sore or fever blister . The sore usually shows up on the outer edge of the lips and rarely affects the gums or throat.
Medically Proven To Work The Sinoriko Red Light Therapy Device Uses Lllt To Stimulate The Natural Healing Process & Alleviate Pain
Low laser light therapy has been used to treat a number of conditions, particularly herpes simplex 1 and 2, with in vitro results indicating a decrease of 68.4% and 57.3% in aciclovirresistant HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively . Expertly engineered, the Sinoriko Red Light Therapy device harnesses this technology to offer an easily accessible home treatment for HSV cold sores/aphthous ulcers , in addition to providing effective pain relief.
Medically proven to work, the Sinoriko Red Light Therapy device has a positive effect upon the immune cells responsible for fighting the herpes simplex virus whilst also playing an important role in generating powerful antioxidants within the cells. Ergonomic in design, this small, handheld device boasts single button operation and is designed to treat a cold sore/ulcer from the very first tingle right up to the blister stage. Simply place the illuminated part of the device any distance between touching the skin and up to an inch a way and undergo two minutes of treatment . We recommend one dose of two-minute treatment for mild pain, two for average pain and three for intense pain. Complete with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this handheld, portable device can even provide treatment when you are away from home.
2. Axell T, Henricsson V. The occurrence of recurrent aphthous ulcers in an adult Swedish population. Acta Odontol Scand. 1985 May. 43:121-5.
3. Spruance et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2002.
The Day Of Your Treatment
- On the day of your treatment, dont apply creams, lotions, or makeup on the area being treated.
- Dont shave the area being treated the day of your treatment.
- If you have a history of herpes, take your Valtrex® prescription before your treatment, as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Bring something to protect the treatment area from the weather.
- If the treatment area is on your face, bring a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella.
- If it isnt on your face, wear clothing that covers the area.
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The Difference Between Hsv
Unfortunately, both forms of the herpes simplex virus tend to be associated with some level of stigma. This is because the virus is contagious, associated with sexual activity, and there is no known herpes curepeople who have the virus have it for life.
While HSV-1 is often acquired during childhood through everyday interactions, HSV-2 is sexually transmitted. This form of the virus creates lesions in the genital area that are known as genital warts.
HSV-1 is much more common than HSV-2, involves less stigma, and is typically easier to manage. HSV-1 affects half or more of people globally, while HSV-2 affects a much smaller percentage of the population.
What About A Herpes Vaccine
Researchers have been experimenting with potential herpes vaccines for decades, but to date, only the shingles and chickenpox variants of herpes can be prevented with a vaccine.
Clinical trial testing for herpes vaccines has proved difficult for many reasons, including asymptomatic infection and unpredictable viral shedding.
However, a new study from the University of Cincinnati, Northwestern University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln hopes to accomplish what others have not. The studys research team has genetically edited a form of herpes simplex virus and rewired it so that it cant hide out in the nervous system during dormant periods. Early results suggest theres hope for a vaccine, but just as with the CRISPR herpes cure, final results are still years away.
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Alternative Cellular Energy Pathway Activation As The Mode Of Action Of Neutral Red Dye Phototherapy Of Human Viruses
W John Martin,1
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1Institute of Progressive Medicine, USA 2Private Practice, Bradenton, USA
Correspondence: W. John Martin, Medical Director, Institute of Progressive Medicine, 1634 Spruce Street, South Pasadena CA 91030, USA, Tel 626-616-2868
Received: August 26, 2014 | Published: September 16, 2014
Citation: John Martin W, Stoneburner J Alternative Cellular Energy Pathway Activation as the Mode of Action of Neutral Red Dye Phototherapy of Human Viruses. J Hum Virol Retrovirol 1: 00019. DOI: 10.15406/jhvrv.2014.01.00019
Can I Treat Genital Herpes With Light Therapy
Yes, light treatments are used against genital herpes outbreaks to relieve pain and improve healing times. One example of a home-use light therapy device for cold sores is the Luminance RED Genital Treatment Device. Early clinical research has also indicated light treatments may lessen the viral load of HSV-2 present in the body.
Centers for Disease Control. Genital Herpes CDC Fact Sheet.
Cleveland Clinic. Genital Herpes .
Mayo Clinic. Genital Herpes.
Healthline. Genital Herpes.
WebMD. Potential Herpes Triggers.
WebMD. Treatment Options for Managing Genital Herpes. Waked, Deghidi, and Shalaan. HONEY PHONOPHORESIS VERSUS LOW INTENSITY LASER THERAPY IN FEMALE GENITAL HERPES. IJCRR, Vol. 6, Issue 10. May 2014.
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The Difference Between Symptoms And Side Effects
Medically speaking, a side effect is different from a symptom.
A symptom is a noticeable change in the body that indicates the presence of disease or dysfunction. Fever, cough and headache are all examples of symptoms of the flu.
A side effect, on the other hand, is a secondary, undesired negative effect usually from a treatment or medication. For example, chemotherapy drugs are intended to kill cancer cells. Thats their desired effect. But many chemotherapy patients lose their hair. This is a side effect of the chemotherapy. Its not the reason patients take the medication, but it occurs nonetheless.
Below, well look at both symptoms and side effects. Well discuss some common symptoms of genital herpes, possible social side effects of genital herpes, and the most common side effects of genital herpes treatments.
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Genital Herpes And Pregnancy
Women with herpes before pregnancy can usually expect to have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery.
If you have genital herpes during pregnancy, theres a risk your baby could develop a serious illness called neonatal herpes.
This can be fatal, but most babies recover with antiviral treatment.
The risk of your baby getting neonatal herpes is low if you have had genital herpes before.
Its higher if you get genital herpes for the first time in pregnancy.
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How Do Light Treatments Work
Generally, light treatments work by stimulating your cells to make energy and heal more efficiently. Light treatments have also been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with various skin conditions by improving blood flow to damaged tissues. Phototherapy has also been found in numerous clinical trials to increase the bodys antioxidant defenses.
Recurrence Course Triggers And Timing
Course of Recurrence
Most cases of herpes simplex recur. The site on the body and the type of virus influence how often it comes back. Recurrences of genital herpes are more likely with HSV-2 infection than with HSV-1 infection.
The virus usually takes the following course:
- Prodrome. The outbreak of infection is often preceded by a prodrome, an early group of symptoms that may include itchy skin, pain, or an abnormal tingling sensation at the site of infection. Headache, enlarged lymph glands, and flu-like symptoms may occur. The prodrome, which may last from 2 hours to 2 days, stops when the blisters develop. About 25% of the time, recurrence does not go beyond the prodrome stage.
- Outbreak. Recurrent outbreaks feature most of the same symptoms at the same sites as the primary attack, but they tend to be milder and briefer. After blisters erupt, they typically heal in 6 to 10 days. Occasionally, the symptoms may not resemble those of the primary episode, but appear as fissures and scrapes in the skin or as general inflammation around the affected area.
Triggers of Recurrence
Herpes outbreaks can be triggered by different factors. They include sunlight, wind, fever, physical injury, surgery, menstruation, suppression of the immune system, and emotional stress. Oral herpes can be triggered within about 3 days of intense dental work, particularly root canal or tooth extraction.
Timing of Recurrences
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Cold Sore Treatment Options
There is no cure for herpes, but there are cold sore treatments that can help prevent and control a persons HSV-1 symptoms. So how to get rid of cold sores? For most people, over-the-counter medications are sufficient for finding relief from the occasional cold sore outbreak.
For some people who suffer from frequent outbreaks, treatment with a dentist or physician may be necessary. Prescription medications like Valtrex or acyclovir address the viral components of HSV-1. There is also a unique treatment option offered by aesthetic dentists, dermatologists, and physicians: laser treatment for cold sores.
When patients feel a cold sore beginning to form, they can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lazare to prevent the lesions from progressing. In existing cold sores, laser cold sore treatment can significantly cut down the standard healing time.
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Frequency And Causes Of Cold Sore Breakouts
Some people may have flare-ups that are years apart, months apart, or fairly frequently. While there may not always be an obvious reason for an outbreak, sometimes cold sores are brought on by stress or a weakened immune system, such as when a person is fighting a cold or another illness. In others, there is no way to predict what may cause fever blisters to appear.
Cold Sore Stages & Symptoms
Lesions of the lips can be uncomfortable and disfiguring, lasting on average between 7-10 days, though they can remain visible for up to two weeks. The first symptom that an outbreak may be occurring is a tingling of the area where the sore will appear, sometimes accompanied by a fever or swollen glands.
As the flare-up progresses, the skin may be itchy and red, and lesions will appear in one or more areas of the lips, typically the corners of the lips or on the lips themselves. Blisters will form and may rupture a clear fluid before developing an outer crust.
Cold sores can be very itchy, painful and a great source of discomfort. Most people also find them very embarrassing and impossible to hide. Fortunately, there are several ways to control HSV-1, from antiviral medications to topical ointments.
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Suppressive Therapy For Recurrent Hsv
Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of genital herpes recurrences by 70%80% among patients who have frequent recurrences . Persons receiving such therapy often report having experienced no symptomatic outbreaks. Suppressive therapy also is effective for patients with less frequent recurrences. Long-term safety and efficacy have been documented among patients receiving daily acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir . Quality of life is improved for many patients with frequent recurrences who receive suppressive therapy rather than episodic treatment . Providers should discuss with patients on an annual basis whether they want to continue suppressive therapy because frequency of genital HSV-2 recurrence diminishes over time for many persons. However, neither treatment discontinuation nor laboratory monitoring is necessary because adverse events and development of HSV antiviral resistance related to long-term antiviral use are uncommon.
Valacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 3 daysOR
Valacyclovir 1 gm orally once daily for 5 days
*Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/day is also effective, but are not recommended because of frequency of dosing.
Ruling Out Conditions That Resemble Oral Herpes
Canker Sores
Simple canker sores are often confused with the cold sores of HSV-1. Canker sores frequently crop up singly or in groups on the inside of the mouth, or on or underneath the tongue. Their cause is unknown, and they are common in perfectly healthy people. They are usually white or grayish crater-like ulcers with a sharp edge and a red rim. They usually heal within 2 weeks without treatment.
This aphthous ulcer is located in front of and just below the bottom teeth.
Thrush
Oral candidiasis is a yeast infection that causes a whitish overgrowth in the mouth. It is most common in infants, but can appear in people of all ages, particularly people taking antibiotics or those with impaired immune systems.
Other conditions that may be confused with oral herpes include herpangina , sore throat caused by strep or other bacteria, and infectious mononucleosis.
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Genital Herpes Treatment In Pregnancy
You may be offered antiviral treatment:
- to treat outbreaks in pregnancy
- from 36 weeks to reduce the chance of an outbreak during birth
- from diagnosis until the birth if you first get herpes after 28 weeks of pregnancy
Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances.
Clinical Research Shows Light Treatments Improved Genital Herpes Outbreaks
Numerous clinical studies over the last decade have shown light treatments to be safe and effective for the treatment of various skin conditions. In a pivotal study on light and genital herpes, researchers analyzed women with HSV-2 who used phototherapy for three weeks. The clinical team measured pain levels among the participants before, during, and after the course of treatment, and also used blood tests to analyze the viral load from HSV-2 that was present in the bloodstream. The results show that light treatments can make a major difference for a person experiencing a genital herpes outbreak.
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How Laser Light Is Used For Skin Ailments
Since low-level laser light consists of intensely compressed light from an extremely constricted spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, it differs thoroughly from natural light. It is monochromatic and is polarized . It can thus penetrate the surface of the skin with no heating effect at all. Also, it can be directed as bio-stimulating light energy to the body cells. This light energy is again converted into chemical energy to promote natural healing and relief from pain and associated problems.
Perfect For Easy & Pain
The Luminance RED is quick and easy to use in the privacy of your home. Treatments are painless and only take a few minutes. The device is sleek, ergonomic, and easily stored for discreet usage.
My doctor told me to check out the Luminance RED for frequent genital outbreaks. He said that it helps with healing and may prevent outbreaks from happening down the road. I agree and have seen this for myself.
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Treatments For Genital Herpes
There is no cure for genital herpes or HSV-2. Many people use creams, medications, home remedies, and light therapy to lessen pain and manage outbreaks. Those with less severe outbreaks often choose to let the blisters heal on their own and go away. Light therapy is showing early success limiting pain and reducing viral load in initial peer-reviewed clinical research, summarized below.
How Often Should You Use Light Therapy For Sleep
For sleep benefits, people should incorporate light therapy into their daily routine and try to limit exposure to bright blue light. This is especially important in the hours before you go to sleep. With consistent use, light therapy users may see improvements in sleep outcomes, as demonstrated in peer-reviewed clinical trials and reviews.
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Is There A Cure For Genital Herpes
No. After a person contracts the herpes simplex virus that causes genital herpes, it remains dormant in the body for the rest of a persons life. There is not a cure for genital herpes, but various treatments like ointments, drugs, light therapy, and at-home remedies are used to improve quality of life during outbreaks.
The Value For Money Is:
One of the sayings goes, you get what you pay for.. Buying something for the lowest price is almost never a good idea. Therefore, buying an expensive product with no real value isnt a good choice at all. The key to evaluating the value of your ointment for genital herpes is to evaluate what youre getting for your money.
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Who Gets Genital Herpes
Anyone can get genital herpes through contact with sores or people with HSV infections. It is a very common condition, affecting roughly 15% of the United States teen and adult population. Genital herpes spreads most among people who have multiple sexual partners and dont practice safe sex.
Women are more likely to get genital herpes than are men. The virus is sexually transmitted more easily from men to women than from women to men.