Check Up: Dealing with recurring mouth sores

Royden is a 'Check Up' committed reader who is embarrassed by recurring sores, appear on the inside of his lips and on his gum every few months. He is not sexually active so does not think it could be related to oral sex as some friends have been teasing him. He has been taking multi-vitamins but hasn't seen where they have made a difference.

Mouth and lip sores occur very commonly and can cause discomfort and even pain. When these sores or blisters occur, these days, the assumption is that they are cold sores and are associated with the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), but this is not always the case!

Canker sores tend to occur mostly inside the mouth, on the inner lips, tongue, and inside the cheeks. Cold sores or Herpes Simplex blisters, usually occur outside the mouth, on the outer lips, the chin, the cheeks, or within the nostrils. Herpes sores can also occur within the mouth, but most often, are seen on the gums or roof of the mouth.

HERPES SORES

Mouth sores caused by the Herpes virus tend to be smaller than canker sores and heal much more quickly. Herpetic sores also usually begin as blisters, which is not necessarily so with canker sores.

Canker sores, known medically as Aphthous ulcers, affect about 20 per cent of the general population. They start out as small, round-or oval-shaped swellings which burst within a day. The sores are often covered with a thin, white membrane and can range from quite small to up to an inch wide in size. They usually heal in one to two weeks. They can leave a scar, but they are not associated with any serious disease. The frequency of appearance of canker sores can vary from one to two episodes yearly up to almost continuous occurrences.

Their appearance may be related to:

n Food allergies

n A faulty immune system

n Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of Vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.

Some women experience canker sores in relation to phases of their menstrual cycle so hormones may also be a cause of canker (aphthous) ulcers in women.

Prevention involves taking vitamin and nutritional supplements and avoiding allergy-inducing foods.

To help prevent canker sores, avoid abrasive foods such as chips of any sort. Avoid acidic and spicy foods, and try not to injure the gums when cleaning the teeth.

Topical applications of anaesthetic ointments or an aspirin mouthwash, or using prescribed Cataflam Dispersa as a mouthwash (then swallowing the medication) is useful for pain relief.

Royden should also note that the Herpes virus is not only spread by sexual contact. It can also be spread by kissing or just by the misfortune of drinking from a glass that has not been properly washed after use by an infected person. Genital herpes as well as the oral Herpes virus can infect the lining of the lips and mouth, but 95 per cent of mouth outbreaks are caused by the Type 1 oral virus. The virus is highly contagious and is easily contracted once coming into contact with it. Most people with Type 1 oral HSV contracted it as children, and the virus can remain inactive in the body for many years or can recur frequently. It is treatable but not curable.

When these ulcers occur, the area should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Eat a bland, non-acidic diet to prevent irritating the sores, and do not infect other people by kissing them or sharing a drink using a single utensil.

In some people, sunlight is a trigger for the herpetic sores. The good news is that applying sun screen or zinc ointment to the lips regularly helps prevent recurrence!

Application of prescribed topical Acyclovir or taking Acyclovir or Valcyclovir (Valtrex) tablets can shorten outbreaks and help prevent frequency of recurrences. Herpes sores tend to be associated with periods of weak immunity in the body. This could be due to stress, illness, or fatigue, so be certain to also address this area of your life! Visit a physician when the ulcers are present to have them tested and to receive treatment to minimise the occurrence and the discomfort experienced.

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Kgn 8 or email:arnaj56@gmail.com

AJM