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- $Unique_ID{BRK01421}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Could a Mouth Sore be Caused by a Herpes Infection?}
- $Subject{mouth rash herpes infections sore infection sexual virus hsv-2
- simplex hsv-1 lesions aphthous ulcer rashes sores sexually transmitted disease
- std venereal diseases vd viruses viral lesion ulcers gum gums cheek cheeks}
- $Volume{A-11}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- 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.
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