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CD-ROM Today 1996 January
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CD-ROM Today 1996 January.iso
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01421.txt
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1994-01-17
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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.
Could a Mouth Sore be Caused by a Herpes Infection?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------
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.