Canker Sores And The Herpes Simplex Virus
The term oral herpes isn’t as well-known as other names for the outbreaks caused by the herpes virus. More common and recognizable names for oral herpes are cold sores, canker sores and fever blisters. Most people have some experience with these outbreaks, either first hand, or they know someone who has had them.
Fever blisters are usually caused by type 1 of the herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV-1. When a person is infected with the herpes simplex virus, type 1, they often develop these conditions on or around the mouth.
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Fever blisters and the other accompanying symptoms of HSV-1 can be quite painful. The blisters appear as clusters of small bumps around the mouth. Sometimes they break open, emitting a clear liquid. The area around the outbreaks may become extremely sore and tender. The area may also be less than pleasing to the eye, appearing red and swollen before developing scabs. The healing time for them can range from a few days to a couple weeks and in some cases even longer.
If you touch them or touch fluid released from them you can contract the condition. Because the herpes simplex 1 virus can be transmitted through the exchange of saliva, a casual kiss on the lips or even on the cheek can be enough to pass along the virus.
Here are some numbers you may find surprising. It has been estimated that anywhere from fifty to eighty percent of the adult population in the United States have the virus responsible for fever blisters.
So regardless of what you call them, the virus that causes cold sores, canker sores or fever blisters is wide spread, as are the remedies people use to combat the outbreaks.
Ultimately, there is no way to ensure that you will not contract the virus, but being aware of the condition and how it is spread should give you a fighting chance.
source : Are Canker Sores Herpes?