oral herpes question

[johnt614]

hi,

About a month ago I fooled around with a stranger and today I developed 4 very small blister-ish sores on the inside of my upper lip.  I've had many canker sores in my life but usually they occur one at a time and are larger than this.  I know how common oral herpes is so I'm wondering if its possible this is oral herpes and if I should avoid kissing anyone until this resolves.  Also, I've had a cold for 2 days if that helps.

thanks.

[johnt614]

hey, the std clinics here are only open on weekday mornings... anyway, i discovered this friday once it was too late to go and by today the 'cankers' are gone, so i cant get them tested. I was wondering if the fact that they lasted so little time made anyone think it was more or less likely to be herpetic.

thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

yes.

grace

[johnt614]

thanks grace, i will go tomorrow to check it out.  But if they cant crust does it just stay as something resembling a canker sore until it heals?

[gracefromHHP]

the mucous membranes inside the mouth don't allow for a typical crusting to occur.

odds are this is just canker sores going on. as petal said, it would take a lesion culture to confirm that they are herpes. They are best done within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms.  

statistically 1 out of every 2-3 adults has hsv1 orally. It's incredibly common and not many of us make it to our rocking chairs at the old folks home without having it.  Most folks who have it, aren't getting obvious cold sores to know it.

grace

[johnt614]

by the way, does anyone know what inside the mouth herpes sores do, do they crust over like outside ones?  if so, in how long usually?  thanks

[johnt614]

yeah, i know it can be cankers.  I hope it is.  I read a lot of places that said inside the mouth is not herpes, but one or 2 said it was possible so I was looking for reinforcement one way or the other.  

Plus it taking a month to show up made me think it was less likely herpes.  Added to that the cold I have... anyway, I'll get a test tomorrow and find out.

thanks.

[petal130]

Typically oral herpes does occur on the lips/outside of mouth. But, it can occur inside too, just less commonly. Also, remember that other things like ulcers/canker sores can go on inside the mouth. It doesn't mean it's necessarily herpes - only a swab/culture could determine that.

[johnt614]

ok thanks.  I was hoping that what I read about having them on the inside of the mouth meaning its probably not herpes was correct.

[petal130]

Yes, it could be oral herpes. A swab/culture would determine if it is, and/or an IgG type specific blood test. And yes, if unsure, don't kiss with an active outbreak.