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Question:
i noticed i have these white bumps underneath my upper lip that are only noticable when i tighten my lip and my lower lip is very chappy. two parts in my gums are also looking rare and there is a white dot like the ones under my upper lip next to one of the raw areas of my gums. please tell me what these symptoms sound like. i’ve gone to 2 different doctors i am taking acyclovir 200mg 5x a day i read something that herpes burns tingles or itches and my doctor said that it may be herpes...the only thing is it doesnt do any of that really. i just need to put my mind at ease cause im going crazy....and its really hard not to kiss my girlfriend but i will not until i know that it is ok for me to do so gone to 2 different doctors. thank you.
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Answer:
by Georgan Gregg: (06/02/2004)
Your sense of responsibility is admirable. You’ve done the right thing by seeing a doctor & talking to your girlfriend. Let me tell you about canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters & herpes (oral & genital).
Canker sore or cold sore are different names for the same thing - an aphthous ulcer. They are round or oval, white in the center with a red, sharp edge, & very painful, especially if you ingest something acidic like orange juice. No one knows the cause, but herpes isn’t to blame.
Fever blister is the common term for oral herpes. It’s a very common infection - about 80% of Americans have it. Oral herpes are in & around the mouth or nose, although they are usually on or around the lips rather than deep in the mouth. They have an irregular shape, are not very deep, begin as a blister but soon lose the top & continue as a shallow ulcer, frequently with a slight crust on the top. Oral herpes usually starts in a patch of several ulcers & may sting a bit, but aren’t really painful. It’s aggravated by fever or sun burnt lips but some people get them for no apparent reason. Acyclovir is very effective for oral herpes. This viral infection doesn’t ever leave your body once you’ve got it. You can probably spread it even when you don’t have an outbreak. But don’t worry too much because almost everyone already has it.
I’m supposing the reason you’re so upset is that the word “herpes” makes you think of genital herpes. Herpes can theoretically be spread from mouth to genitals during oral sex, but that’s not the usual way people get it on their genitals. There are 2 types of herpes virus: herpes simplex virus type 1 & type 2 (HSV 1 & HSV 2). Whether it’s type 1 or 2, it's still called genital herpes if the outbreak is on the genitals & oral herpes if above the neck. You’d have to be tested during an outbreak to determine which type of herpes simplex virus you have, but HSV 1 usually shows up as oral, while HSV 2 is usually below the waist. Crossover both directions is possible.
Let us know if you have more questions. And keep up the good work in your relationships & self-care!
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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