Are canker sores that last for months a sign of herpes?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am getting canker sores for the past two months. I am attaching the picture. I do not have anything on the lips or any other place on my tongue. It presents on the edge and head of the tongue. Before a day of getting this, I was trying to look inside my mouth using a spoon. I used the spoon to push my tongue down.

Can I have herpes or a bacterial infection?

Sometimes I have a dry throat.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity), you seem to have canker sores. You can have it due to ingestion of hot foods or a tongue bite. I think that you do not have a fever, and so I rule out herpes. You can have a nutritional deficiency. You do not need investigations now.

Please mention whether you have any drug allergies or any other associated symptoms so that I can give you a correct diagnosis and suggest a treatment. Maintain your oral hygiene.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.