How to permanently cure recurrent sores on the lips?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I have gone through your query, attached pictures, and your previous prescription (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). These cold sores are of viral origin and it is called herpetic stomatitis. This has a high recurrence rate meaning as long as the immune system is a little underperforming, it can come again and again. Also, taking antiviral drugs could put your immune system down. You should compensate by eating healthy foods and drinking adequate water. There are certain instructions you can follow to reduce its recurrence:

1. Taking antiviral medicines on time without skipping or forgetting the dose (the antiviral drug that your previous doctor had prescribed will suffice). Please take the same set of medicines as another course and this time, take it without skipping doses and take them at the correct time.

2. Avoid hot, spicy, salty foods, citrus fruits and juices, carbonated drinks, etc.

3. Drink lots of water. These treatments can make your body dehydrated.

4. Eat healthily. Take a balanced and nutritious diet. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables.

5. You can place ice cubes intermittently over those sores for faster relief.

6. Maintain good oral hygiene. Rinse your mouth after every meal. Brush twice daily. This will prevent any bacterial or other infections from occurring over those sores and promote faster healing.

It is highly contagious and hence limit personal contact with others and children.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your situation.

Kindly answer the following questions-

1. How did the sores look like when you got this for the first time (last year)?
2. Do you have any pictures of those sores?
3. Are you under any medicines for other conditions?
4. Have you undergone any previous dental treatment?
5. Do you have any history of habits like smoking and others?
6. Are there sores in any other part of your body?

These recurrent infections are more common if there are any underlying conditions like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Please get complete blood work and HIV testing done. You will also require a complete dental examination done to rule out other conditions.

Avoid citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, and grapes, and include other fruits in your diet (like apples, bananas, mangoes, seasonal fruits, etc). It is better to try quitting smoking or pan habit (if present) to see an improvement.

I hope I have answered all your queries.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

There is a possible immunocompromised status (the body's immunity is down). So get the prescribed tests done to identify any underlying condition. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects the body's immune system. And if the body's immunity is down, you are very prone to bacterial and fungal infections (opportunistic infections). Get the tests done immediately.

Meanwhile, continue the same medicines. Maintain good oral hygiene. I have attached the series of tests that need to be done. Please get those tests done so that I can guide you further.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The medicine in the previous prescription is basically an antiviral drug. It could not have caused your wounds and ulcers. I do know that scab lesions (wounds) inside the nose can occur in such scenarios as previously discussed. But a lesion in the nose is best understood and treated by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.

Yes, the lesions on the roof of the mouth (palate ulcers) could be viral. But the one on the lips looks like an ulcer with a fungal association. Viral and fungal lesions occur together in immunocompromised situations. A complete history, physical examination, and laboratory reports are essential to diagnose and to start a more focused treatment. Please get your blood work and HIV testing done as soon as possible. Visit the nearest venereologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases) with your medical reports for starting up with the treatment. Meanwhile, you can continue the medicines and follow the instructions as discussed previously.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.