I get recurrent sores in lips which stays for 10 to 20 days. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I have gone through your query, attached pictures, and your previous prescription. (attachment removed to protect patient 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 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 which your previous doctor had prescribed will suffice). Please take the same set of medicines for another course. This time without skipping doses and take them at the correct time.

2. Avoid hot, spicy, salty foods, citrus fruits and its 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 fruits and vegetable intake.

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 over those sores and promotes faster healing.

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

I hope this helps.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your situation.

How did the sores look like when you got this for the first time (last year)? Do you have any pictures of those sores? Are you under any medicines for other conditions? Any previous dental treatment? Habits history? (smoking and others) Sores in any other part of 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, grapes, and include other fruits in your diet (like apples, banana, mangoes, seasonal fruits, etc). It is better to try quitting the smoking or pan habit (if present) to see an improvement.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is a possible immunocompromised status (body's immunity 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 test done immediately. Meanwhile, continue the same medicines. Maintain good oral hygiene.

I have attached the series of tests that needs to be done.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Those medicines in the previous prescription is basically an antiviral drug. Those could not have caused your wounds and ulcers. I do know that scab lesions (wound) inside the nose can occur is such scenarios as previously discussed. But a lesion regarding nose is best understood and treated by an ENT 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 the fungal association. Viral and fungal lesions occur together in immunocompromised situations. A complete history, physical examination, and lab reports are essential to diagnose and to start a more focussed treatment. Please get your blood work and HIV testing done as soon as possible. Visit the nearest venereologist with your medical reports for starting up the treatment. Meanwhile, you can continue the medicines and the instructions previously discussed.

I hope this helps.