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What should I do about a cold sore at the corner of my mouth?

Nov 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Herpes at the corner of the mouth may be caused by poor dietary habits, local irritation, psychological factors, weakened immune system, or infection with the herpes simplex virus. Treatment includes adjusting diet, avoiding bad habits, maintaining a positive mindset, boosting immunity, and medication. It is recommended to keep the skin clean and dry in daily life to reduce the risk of developing skin conditions.

Herpes on the corner of the mouth may be caused by unhealthy eating habits, local irritation, psychological factors, weakened immunity, or herpes simplex virus infection. Treatments include adjusting diet, avoiding bad habits, maintaining a positive mindset, enhancing immunity, and medication. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Unhealthy Eating Habits

Frequent consumption of spicy, greasy, or irritating foods, or excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can irritate the skin around the mouth, leading to internal heat and skin sensitivity, making it susceptible to viral infection and resulting in herpes. It is recommended to adjust eating habits by avoiding irritating foods, drinking more water, consuming more vegetables and fruits, maintaining a light diet, and practicing proper local skincare with mild cleansers and moisturizers.

2. Local Irritation

Dry, cracked lips, biting injuries, or abrasions can compromise the skin's barrier function, providing an opportunity for herpes simplex virus infection. Pain, itching, and herpes lesions may appear at the corner of the mouth. Using lip balm and avoiding bad habits such as lip biting or licking is recommended. Existing wounds should be promptly disinfected to prevent infection.

3. Psychological Factors

Excessive tension, anxiety, or depression may affect immune function and increase the risk of developing herpes at the corner of the mouth. This may be accompanied by recurrent herpes outbreaks and emotional symptoms such as mood instability and insomnia. Learning to regulate emotions through relaxation techniques and psychological counseling can help alleviate mental stress. Maintaining a positive mindset contributes to enhancing the body's resistance.

4. Weakened Immunity

Poor lifestyle habits such as chronic sleep deprivation, malnutrition, lack of exercise, or suffering from chronic diseases can lead to a weakened immune system, making the body more vulnerable to herpes simplex virus infection. Accompanying symptoms may include recurrent herpes at the corner of the mouth and general discomfort such as fatigue, weakness, and susceptibility to colds. It is important to adjust lifestyle habits, ensure sufficient sleep, maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate physical activity, actively treat chronic diseases, and enhance immunity.

5. Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

When immunity is compromised, such as during fatigue, stress, colds, or fever, the dormant herpes simplex virus in the body can be easily activated, causing herpes. Symptoms may include pain, itching, burning sensation at the corner of the mouth, and clusters of small blisters. Under a doctor's guidance, acyclovir cream, famciclovir tablets, or ganciclovir dispersible tablets may be used for treatment.

It is recommended to maintain clean and dry skin in daily life to reduce the risk of developing skin conditions.

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