Cold sores, or oral herpes, are blisters that form on or near the lips, nose, or mouth. In some cases, cold sores can form on the tongue. Treatments can include medications and home remedies.
There are two strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is the strain usually responsible for cold sores.
In this article, we discuss cold sores on the tongue, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Image credit: CDC/Robert E. Sumpter, 1967.
The most prominent symptom of a cold sore is a painful blister.
People may also experience additional symptoms if they have a new HSV infection. These symptoms
- fever
- fatigue
- body or muscle aches
- a headache
- sore throat
- swollen lymph nodes
- nausea
A cold sore outbreak occurs in different
- A burning, tingling, or itching sensation develops in the area of the outbreak before the blister appears.
- One or more fluid filled blisters develop in the affected area.
- The blisters rupture and leak fluid, leaving an open wound.
- A crusty scab forms over the wound.
- The cold sore heals, and the skin returns to normal.
Cold sores often resolve on their own without medical treatment. However, if people take antiviral medication early — within 24 hours of symptom onset — it
People who have a weakened immune system and those who experience frequent cold sore outbreaks may benefit from
Some research suggests that over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams, gels, and ointments containing acyclovir may help cold sores heal faster. However, these topical treatments are for external use and may not be suitable for cold sores on the tongue or elsewhere inside the mouth.
OTC pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and pain while a cold sore heals.
People who have cold sores on the tongue may wish to consider the following home remedies:
- gargling with warm salt water
- gargling with mouthwash
- avoiding using tobacco products
- avoiding spicy, salty, and acidic foods
- avoiding alcohol
Learn more home remedies and treatments for cold sores here.
Two strains of HSV commonly infect people: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 usually leads to cold sores, while HSV-2 can cause genital herpes. However, HSV-2 can sometimes also lead to cold sores.
Herpes lesions, including cold sores, usually develop
Regardless of the strain, all herpes viruses are highly contagious. HSV spreads through direct contact with herpes lesions and genital or oral secretions.
HSV-1
HSV-2 usually spreads through sexual intercourse. However, engaging in oral sex with a person who has an HSV infection can spread HSV-2 to the mouth or spread HSV-1 to the genitals.
Generally, cold sore symptoms resolve within
Certain factors can influence how quickly a cold sore heals. For instance, eating spicy or acidic foods can irritate a ruptured cold sore and slow the healing process. A person with a weakened immune system may have slow-healing cold sores or more frequent outbreaks.
Although a herpes outbreak only lasts a few weeks, HSV infections last a lifetime.
Learn more about how long cold sores are contagious for here.
A cold sore on the tongue occurs when a person comes into contact with the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1 causes most cold sores. However, people can also develop cold sores after coming into contact with HSV-2 through oral sex.
Most cold sores heal within 2–6 weeks and do not require medical treatment. However, antiviral medication may reduce the severity and healing time of the outbreak.
A person may wish to contact a doctor if the cold sore remains for several weeks despite trying OTC or at-home treatments. A doctor can prescribe stronger oral or topical medications. They can also diagnose any underlying condition that may contribute to frequent or slow-healing cold sores.