Canker Sore HELP!!!

[seasons]

😕 I have always suffered from canker sores, but in the last year I have been getting them more often than normal. I went to a Family Practicioner, and without taking a culture he prescribed Valtrex and sent me on my way. I came home and did some research, and found numerous sites saying that canker sores and herpes are not the same thing. After doing some more reading I found that I am almost positive what I have are canker sores, since they arrive on the moveable parts inside my mouth. So, I called my doctor and asked him if I had canker sores or herpes, and he said "oh they are the same thing." So HELP! I am so confused. Why am I taking Valtrex for canker sores? Is that a common prescribed medicine for canker sores? And are canker sores and herpes the same thing? Anyone who can help clarify, I would be so appreciative!
Thanks!

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[UBTom]

Yes, valtrex only works for herpetic gingivostomatitis and herpes zoster (shingles), which are sores caused by the herpes and varicella zoster (chicken pox) virii respectively.

Apthous ulcers (sometime also known as canker sores) on the other hand would not respond at all to valtrex, and unlike the virus-caused sores, there are usually no accompanying symptoms of fever or malaise. Those ulcers can be caused by coming into contact with substances your body finds irritating such as additives in certain kinds of toothpastes or even certain foods-- It's different for almost everybody. Changing those items helps, and sometimes applying a topical anesthetic like orajel might help with the pain. Really bad cases of apthous ulcers are treated with topical corticosteroids.

If using valtrex doesn't help, then you probably have apthous ulcers. Best see a dentist and get a workup.

HTH!

 

[seasons]

Is it common to have herpes inside the mouth? Is it possible that it is herpes and not canker sores? How would you know the difference?

 

[UBTom]

Yes, herpetic gingivostomatitis is fairly common. And if taking the Valtrex your doctor prescribed helps, then it's herpes. If it does not, then it's probably something else. Process of elimination. 😀

 

[c132]

SEE my post earlier on the girl who wanted help for her bf.

 

[toothcaries]

make sure you are eating properly and getting enough sleep...
maybe this last year your immune system has been weaker....

at least for herpes labialis...valtres is supposed to lessen the duration of herpes..(there is no cure)
..also with herpes, you'll have noticable lymphademopathy...and maybe a buring/tingling feeling...

anyways, the cause of "canker sores" is not really known.

...so this post was probably not very helpful for you..

🙂