Shingles in mouth, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The condition is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body’s nerve tissues. However, it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles.
Shingles typically affect one side of the body, usually the torso or face, but they can also affect other areas of the body.
One of the rare but possible locations for shingles to occur is inside the mouth. When shingles affect the mouth, it is referred to as oral herpes zoster.
The symptoms of oral herpes zoster may include pain, tingling, or burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and gums.
Blisters may also appear in the affected area, and these can be painful and may make it difficult to eat, drink, or talk.
Other symptoms of shingles may also be present, such as fever, headache, and fatigue.
Overall, while rare, shingles can occur inside the mouth and cause discomfort and pain. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have oral herpes zoster to receive appropriate treatment and management of your symptoms.
Type Of Shingles in The Mouth:
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, can occur in different areas of the body, including the mouth. When shingles occur in the mouth, it is referred to as oral herpes zoster.
There are two types of oral herpes zoster that can affect the mouth: primary herpetic gingivostomatitis and herpes zoster.
Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis:
It is a common viral infection that affects the oral cavity. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and is most seen in children.
The symptoms of primary herpetic gingivostomatitis include fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and painful blisters on the gums, tongue, and inside cheeks.
The blisters may rupture, causing painful ulcers. Treatment for primary herpetic gingivostomatitis typically involves pain management and antiviral medication.
Herpes Zoster:
It is also known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
When herpes zoster affects the mouth, it is usually limited to one side of the mouth, and the symptoms may include pain, tingling, or burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and gums.
Blisters may also appear in the affected area, and these can be painful and may make it difficult to eat, drink, or talk. Other symptoms of shingles may also be present, such as fever, headache, and fatigue.
Treatment for herpes zoster typically involves antiviral medication, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms.
Pain management may also be necessary, and patients may be prescribed pain medications or topical numbing agents to help manage their discomfort.
Causes Of Shingles in The Mouth:
Varicella-zoster virus:
Shingles in the mouth are caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox in children.
After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues of the body.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing shingles in the mouth. One of the primary factors is age.
Age:
Shingles are more commonly seen in people over the age of 50, and the risk increases as people get older.
Immunity:
The immune system also plays a role in the development of shingles.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, or cancer, or who are taking immunosuppressive medications, are more likely to develop shingles.
Stress:
Stress and certain medications can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing shingles.
Chickenpox:
Another factor that can increase the risk of developing shingles in the mouth is having chickenpox before the age of one.
Infants who have had chickenpox before the age of one are more likely to develop shingles later in life.
Chronic diseases:
In addition to these risk factors, there are certain medical conditions that can increase the risk of developing shingles in the mouth.
These conditions include diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease.
People who have had organ transplants are also at an increased risk of developing shingles due to the immunosuppressive medications they must take to prevent organ rejection.
It is important to note that shingles in the mouth are not contagious.
However, the virus that causes shingles can be spread through direct contact with blisters or sores.
Therefore, it is important to avoid touching blisters or sores and to wash your hands frequently if you have shingles.
In summary, shingles in the mouth are caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
Age, a weakened immune system, having had chickenpox before the age of one, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing shingles in the mouth.
Symptoms Of Shingles in The Mouth:
Shingles in the mouth can cause a range of symptoms that can vary in severity depending on the individual. Here are some common symptoms of shingles in the mouth:
Pain –
One of the most common symptoms of shingles in the mouth is pain.
This pain can be mild to severe and may feel like a burning, stabbing, or tingling sensation.
The pain can be constant or intermittent and can be accompanied by other symptoms.
Blisters –
Shingles in the mouth can cause small, fluid-filled blisters to develop on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks.
These blisters may burst and form sores that can be painful and make it difficult to eat or drink.
Swelling –
The gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks may become swollen due to the presence of blisters or sores.
Numbness –
Some people may experience numbness or tingling in the affected area of the mouth.
Headache –
Shingles in the mouth can cause headaches, which can be mild to severe.
Fever –
Some people with shingles in the mouth may develop a fever.
Fatigue –
Shingles in the mouth can cause fatigue or tiredness.
Difficulty eating or speaking –
The presence of blisters or sores in the mouth can make it difficult to eat or speak, especially if the sores are painful.
It is important to note that the symptoms of shingles in the mouth can be like those of other conditions, such as canker sores or cold sores.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or dentist to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
In some cases, shingles in the mouth can cause complications such as secondary bacterial infections, post-herpetic neuralgia, or eye problems.
If you have shingles in the mouth, it is important to follow your doctor’s or dentist’s instructions for managing your symptoms and preventing complications.
Risk Factors For Shingles in The Mouth:
Shingles in the mouth, like other types of shingles, can affect anyone who has previously had chickenpox, but there are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Here are some of the most common risk factors for shingles in the mouth:
Age –
Shingles in the mouth are more commonly seen in people over the age of 50.
As people get older, their immune systems may weaken, making them more susceptible to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivating.
Weak Immune System –
A weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing shingles in the mouth.
People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or who are taking immunosuppressive medications, are more likely to develop shingles.
Stress and certain medications can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing shingles.
Chickenpox before age one –
Infants who have had chickenpox before the age of one are more likely to develop shingles later in life.
Medical conditions –
Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing shingles in the mouth.
These conditions include diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease.
People who have had organ transplants are also at an increased risk of developing shingles due to the immunosuppressive medications they must take to prevent organ rejection.
Gender –
Women are more likely to develop shingles in the mouth than men.
Stress –
Stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for the varicella-zoster virus to reactivate and cause shingles.
Family history –
People with a family history of shingles may be more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Trauma to the mouth –
Trauma to the mouth, such as from dental work or injury, can increase the risk of developing shingles in the mouth.
It is important to note that shingles in the mouth are not contagious, but the virus that causes shingles can be spread through direct contact with blisters or sores.
Therefore, it is important to avoid touching blisters or sores and to wash your hands frequently if you have shingles.
If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to speak to your doctor or dentist to learn more about your risk of developing shingles in the mouth and to discuss strategies for prevention and treatment.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing shingles in the mouth typically involves a physical examination by a doctor or dentist and a review of the patient’s medical history.
Here are some common methods used to diagnose shingles in the mouth:
Physical Examination –
A doctor or dentist may examine the mouth to look for signs of shingles, such as blisters or sores.
Medical History –
The doctor or dentist may ask about the patient’s medical history, including whether they have had chickenpox or shingles in the past.
Laboratory Tests –
In some cases, a laboratory test may be performed to confirm a diagnosis of shingles.
This test involves taking a sample from the blisters or sores and testing it for the presence of the varicella-zoster virus.
Imaging Tests –
In rare cases, an imaging test such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan may be ordered to evaluate the extent of nerve involvement.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you may have shingles in the mouth.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and prevent complications.
If you have been diagnosed with shingles in the mouth, your doctor or dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms and medical history.
Additionally, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid spicy or acidic foods that may irritate the mouth during the healing process.
Management Of Shingles in The Mouth:
The management of shingles in the mouth focuses on reducing the severity and duration of symptoms, promoting healing, and preventing complications.
Here are some common management strategies for shingles in the mouth:
Antiviral Medications –
Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir are commonly prescribed to treat shingles.
These medications work by stopping the varicella-zoster virus from replicating and spreading.
Pain Relief Medications –
Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or prescription painkillers may be used to manage pain associated with shingles.
Topical Treatments –
Topical treatments such as lidocaine or benzocaine may be used to provide local pain relief and promote healing of the blisters or sores.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene –
Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can help to prevent secondary infections and promote healing of the mouth sores.
Avoiding Irritants –
Spicy or acidic foods should be avoided as they may irritate the mouth and make symptoms worse.
Rest and Stress Management –
Rest and stress management are important for overall health and can help to promote healing.
Complication Management –
If complications such as postherpetic neuralgia or eye involvement occur, they will need to be managed appropriately.
It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor or dentist and to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Most people with shingles in the mouth recover fully within a few weeks to a few months with appropriate treatment and management strategies.
Homeopathic Medicines for Shingles in Mouth:
Homeopathy medicine is helpful to treat children as well as adults. Homeopathy medicine does not have side effects.
It has acute and chronic remedies. Acute remedies are helpful to treat acute rashes of the mouth while some remedies help to reduce the tendency of rashes of the mouth.
Homeopathy remedy selection depends on the characteristic of rashes, symptoms, and causative factors for shingles of mouth.
Here are some remedies helpful for Shingles of the Mouth:
Arg nitricum
Arum
Hydrastis canadensis
Merc cor
Muriatic acid
Nitric acid
Sulph acid
1. Argentum nitricum: Dry red ulceration at the corners of the mouth and at the tip of the tongue.
One of the characteristic symptoms of Argentum nitricum in the context of shingles affecting the mouth is the presence of dry red ulcerations.
Specifically, in the corners of the mouth and at the tip of the tongue.
These ulcerations are often painful and can be associated with burning sensations.
Dose and Potency: Argentum nitricum 30, 4 globules, 3 times a day for 3-4 days.
2. Arsenic album: Useful for unhealthy ulceration of the mouth with a burning sensation.
Arsenicum album (Ars alb) is a homeopathic remedy often indicated for shingles in the mouth. It’s characterized by intense burning and shooting pains that are relieved by warmth.
Restlessness and anxiety, particularly worse at night, are common. There’s a thirst for small sips of water, and symptoms worsen from cold exposure.
Painful ulcerations in the mouth with a possible metallic taste might be present. The person prefers warmth and experiences a general sense of unease.
Dose and Potency: Arsenic alb 30, 4 globules, 3 times a day for 3 days.
3. Arum: Useful for shingles in the corner of the mouth with cracks and soreness.
This is a good remedy for raw feeling at the roof and palate. A patient has cracks and dryness in the corner of the mouth and rawness in the mouth.
It’s linked to symptoms like shooting or stitching pains, a sensation of rawness, and ulcerations with a tendency to bleed easily. Feelings of sadness or depression might accompany the physical symptoms.
This remedy is typically used when the individual feels worse in cold air or at night.
Dose and Potency: Arum triphyllum 30, 4 globules, 3 times a day for 3-4 days.
4. Borax: Useful for white fungus growth in the mouth.
This is a good remedy for fungus-like growth inside the mouth, and shingles of mouth. A child cries while breastfeeding. A child has painful ulcers.
It is associated with symptoms like sudden, shooting pains, especially when touched or exposed to air. The affected areas may be sensitive, and there might be a burning sensation.
Borax is often used when the individual is extremely sensitive to noise, and the symptoms may worsen during menstruation.
Dose and Potency: Borax mother tincture, apply externally, 2 times a day for 4 days.
5. Hepar sulph: Useful for shingles on gum and lips.
This is a good remedy for ulceration associated with bleeding of gums and lips.
It’s connected with symptoms like painful, sensitive eruptions that may be pus-filled and prone to suppuration.
The individual could be irritable and sensitive to touch, with a desire for warmth. This remedy is often considered when exposure to cold air worsens symptoms.
Dose and Potency: Hepar sulph 200, 2 globules, once a day for 3 days.
6. Hydrastis canadensis: Useful for stomatitis.
A patient has ulceration of the mouth with dryness at the corner of the mouth. This is a great remedy for stomatitis.
It is associated with symptoms such as burning, smarting pains in the affected areas. The eruptions might be inclined to ulcerate and be accompanied by a yellowish discharge.
The remedy could be considered when there’s a general weakness and debility accompanying the symptoms.
Dose and Potency: Hydrastis mother tincture, apply 2-3 times on the ulcer for 4 days.
7. Merc cor: Useful for shingles rashes present on gums.
A patient has rashes on gums with swelling. The tongue is painful and swollen.
It is linked to symptoms like intense burning and stitching pains, with ulcerations that can be extremely painful and may lead to a foul-smelling discharge.
The person might experience excessive salivation and have a metallic taste in the mouth.
This remedy is often considered when the symptoms are aggravated by cold and ameliorated by warmth.
Dose and Potency: Merc cor 6C, 2 globules, 2 times a day for 3-4 days.
8. Muriatic acid: Useful for aphthous of mouth with bluish-red edges.
This is a good remedy for deep ulcers on the tongue with bluish-red edges. A patient has swollen glands and gums.
It’s associated with symptoms like burning and smarting pains in the affected areas. The eruptions might be prone to ulceration, with a tendency to bleed easily.
This remedy could be considered when there’s a sense of weakness and weariness accompanying the symptoms.
Dose and Potency: Muriatic acid 6C, 4 globules, 3 times a day for 3-4 days.
9. Nitric acid: Ulcers in the soft palate with pricking pain.
A patient complains of an ulcer in the soft palate with pain. A patient has a red, clean, and wet tongue. A patient has increased salivation and bleeding gums.
It’s linked to symptoms like sharp, splinter-like pains, especially in mucous membranes.
The eruptions could be prone to ulceration, and the ulcers may be painful, raw, and possibly bleed easily.
This remedy might be considered when the person is irritable and experiences heightened sensitivity to touch.
Dose and Potency: Nitric acid 6C, 4 globules, 3 times a day for 4 days.
10. Sulph acid: Shingles in the mouth with offensive breath.
A patient has aphthous and painful gums. A patient has swollen gums. The characteristic symptom is an offensive smell from the mouth.
It’s associated with symptoms like burning and smarting pains in the affected areas. The eruptions might have a tendency to ulcerate, leading to painful and raw ulcers.
This remedy could be contemplated when there’s a sense of physical and mental exhaustion along with the symptoms.
Dose and Potency: Sulph acid 3C, 4 globules, 2 times a day for 3-5 days.
Remember that homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.