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Medical Author:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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When to call the doctor

• Because the sores are painful, people may have difficulty eating or drinking. To prevent dehydration, people should call their doctor if they cannot eat or drink adequately.
• If any of these symptoms, which suggest dehydration, occur, medical care should be obtained:
• A decrease in urination (fewer wet diapers in infants)
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Notify a doctor if you are not sure what the oral sores are.
• If a child is younger than 6 weeks of age, notify a doctor if oral sores appear. Severe infection or disease complications occur more commonly in infants. For instance, besides affecting the mouth, HSV-1 may go to the brain and produce damage.
• People whose immune systems are weakened should also call their doctor if sores appear. If a person's immune system is weakened, they are more likely to have severe infection or disease complications. Pregnant women need to consult immediately if HSV infection is noticed, especially if they are close to term.

When to go to the hospital

Signs and symptoms of dehydration usually warrant going to a hospital's emergency department. Infants, especially under 6 weeks of age, should see their pediatric doctor or an emergency center if oral sores appear, or if the infant appears to slow urine output or decrease fluid intake.

Must Read Articles Related to Oral Herpes

Canker Sores Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are among the most common causes of sores in the mouth. Causes of canker sores include heredity, oral trauma, hormonal change...learn more >>

Cold Sores Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose.learn more >>

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