Herpes and Aphthous Ulcer

Herpes Simplex and Aphthous Stomatitis Treatments:

Herpes simplex or Cold Sores is a viral infection of the skin of the lips, palate or gingiva. It starts as an itching-burning sensation called the ‘prodromal’ stage. It will develop into a fluid filled blister that will rupture into a weeping lesion. These stages of Herpes Simplex are all treated with our ‘Epic’ diode laser. It is very contagious in the ulcer stage and can be spread to other areas by touch. The picture is a typical blister stage of a ‘cold sore’. Cold Sores are treated best in the early ‘prodromal stage’ with our ‘Epic” Diode Laser. Whatever stage these disfiguring and painful sores are treated, usually the pain is stopped and often they will not re-occur again.

Aphthous Ulcers (Canker sores) are benign and non-contagious recurring ulcers of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity (lining of the mouth). They can range from minor nuisance to severe disabilities. The cause is not known but it may involve a ‘T’ cell immune response to a variety of factors. The two pictures show typical aphthous ulcers of the moucous membrane of the mouth.

Canker Sores

Aphthous lesions are treated with our WaterLase Laser. Pain is stopped, they heal faster and often do not return.