HIV Mouth Sores: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Overview

Mouth sores are a common symptom that occurs in HIV-positive people. It is due to the infection, which decreases your immunity to fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  These sores often appear either on the lips or on the region around the mouth. This causes pain while eating or speaking and impacts the quality of life. Mouth sores are not experienced by everyone who has HIV. However, it can occur in patients with progressive infection and weak immunity. The people who suffer from mouth sores during HIV infection are around 50%, while those with the AIDS stage are 80%. This blog explores the causes, treatment, signs of HIV mouth sores, and when to consult a doctor.

What are HIV Mouth Sores?

If a person is suffering from HIV infection, it can give entry to numerous infection-causing microbes that are otherwise deleted by our immune system. That’s why viruses causing oral sores, like herpes simplex virus, have a higher chance of infecting an HIV-positive person than a healthy person. These sores appear as red blisters around the mouth, which are painful and also called cold sores. These are also called fever blisters when they appear on the lips. These sores, when they develop during HIV infection, can last a bit longer than the ones that develop during a healthy immune state and are more severe.

Causes of HIV Mouth Sores

During an HIV infection, the development of sores can take place in many different forms and can be the result of various infectious agents as the body is exposed to different pathogens during that immunocompromised state. 

Sores- Inside the Mouth

When developed inside the mouth, following the causal agents: 

Oral Thrush

It is caused by a fungus, Candida, which causes candidiasis. This fungus causes beige color sores in the mouth, which accompany bleeding. Oral thrush occurs during advanced HIV conditions as the fungus is opportunistic and only causes infection when the immunity is compromised. 

However, for oral thrush treatment, there are some effective antifungal medicines, such as lozenges or antifungal mouthwash, for mild infections. However, you might need a prescription for anti-treatment options for severe infections. 

Canker Sores

These sores are more like ulcers, as their other name, aphthous ulcers, suggests. These ulcers develop inside the mouth on the inner surface of the lips and cheeks, on the base of the gums, or below the tongue. Although this infection is not contagious, the ulcers are quite painful, and HIV-positive patients have a higher chance of developing this infection as compared to those who don’t have HIV infection. For the treatment of these sores, doctors recommend antiseptic mouthwash if the infection is mild. 

Oral Hairy Leukoplakia

In this infection, hair-like growths develop on the tongue with white patches and ridges. However, they are not limited to the mouth and can also develop anywhere else in the body. The causal agent of this infection is the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus attacks when the immune system is compromised and during the advanced HIV stage. Mild cases don’t always require treatment, but if the condition is severe, you might need to see a doctor immediately for the prescription of a suitable medication course. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections

During HIV infection, due to weakened immunity, there is a higher chance of developing sexually transmitted infections, which cause sores inside the mouth, as follows: 

• Syphilis: It is a sexually transmitted infection in which sores develop inside the mouth on the tongue, lips, back of the mouth, or in the gums. Specific antibiotics can cure this disease. Talk to your provider for the proper diagnosis and treatment. 

• Gonorrhea: It is another STI that causes the appearance of white spots in the mouth or throat. Your doctor will recommend antibiotics for the treatment of gonorrhea mouth sores. Gonorrhea, which could cause a sore throat and sometimes white spots in your mouth. Antibiotics are the usual treatment.

• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) warts: In case of HPV infection, painless warts or lesions inside the mouth develop, which are surgically removed.

For online STD treatment, you can visit our walk-in clinic.

Sores – On or Over the Mouth

Then come the sores that develop on or around the mouth area, such as:

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Sores 

These sores develop in case of herpes infection and appear on or around the mouth, especially if you are suffering from HIV. It also acts as an opportunistic pathogen that wakes up when immunity is compromised and stays in the body long before the infection occurs. There are two types of this virus, each causing different conditions as 

• HSV-1 causes sores on or near the mouth
• HSV-2 causes sores on the genitals or near the genital area

The following are the signs and symptoms of oral herpes you should look for: 

• It is contagious, especially before and during an outbreak
• If these sores are persistent for a long time, it can indicate the early signs of AIDS.
• Viruses like HSV are treatment-resistant and can cause the worst symptoms
• These sores vary from clear, red, pink, to even gray or yellow
• Some antiviral prescription medications can help them heal faster

What are the signs of HIV on the mouth?

HIV sores on the mouth can take many different forms, from oral thrush, dry mouth, oral ulcers, warts, gingivitis (gum disease), and cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus. In any of the cases, the sores are painful, raised blisters that either develop over the lips or around the mouth or occur inside the mouth, like on the gums, back of the throat, tongue, or in the soft palate. The following are the other symptoms that a person may experience alongside: 

• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Burning sensation near or in the sores

Out of all the causes, oral herpes is highly contagious and can spread via the saliva of an infected person; therefore, avoid sharing food, kissing, or sharing personal care items. 

Treatment for HIV Mouth Sores

HIV related mouth sores can be treated depending on the cause. If the cause is bacterial, viral or fungal infection, the suitable antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal prescription medication can heal the sores. Some antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir can help treat the HSV infection faster. Talk to your doctor for the prescription of suitable medicine. Some mild infections, like canker sores, can be treated using the prescription mouthwash, which contains corticosteroids.

However, the long-standing sores like HPV warts may require surgery for complete removal, such as cryotherapy, in which warts are frozen before removal. Other serious conditions like oral cancer require more rigorous treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.

Can Mouth Sores be Prevented?

You can prevent mouth sores by regular checkups and managing any existing mouth conditions. Moreover, perform the following hygiene practices to prevent mouth sores: 

• Drink plenty of water to fulfil hydration levels
• Eat a balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Take HIV medications consistently
• Avoid spicy or too acidic foods and beverages
• Practice oral hygiene

Consult a Doctor

If you develop painful sores that last more than a week or two and cause difficulty while swallowing medicine or food, consult your provider immediately.

FAQs About HIV Mouth Sores