Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It commonly affects the skin, but it’s also possible to get shingles in the mouth.
The varicella-zoster virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox, also known as varicella. Chickenpox mainly affects children. However, after an infection, the virus can stay in your nervous system for many years without causing symptoms.
If the virus reactivates later in life, it can cause shingles. This typically happens in older adults or in people with weakened immune systems due to medications they’re taking, health conditions, or high levels of stress.
Read on to learn more about oral shingles, along with options for prevention and treatment.
The typical symptoms of oral shingles include:
The symptoms can vary depending on the stage of infection. The stages of shingles include:
Shingles can affect the skin and mucosa, or tissues that line your body. This includes the inside of your mouth.
The cause of oral shingles is the same as shingles in general. The disease develops when your immune system becomes weakened. A compromised immune system is unable to control the virus, allowing it to multiply and cause shingles.
Several things can weaken your immune system and activate shingles, such as:
Oral shingles is a less common form of shingles. However, it can appear on its own or with skin symptoms.
Visit a doctor if you develop mouth lesions or mouth pain of any kind. You should also see a doctor if you have mouth lesions and:
If your doctor thinks you have oral shingles, they’ll use several tests to make a diagnosis. This may include:
There’s no cure for shingles. However, treatment can help minimize your symptoms and shorten the length of your infection.
Your treatment plan will likely include:
Antiviral medication is designed to combat the viruses that cause shingles. It’s best to start taking these medicines as soon as your symptoms develop.
Examples of antiviral medication used for shingles include:
These medications can help reduce pain and prevent long-term complications.
In addition to antiviral medications, your doctor may also prescribe oral corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation.
The symptoms of shingles can be painful. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain medication.
For shingles in the mouth, your doctor may also suggest topical oral pain relievers. These medications may come in the form of gel, cream, or liquids. They’re directly applied to the lesions in your mouth.
There are some self-care measures you can take at home to manage your symptoms:
As your shingles infection clears up, your oral symptoms will get better.
In general, the blisters begin to scab after 7 to 10 days. It takes 3 to 5 weeks for the infection to clear, but the pain can last for weeks or months.
To work toward a speedy recovery, be sure to carefully follow your doctor’s treatment plan. It’s also important to take care of yourself at home. This includes practicing self-care as mentioned above.
Other things you can do to improve your shingles recovery include:
Because a weakened immunity can trigger shingles, supporting your immune system may help reduce your risk of developing the disease.
This includes habits like:
There’s also a shingles vaccine available to adults ages 50 and older. The vaccine, which is available under the brand name Shingrix, is given in two doses. It’s
A shingles infection causes inflammation and blisters on the skin and mucosa. In some people, this may include the mouth. Oral shingles may appear on its own or with skin symptoms.
If you have shingles, your doctor will likely prescribe antiviral medications and pain relievers. You can speed up recovery at home by eating well and getting plenty of rest.
The shingles vaccine can help reduce your risk of developing the disease. It’s available to adults ages 50 and older and is highly effective at preventing shingles.
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Last medically reviewed on February 22, 2022
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Feb 22, 2022
Written By
Kirsten Nunez
Edited By
Claire Brocato
Medically Reviewed By
Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP
Copy Edited By
Siobhan DeRemer
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