According to various statistics, from 80 to 95 percent of people around the world are carriers of the herpes virus, which may never manifest itself in a person’s entire life. If herpes appears on the lips, many associate it with stress, hypothermia, or a cold.
Very often, herpes on the lips appears after sunbathing or when a person spends a long time in an air-conditioned room. Yes, this provokes the appearance of herpes, which is always in the body and “waiting” in the wings. “Colds on the lips” always appear suddenly and at the wrong time, causing aesthetic, psychological and physical discomfort, especially for the fairer sex. A dormant, insidious virus awakens when immunity decreases.
If the manifestations of herpes are episodic and mild, then there are many ways to quickly cure herpes on the lips. These are symptomatic drugs with a drying, disinfecting, epithelializing effect.
But in 15% of the population, relapses of herpes are so frequent, sometimes every six months or even monthly, that this requires serious long-term complex therapy under the supervision of a doctor.
In addition to antiviral drugs prescribed by the doctor according to the regimen, the use of immunomodulators is necessary. Until now, medicine does not know how to rid the body of viruses forever. Therefore, a person can only fight its manifestations for now.
What kind of disease is herpes on the lips?
The occurrence of infection on the face occurs as a result of the progression of the herpes virus type 1. Very often this type of infection is called cold rashes on the lips.
The manifestation of symptoms of herpes on the lips signals a person about disruptions in the immune system, as well as the presence of other types of diseases of the internal organs.
In most people, the presence of such a virus in the body does not manifest itself; it does not show any symptoms; it can accompany the person throughout his life.
However, there are categories of people who systematically experience the manifestations of the disease. Herpes tends to attack the surface of the lips, resulting in the formation of blisters that become damaged and turn into ulcers.
Such formations can be large in size and gradually move to the area of the nose and nasolabial folds.
Fighting herpes quickly: misconceptions
Some believe that the following measures will help remove herpes quickly and prevent its development:
- Cauterization with compositions of brilliant green or iodine;
- Piercing bubbles;
- Heating the bubbles.
Such means will not get rid of the rashes and can cause harm and contribute to the deterioration of the overall picture of the course.
There is a risk of chemical burns (caused by brilliant green or iodine); it is also possible to introduce microbes or pathogens of other viral diseases into the wound.
As a rule, the course of the disease passes in a period of 4 to 10 days. How to get rid of herpes faster? Get over it. The more often a person has suffered the active stage of the rash, the greater the likelihood that the virus will no longer disturb. Despite the fact that it is simply impossible to completely cure the infection, the human body over time produces special antibodies that actively prevent the formation of inflammation and prevent the virus from developing. Let's consider what means you can cure herpes at home.
Reasons for appearance
The formation of herpes is a very common type of disease, which can occur at almost any age, leading to complications and long-term treatment.
The reasons for the appearance of herpes on the lips may be as follows:
- Hypothermia;
- Diseases of viral types;
- Overwork and prolonged stressful situations;
- Skin injuries;
- Period of menstruation in women;
- Insufficient amount of vitamins in the body;
- Following strict diets;
- Bad habits;
- Contact with an infected person;
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the skin;
- Inadequate sleep.
Each human body has individual characteristics, so the appearance of this type of infection can be accompanied by any type of changes in the body. Experts cannot indicate the exact causes of this type of infection.
Which doctor treats
The choice of specialist depends on the area where the rash appears. You can contact a therapist, he will give you a referral to a specialist. If a rash appears on the skin, a dermatologist will be able to prescribe the correct treatment. For herpetic rashes on the genitals, women should contact a gynecologist, men should contact a urologist or andrologist. If the virus has infected the oral cavity, consultation with a dentist is necessary. An immunologist will help you choose the right medications to restore your immune system.
Symptoms and manifestations
A viral disease of the herpes type is manifested by the following symptoms on the lips:
- Enlarged lymph nodes;
- Temperature increase;
- The appearance of pain in the jaw;
- Lack of appetite;
- Formation of ulcers on the lips;
- Swelling of the skin;
- Inflammation accompanied by the appearance of a blister;
- The appearance of crusts that itch and bleed.
The disease can manifest itself with various signs.
However, the following first signs of the development of a viral infection are observed:
- Swelling of the skin;
- Swelling formation;
- Painful sensations when touched.
Very often, the blisters are not damaged, but become crusty; this type of infection goes away much faster and causes fewer unpleasant symptoms. In many cases, the disease develops without the presence of any signs or discomfort.
Outside the home
Earwax
Traditional healers know what to do to make herpes go away faster, even in the absence of available remedies.
When you are in complete isolation from the outside world, and not only are pharmacies, but even indoor plants and your grandmother’s Validol inaccessible, you are left with something that no one can take away - the will to defeat the disease and earwax.
Use this remedy until you at least get to toothpaste.
Aspen
If you are able to distinguish an aspen tree among the green massif, tear off a leaf, knead it in your hands until the juice appears and lubricate the bubbles. It is assumed that the hands and the aspen sheet are clean.
Course of the disease
Colds on the lips have several stages of development, which are accompanied by certain types of symptoms.
The following stages of development are distinguished:
- The first stage - at this initial stage of development, the skin cells are damaged by the virus, as a result of which the person feels the following symptoms: a feeling of pain;
- tingling at the site of infection;
- skin inflammation and swelling;
- the inflamed area begins to itch and a slight burning sensation is felt;
- the appearance of small blisters with liquid;
- blistering damage;
The development of herpes does not always manifest itself in all stages; it depends on the degree of disturbances that exist in the immune system.
Traditional recipes for ointments
Medicines can also be replaced with ointments prepared at home. List of recipes based on effective active ingredients.
- Echinacea ointment. This product contains an antimicrobial substance and a good antiseptic. Echinacea disinfects and heals the wound. To prepare an ointment, you can use honey and oil based on a plant component. The prepared ingredients are mixed. The thickness should be such that the ointment can be easily rubbed into the sore spot several times a day.
- Propolis. Suppresses the effect of various viruses, including herpes, and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. To prepare the ointment, use baby cream. Mix with propolis tincture in a convenient ratio.
- Calendula has pronounced antibacterial properties. Relieves inflammation, soothes ulcers. The tincture with the component can be mixed with any convenient filler.
- Aloe vera is also an excellent antiseptic. Removes inflammation. Cut a small portion of a leaf from the plant. Squeeze out a couple of drops with your fingers. Mix with face cream, add a few drops of jojoba oil. Rub into the sore spot.
- Essential oils of sage, tea tree, fir, sea buckthorn. Natural antiseptics, relieve irritation, have a slight bacteriostatic effect, dry the wound. Can also be mixed with cream for ease of use. Treat the sore spot with the resulting ointment every 1-2 hours and after meals.
Traditional recipes will help fight herpesvirus
Do not forget that only antiviral drugs with proven effectiveness can cope with the disease more effectively and quickly.
How can you get infected?
Herpes viral infection can be contracted in the following ways:
- Using items that have been used by an infected person . This does not have to be utensils; there is a risk of infection in public transport, after using which you do not wash your hands with an antibacterial agent, or after tattooing your lips if the devices were poorly disinfected;
- Direct contact with an infected person during a handshake or kiss;
- Air-drop method is observed much less frequently than other methods. A person can become infected by communicating with an infected person;
- From mother to child during childbirth , if a pregnant woman became infected with the virus a short time before giving birth, and she did not have time to develop immunity.
After the virus enters the body, it is introduced into the cell, where it begins to multiply intensively. After the virus particles increase to the required amount, they leave the mother cell and spread throughout the body.
If a person’s immunity is weakened and cannot fight virus particles, the first symptoms begin to appear.
Drug treatment
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a broad-spectrum drug that suppresses the multiplication of the virus in cells.
Pharmacy products for home antiviral therapy of herpes:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a broad-spectrum drug that suppresses the multiplication of the virus in cells. Use tablets, ointment, injection solution.
- Valaciclovir is more effective. Prevents horizontal spread of infection. The tablets treat clinical manifestations of 5 types of virus: HSV types 1 and 2, herpes zoster, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus.
Antiviral therapy is combined with the use of immunomodulators and agents that prevent the virus from entering cells.
Why is herpes on the lips dangerous?
The disease herpes on the lips not only contributes to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms and an unsightly appearance, very often infection can have consequences and pose a hidden danger to a person.
The following threats to humans should be noted:
- The disease can be transmitted by touching the mucous membranes;
- The infection is of a contagious type and can be transmitted to healthy people;
- In the absence of the necessary treatment, herpes may damage all internal organs;
- Herpes on the lips can cause other types of infection;
- Lead to diseases of the nervous system;
- Contribute to constant feelings of fatigue and irritability.
Like any type of infection, herpes can become chronic and practically resistant to treatment.
Diet for frequent relapses of herpes
A connection between viral activity and certain food products, or more precisely the amino acids they contain, has been experimentally established.
- The amino acid lysine has an inhibitory effect on herpes viruses, so it can prevent relapses and accelerate the healing of blisters. Contained in dairy and meat products (with the exception of sausage, smoked meats and canned food). Therefore, people suffering from frequent relapses of herpes should include eggs, cottage cheese, lean meat and various dairy products in their diet.
- The amino acid arginine, on the contrary, provokes an increase in viral activity; eating certain foods can even cause a relapse of the infection (for example, eating peanuts). Arginine-rich foods include chocolate, gelatin, seeds and nuts. They should be removed from the diet or strictly limited. Arginine is also found in cereals, grains and legumes and should be consumed in moderation.
These nutritional rules must be followed to permanently solve the problem of frequent relapses of herpes.
Diagnostics
To prescribe the correct treatment, it is necessary to undergo appropriate diagnostic methods that are aimed at identifying the type of infection.
There are the following methods for diagnosing the disease:
- Visual examination of the patient by a doctor;
- General blood analysis;
- Taking a smear of the mucous membranes to detect the presence of the virus;
- PCR – diagnosis;
- Taking the component of the blister for analysis.
If necessary, additional types of diagnostics may be prescribed.
Treatment of herpes on the lips
Treatment of herpes must be carried out comprehensively, using antiviral drugs in the following way:
- For local application - the products are designed to penetrate deeply into the layers of the epidermis and block further division of viral cells, thereby reducing the spread of infection to healthy areas of the skin. Topical products allow you to launch the natural processes of cell regeneration and restore damaged skin;
- Preparations for oral use - antiviral drugs in the form of tablets are recommended to be used to eliminate the virus throughout the body, as the infection quickly spreads and infects healthy organs. In addition, special therapy is used that strengthens the immune system and reduces the likelihood of recurrent infection.
The treatment method is most often prescribed for each patient individually, depending on the complexity of the disease.
Treatment with local drugs
The following types of medications are prescribed for external use.
Antiviral agents are prescribed for local treatment to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
The most commonly used medications are:
- Acyclovir Hexal - it is necessary to apply a small amount of the drug to the damaged area and leave until completely absorbed. It is recommended to use 4 times a day, for a course of 5 days. Can be used from the age of 6 years. Cost 120 rubles ;
- Fenistil Pentsivir - gel penetrates the layers of the epidermis and has an antiviral effect. Used three times a day for a 5-day treatment. Approved for use by children over 3 years of age. Average cost 300 rubles ;
- Panavir is an antiviral drug that is aimed at reducing viral cell division and rapid restoration of epidermal cells. It is recommended to use five times a day for 6 days. Can be used from 12 years of age. The average cost of the drug is 180 rubles .
Acyclovir Hexal
Fenistil Pencivir
Panavir
Interferon inducers for antiviral therapy, used to treat complex types of disease.
The following medications are used:
- Cycloferon - used twice a day, morning and evening, for 5 days. Appointed from the age of 7 years. Average cost 90 rubles .;
- Viferon - used four times a day for a week. Appointed after a year. Average cost 170 rubles ;
- Thymogen - cream is used twice a day in a thin layer, apply for no more than three weeks. The average cost is 240 rubles .
Cycloferon
Viferon
Thymogen
The use of topical preparations allows you to quickly eliminate the external symptoms of the disease and prevent re-infection.
Preparations for internal use
The use of drugs in the form of tablets for internal use allows you to eliminate the development of herpes in the body and develop immunity, which prevents the recurrence of infection.
The following oral antiviral drugs are prescribed:
- Acyclovir - most often used to eliminate the herpes virus, it is recommended to use three times a day for 7 days. Used from the age of 3 years. The cost of the drug is 90 rubles ;
- Valvir - specially designed for the treatment of all types of herpes, it is recommended to use once a day; the course of treatment is determined by the doctor individually depending on the type of infection. Used from the age of 14 years. The average cost is 360 rubles .
Acyclovir
Valvir
Drugs to enhance immunity are necessary to activate the natural processes of fighting infection:
- Polyoxidonium - has an effect aimed at increasing immunity and eliminating infection. Use once a day for 7 days. Allowed for use from the age of 3 years. The average cost of the drug is 900 rubles ;
- Derinat is used as an injection solution for a course, and the duration of use is prescribed individually for each patient. It is not recommended for use under 14 years of age, the average cost is 1200 rubles .
Polyoxidonium
Derinat
Prescription of medications in the form of tablets occurs strictly on the recommendation of the attending physician; it is prohibited to treat with these types of medications independently.
These types of medications tend to cause side effects, if they occur, it is necessary to stop treatment and consult your doctor.
What to do to heal skin after illness
With proper treatment, the disease period averages 3-4 days. After this, a wound remains in the corner or on the lip itself. To speed up its healing, it is necessary to use aloe or Kalanchoe juice, sea buckthorn or fir oil. As a rule, the ulcer heals over the course of a week. And the entire process of recovery from herpes is 10-18 days, depending on the effectiveness of treatment. If you manage to suppress the infectious virus at the first stage of development, herpes recedes quickly and without external manifestations.
Herpes on the lips during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the female body is weakened, so very often a problem arises such as an infection on the lips. To eliminate this type of infection, a special type of treatment and compliance with preventive measures are used.
How dangerous is the virus?
The formation of herpes on the lips cannot affect the health of the child if the woman has previously been infected with the herpes virus.
However, if the infection is of the primary type, the following types of danger to the child and woman may be observed:
- The virus crosses the placenta and can infect the baby;
- Herpes damages internal organs and can lead to premature birth;
- During pregnancy, treatment of the disease is much more difficult;
- The disease can contribute to the occurrence of other types of infectious diseases in the child and woman;
- If infection occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, this can lead to the death of the child.
Experts recommend being careful during pregnancy and avoiding contact with infection.
If after childbirth a woman continues to have symptoms of the disease, experts recommend using protective equipment and undergoing full therapy to eliminate the disease; however, breastfeeding is prohibited during the treatment period.
How to treat?
Herpes viral infection requires the use of special antiviral drugs, but the use of many medications is prohibited during pregnancy.
Therefore, many women use traditional medicine methods; if this method does not produce the desired result, it is necessary to use medications taking into account the special situation of the woman.
To eliminate the virus you must use:
- Traditional medicine methods;
- Vivorax is an antiviral drug approved for use during pregnancy. The course of use and duration depends on the severity of the disease. Average cost 140 rubles ;
- Oxolinic ointment - has an antiviral effect and is used during pregnancy. Apply three times a day for 7 days. The average cost is 90 rubles .
Vivorax
Oxolinic ointment
In case of acute manifestations of the disease, other drugs against herpes can be used, but a reduced dosage is prescribed and under the supervision of the attending physician.
Rules of patient behavior during treatment
Information for patients.
- Antiherpetic drugs should be used as early as possible - during the prodrome of a relapsing course of the disease.
- Do not skip breaks while taking antiviral medications. If missed, the subsequent dose is not doubled.
- Tell your doctor about any changes in how you feel, especially if new symptoms appear.
- If you have genital herpes, choose comfortable underwear and abstain from sexual intercourse until complete recovery. Use condoms.
How to treat herpes on the lips in children?
A child's body is much more likely to be exposed to the herpes virus; unlike an adult, children are much more difficult to tolerate this type of disease.
During the period of infection, the child may experience the following symptoms of the disease:
- The appearance of pain in the area of inflammation;
- Weakness and muscle aches;
- Sleep disturbance;
- Lack of appetite;
- A sharp increase in body temperature;
- Formation of blisters on the inside of the lips;
- Headache;
- The appearance of eczema on the body.
Treatment of the disease is prescribed by a doctor and most often consists of the following stages:
- Suppression of the virus in the body is necessary to reduce symptoms and eliminate further spread of infection to healthy areas of the body: Kagocel - a drug in tablet form is used once a day for 5 days. It is used from the age of 5 years, however, if necessary, it can be used from the age of 2 years in a reduced dosage. The cost of the drug is 240 rubles ;
- Hyporamine is an antiviral agent based on sea buckthorn extract. Use twice a day for 5 days. Used from the age of 3 years. Average cost 200 rubles ;
- Viferon - recommended for use in mild forms of herpes. Apply once a day. Allowed for use from the age of 6 months. Cost 210 rubles ;
- Algirem - available in the form of syrup, used once a day according to the dosage specified in the instructions. Can be used from the age of 1 year. Average cost 200 rubles ;
Kagocel
Hyporamine
Viferon
Algirem
Alphabet
It is imperative to maintain hygiene of the child’s body and avoid contact with the causes that contribute to the occurrence of the virus, this is one of the prerequisites for treating herpes in a child.
If an infection occurs, you must ensure that the child does not touch the infection and does not transfer the virus to healthy areas of the skin.
Peculiarities
To prevent relapses, you need to give up bad habits.
At all stages of home treatment, it is necessary to protect the affected areas from secondary infection. To prevent relapses, you need to give up bad habits, eat right, and strengthen your immune system.
In children
Antiviral drugs containing acyclovir are prescribed to children over 2 years of age in the same dose as adults, and to children under 2 years of age - 2 times less. Externally used without restrictions.
A contraindication for the treatment of herpetic rashes in children using traditional methods is the alcohol content in the product when taken orally and individual intolerance to certain substances. Preschoolers are prescribed home remedies based on essential oils with caution due to the possibility of an allergic reaction. Toothpaste with fluoride is not used to treat labial herpes in children under 8 years of age.
In adults
A contraindication for the treatment of herpetic rashes in children using traditional methods is the alcohol content in the product when taken orally and individual intolerance to certain substances.
For adults, all home remedies for the treatment of herpetic rashes are available, regardless of the location and type of pathogen, including traditional medicine. An exception is drugs to which the patient has hypersensitivity.
Acyclovir is used orally with caution only in cases of renal failure and a history of neurological disorders.
Treatment against the background of immunodeficiency is carried out with increased doses of antiviral drugs, including intravenously.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, drugs containing acyclovir and Panavir, made from potato shoot extract, are most often used.
External use of drugs during pregnancy has no contraindications, except for individual intolerance. The same applies to traditional medicines, including herbal ones.
Oral medications, including folk remedies, must be approved for use by pregnant women. Panavir suppositories are not used in late pregnancy so as not to cause uterine contractions.
Treatment of herpes on the lips using traditional medicine methods
Traditional medicine methods are often used to treat herpes on the lips.
The following recipes are considered the most common:
- Fir oil – used 5 times a day. A small amount of the substance must be applied to the blister using an ear stick. Used in a course of 7 days;
- Propolis - liquid propolis must be applied to the ulcer and left for several hours, after which the affected area should be treated with Vaseline. Used every 6 hours for 10 days. Use is prohibited in case of individual sensitivity to the component;
- Triple cologne - has the property of cauterizing formations on the lips. Apply to the skin using a cotton swab and fix with a band-aid for several hours. Use once a day until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. It is forbidden to use for people under 6 years of age and during pregnancy;
- Earwax - used to cauterize the formation. Apply twice daily. Recommended for the treatment of the virus during pregnancy and for children over 1 year of age;
- Toothpaste is considered the most common way to eliminate the inflammatory process. Toothpaste should be applied in a small amount to the skin area and left overnight. It is recommended to use until unpleasant symptoms are eliminated. Allowed for use in childhood and during pregnancy;
- Garlic lotions have an antiviral effect and reduce unpleasant symptoms. It is necessary to chop a clove of garlic and apply it to the inflamed formation. Place a cotton pad on top and secure with a band-aid if possible. Leave for several hours, then wipe with alcohol. Use once a day until the infection completely disappears;
- Herbal mixture to increase immunity - you need to take chamomile grass, hawthorn berries, rose hips, rosea radiola in equal proportions, mix everything and pour two glasses of boiling water. Leave in a water bath for 15 minutes. Take a tablespoon twice a day before meals. The action of the fence is aimed at increasing the body’s protective functions and fighting viruses. Not for use during pregnancy and for children under 7 years of age.
Traditional medicine methods have repeatedly proven their effectiveness. However, this type of treatment has a main drawback - it requires long-term and regular use to monitor the effectiveness.
For complex types of development of herpes on the lips, it is recommended to use an integrated approach and use traditional medicine methods in combination with the use of drug treatment.
What drugs should be used
Tablets, ointments, gels and creams affect the speed and intensity of infection development within the human body. Such drugs slow down the multiplication of the virus and reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatment with tablets for herpes on the lips is allowed from the age of two, but the side effects of such drugs should be taken into account. Sometimes taking them leads to a slowdown in the removal of fluid from the body, so it is up to the doctor to decide whether it is advisable to undergo a course of treatment with tablets.
Valaciclovir
The drug penetrates viral cells and destroys them from the inside. The dosage for adult patients is approximately 0.25-2 grams, and the frequency of taking tablets and the duration of the course of treatment are prescribed by the doctor, depending on the degree of herpes on the lips. For people with impaired renal or liver function, doses are adjusted in a special way. Elderly people should increase the amount of fluid they drink when taking pills for herpes on the lips.
Famvir
After taking the tablets by a person who has herpes, the active substance famciclovir is quickly absorbed into the blood, transforming into the active penciclovir. It effectively fights pathogenic herpes cells in the body. The drug is taken regardless of food intake. The average dose is 0.25 g three times a day for a week. Depending on the severity of the viral infection, the doctor may change the treatment regimen.
Acyclovir
Once inside, Acyclovir is integrated into the viral DNA chain, blocking its synthesis. The drug penetrates perfectly into all human tissues and organs, including the skin and brain. A five-day course of treatment is prescribed with tablets for adults and children over 2 years of age, 0.2 g 5 times a day at four-hour intervals. For more advanced forms of herpes, the course of treatment can be extended by the doctor until the patient recovers.
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Zovirax ointment
The local drug prevents the synthesis of viral cell DNA without damaging healthy human cells. Children and adults are prescribed the use of ointment in the form of a 1 cm strip, which is placed on the affected area of the lips. Zovirax is used up to five times a day with a time interval of 4 hours. Treatment should continue for another three days after the patient has recovered. A doctor may prescribe the drug to a pregnant woman infected with the virus if she considers that the threat to the fetus will be minimal.
Panavir-gel
It is an antiviral drug of plant origin. It is used as a component of complex therapy for various types of herpes, including the genital strain. The injections are given slowly, 200 mcg each. The number of injections per day and the duration of treatment with Panavir is determined by the doctor. During pregnancy and herpes, the drug is used in limited doses; during lactation it is contraindicated.
Preventing the appearance of herpes on the lips
To eliminate the likelihood of infection, it is recommended to follow the following prevention rules:
- After visiting public places, you must wash your hands with antibacterial soap;
- If itching occurs in the lip area, do not touch the affected area with your hands;
- Use only personal utensils and personal hygiene items;
- Maintain proper nutrition and during periods of exacerbation of infectious exacerbations, use additional vitamin complexes;
- Exercise;
- Dress according to weather conditions;
- Follow the daily routine;
- Avoid stressful situations;
- Treat all types of diseases in a timely manner;
- Avoid contact with infected people.
Following simple rules of prevention will reduce the risk of infection and will also help strengthen the immune system.
Reviews
Reviews of drugs for the treatment of herpes on the lips:
Review of Acyclovir
Review of Acyclovir Hexal
Review of Alphabet
Review of Algirem
Review of Cycloferon
Review of Derinat
Review of Giporamin
Review of Kagocel
Review of Oksolin
Review of Panavir
Review of Pentsivir
Review of Polyoxidonium
Review of Timogen
Review of Valvira
Review of Viferon
Review of Vivorax