Herpes on the lips - A viral disease that causes the herpes simplex virus type. This pathogen is able to affect the skin, mucous membranes, nervous system.
Statistical studies have been carried out, during which it was found that approximately 65 - 90% of the world's population is infected with the herpes virus. Some of these people have an infection caused by the herpes type I virus.
In the CIS there is no structure that would deal with the registration of cases of herpes. It is estimated that about 290 million infected people currently live in the post-Soviet space.
Herpes on the lips - seemingly "harmless" disease that affects the skin and leads to the appearance of vesicles, an unpleasant itch.
In fact, the herpes virus can pose a more significant danger to humans. It is able to affect nerve tissue, blood cells, lead to a decrease in immunity, the growth of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels, it is able to activate the HIV virus and the growth of malignant tumors.
The causative agent of herpes on the lips
The causative agent of cold sores on the lips is the herpes simplex virus type I (other names: Herpes simplex virus 1, Human herpesvirus 1, HSV-1, HSV-1), which contains DNA. The size of the virus is from 150 to 200 nanometers. The shape resembles a cubic.Herpes simplex virus type I is stable in the environment, and most people are highly susceptible to it. Therefore, infection occurs relatively easily.
In total, 6 species are distinguished in the herpesvirus family.
Types of herpes viruses:
- Herpes Virus Type I mainly causes skin lesions above the waist. The most common localization is on the lips, in the mouth.
- Herpes virus type II predominantly affects the skin below the waist. It most often causes genital infections.
- Herpes virus type III causes shingles and chicken pox (chickenpox).
- Herpes Virus Type IV - This is the Epstein-Barr virus, which is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis.
- Herpes Virus Type V - cytomegalovirus, causes a cytomegalovirus infection.
- Herpes viruses of types VI, VII and VIII not yet studied enough. Modern researchers believe that these pathogens are important in the development of various types of rashes, chronic fatigue syndrome.
- cold sores on the lips;
- herpes of the skin of the upper half of the body;
- herpes mucous membranes(most often the oral cavity);
- ophthalmic herpes- herpetic damage to the eyes;
- genital herpes- rarely, more often caused by type II herpes virus;
- herpetic encephalitis - damage to the brain;
- pneumonitis - pneumonia of herpetic nature.
Causes of herpes simplex virus type I infection. Ways of transmission of herpes on the lips.
Herpes virus infection can occur from a sick person or a virus carrier. After recovery, the pathogen can persist in the body for a long time, and sometimes - for life. Ways of infection of the herpes simplex virus type I:
- contact: through handkerchiefs, during kisses, with close contact;
- airborne droplets: while close to a person with a herpes virus infection;
- genital tract: infection during sexual intercourse occurs relatively rarely, this is more typical for herpes type II;
- during transfusion of blood and plasma, infection of the fetus from a sick mother.
How does herpes virus infection occur?
The first contact with the herpes virus occurs very early, most often in infancy. Infection is asymptomatic, but the virus accumulates in the body in nerve cells. It penetrates the skin or mucous membranes, then into the nerve endings, migrates along the nerves and accumulates in the roots of the spinal cord. After the virus has integrated into the genetic apparatus of nerve cells, its removal from the body becomes impossible. In the future, with weakening of the body and the presence of appropriate conditions, herpes develops on the lips or in other areas of the skin.What conditions are necessary for the disease to develop?
- poisoning, living in adverse environmental conditions, occupational hazards;
- frequent, chronic and severe infectious diseases;
- diseases and pathological conditions of the skin;
- AIDS and malignant tumors;
- endocrine diseases: adrenal gland dysfunction, diabetes, etc.
After a cold sore, immunity forms on the lips. But it is unstable - the immune mechanisms are active only as long as the virus is in the body.
Options for the outcome of the disease:
- the virus persists in the body for life, without causing more disease;
- herpes acquires a relapsing course: after recovery, the infection develops again.
Symptoms of herpes on the lips
The incubation period for this disease lasts from 2 to 8 days. After this, characteristic symptoms appear.Variants of the course of herpes on the lips:
- acute;
- chronic.
| Signs of acute cold sores on the lips |
The appearance of the bubbles: |
| Signs of chronic herpes on the lips | Most often, a chronic herpes virus infection has a relapsing course. Stages of chronic herpes on the lips:
|
The diagnosis and treatment of herpes on the lips is carried out by a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist. The manifestations of herpes on the lips are quite typical, so the disease is almost impossible to confuse with any other. Sometimes it is necessary to distinguish herpes on the lips from diseases such as shingles, herpangin caused by enteroviruses (damage to the tonsils). Complications of herpes on the lips:
- Infection and suppuration. Most often it occurs if the patient combs the foci, independently opens the vesicles, introduces bacteria (staphylococci and other pyogenic microorganisms) into them. At the same time, swelling and redness intensifies, severe pain occurs, body temperature rises even more, and overall health is disturbed. A boil or phlegmon may develop.
- Rash spread. Occurs with improper self-medication, non-compliance with hygiene rules. Herpetic vesicles spread throughout the face, appear in the shoulder girdle, on the hands.
- The spread of the process to internal organs. The highest risk of this complication is in people with reduced immunity. Herpes of the esophagus, cornea, trachea and lungs, bronchi, brain (the most serious complication) can develop.
- Decreased immunity. The herpes virus helps to reduce immune forces, resulting in the development of acute infectious diseases, exacerbating chronic ones.
Diagnosis of herpes on the lips
The lesions have a characteristic appearance, so the diagnosis is easily established after examination. Errors are virtually eliminated.If the doctor has doubts, then he prescribes laboratory tests:
| Study Title | What reveals? | How is it carried out? |
| Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) | Detection of antibodies to the herpes virus in the patient’s blood. If antibodies are produced and are present in the blood in a sufficiently large amount, this is a confirmation that the pathogen is present in the body. With herpes virus infection, the content of antibodies in the blood increases over time. This can be detected if two studies are carried out at a certain interval. | For research, blood is taken from a vein.
|
| Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) | Detection of virus DNA in the material. A study aimed at the direct detection of the pathogen. | For research, they can take blood, the contents of the vesicles.  |
| Immunofluorescence | Detection of virus antigens in the material. If the pathogen is present, then as a result of chemical reactions, a glow is visible. | For research, take the contents of the bubbles.
|
| Complete blood count and urinalysis | General clinical trials that are performed in all patients with suspicion of any disease. With herpes virus infection, all indicators are normal. |
Cold sore lips treatment
Herpes on the lips is usually treated on an outpatient basis. Sometimes, with a severe course of the disease and the development of complications, hospitalization in a hospital is indicated.In most cases, ointments and gels with antiviral drugs are used to treat cold sores on the lips.
| Title medicinal product * | Description | Dosage and administration ** |
| Acyclovir (synonym: Zovirax, Herpevir) | Acyclovir is an antiherpetic drug. It interacts with the DNA molecule of the pathogen, breaks it and blocks the reproduction of the pathogen.  | With herpes on the lips, Acyclovir is used as an ointment or cream externally. Mode of application: apply an antiviral agent to the lesion 5 times a day. Treatment usually continues, depending on the doctor’s prescription, 5 to 10 days. |
| Valacyclovir (synonym: Valtrex) | Valacyclovir is a precursor to a drug substance. Once in the body, it turns into acyclovir.  | Valacyclovir is available in 250 and 500 mg tablets. It is able to turn into Acyclovir only after it gets into the blood, under the action of liver enzymes. Mode of application: |
| Allomedin | The main active ingredient in the composition of the drug is Allostatin. It belongs to alloferons - new antiviral agents of plant origin. The effects of the drug:
| The gel is applied to the lesion site 2–3 times a day for 2–3 days. |
| Infagel | A gel containing an antiviral and immunostimulating drug - interferon. It is most effective in the initial stages, when the patient is just beginning to be bothered by itching.  | Apply the gel to the affected area 2 times a day, every 12 hours. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. |
| Oxolinic Ointment | An ointment that has an antiviral effect and destroys almost all types of viruses, except HIV.  | Apply 3% oxolinic ointment to the lesion site 2 to 3 times a day. Treatment should be continued from 2 weeks to 2 months. |
| Viru Merz Serol | Gel with antiviral effect. Effective against herpes viruses of types I and II. The active substance that is part of the drug blocks the attachment of the virus to the cell and penetration inside.  | Apply the gel at the site of the lesion 3 to 5 times a day. Usually, treatment lasts 5 days. If no improvement is noted within 2 days, then you should consult a doctor to prescribe another drug. |
| Remantadine (synonym: Rimantadine, Flumadin, Algirem, Polyrem). | Antiviral drug. It is mainly used to treat influenza in the early stages. But effective for cold sores on the lips.  | Release form: In the form of tablets of 0.05 and 0.1 g. Ways of application:
|
| Famciclovir (synonym: Minaker, Famvir) | An antiviral drug effective for herpes simplex infections caused by herpes zoster viruses type I and II, shingles.  | Release form: 0.25 and 0.125 g tablets Method of use (in adults):
|
| If herpes virus infection is accompanied by a decrease in immunity, then immunostimulating drugs are prescribed: Timalin, Timogen, Immunofan, Ribomunil etc. They must be taken strictly as directed by the immunologist. |
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** Information on medicines is presented for informational purposes only and is not a guide for self-treatment. We are not liable for harm to health and any other harm resulting from self-administration of the described drugs by the patient. Self-medication without the participation of a specialist doctor is unacceptable, as it can lead to negative consequences.
How to treat herpes on the lips during pregnancy?
Herpes on the lips of a pregnant woman does not pose such a danger to the fetus as genital herpes (on the genitals caused by the herpes type II virus). In the mother's body, antibodies are produced that protect the fetus. When symptoms of the disease appear, you must visit a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment, guided by:
- the degree of danger of herpes virus infection to the fetus;
- the advisability of using antiviral agents and their danger to the fetus.
- acyclovir ointment;
- zovirax ointment.
Precautions after giving birth, if the mother has herpes on her lips:
- wash hands thoroughly before any contact with the child;
- wear a gauze mask while feeding and caring for the child;
- avoid contact of the foci with the skin of the child: do not touch his lips, do not kiss until complete recovery.
How does herpes on the lips of men affect the conception of a child?
Men are often interested in the question: is it possible to plan the conception of a child if there is a cold sore on the lips? The disease does not affect the quality of sperm, the virus does not infect it. Therefore, if there is a disease in a man, it is quite possible to plan a pregnancy.How to treat cold sores on the lips with folk remedies?
| Folk remedy | Description | Mode of application |
Adaptogens:
| Adaptogens are herbal remedies that activate the body's internal resources, tone up, increase immune forces. The body successfully fights with the herpes virus, recovery comes faster. | Adaptogens are taken in accordance with the instructions enclosed in the package with the drug. |
| Treatment with aloe and Kalanchoe | Aloe and Kalanchoe are home potted plants, their juice contains adaptogens. They are used topically to treat many diseases, including herpes on the lips.
| Cut a leaf of aloe or Kalanchoe. Apply a fresh cut for 2 - 3 minutes to the lesion. Then update the slice and repeat. |
| Peppermint | Peppermint contains substances that have a calming effect on the skin, reduce inflammation, irritation, itching.  | Cooking method:
Lubricate the affected area with a decoction up to several times a day. |
| Garlic | The cloves of garlic contain volatile, substances that can destroy various types of bacteria and viruses, including the herpes simplex virus type I.
| Cooking method:
Apply gauze wrapped in gauze to the lesion for a while. Precautionary measures:
|
| Propolis tincture | Propolis tincture destroys pathogens, improves the functioning of protective mechanisms in tissues. It has cauterizing properties.  | Propolis tincture is used to cauterize ulcers that remain in place of herpetic vesicles. To do this, use a cotton or gauze swab, a cotton swab. Some time after cauterization, a softening cream can be applied to the lesion. For example, from chamomile or calendula. |
| Fir oil | Fir oil contains volatile products - substances that destroy pathogens.
| Method of application: apply fir oil in a small amount to lesions on the skin every 2 hours. It is worth remembering that fir oil can irritate the skin, increase burning sensation and other unpleasant sensations. |
| Products that should not be taken with herpes on the lips | Products recommended for herpes on the lips |
When the disease is not recommended products containing the amino acid arginine, necessary for the reproduction and vital functions of the virus:
| With herpes virus infection, products containing the amino acid lysine are recommended - it is believed that it inhibits the reproduction of the pathogen. Products containing a large amount of lysine:
Products containing zinc:
|
Measures aimed at increasing immunity:
- treatment of all existing chronic diseases;
- full sleep, rest;
- good nutrition;
- intake of vitamins, minerals (various vitamin and mineral complexes that are sold in pharmacies);
- hardening;
- the correct mode of work and rest, avoiding stress;
- frequent outdoor activities;
- playing sports.
Measures to prevent the spread of infection and infection of other people
Herpes simplex virus type I has a very high degree of infectivity. Therefore, patients and people near them should follow certain precautions. Necessary measures:
- Do not touch the place where the rashes are, with your hands. If you touch the hearth, you must immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- You can not apply antiviral agents to the skin of the lips with your hands. Use cotton swabs, tampons for this.
- You can not comb and squeeze, independently open the bubbles. This will lead to the spread of infection to neighboring areas of the skin.
- The patient should have his own separate dishes, a towel, and other objects that come in contact with his lips.
- During the disease, you should refrain from kisses and oral sex.
- Do not wet contact lenses or other objects with saliva.
Herpes vaccinations on the lips
Herpes viruses are not currently vaccinated. This is due to the fact that immunity is strong only as long as the virus is actively present in the body. In the absence of the virus, immunity is lost, and new conditions for infection are created.At the very beginning, a person can feel pain on the lip, they will be as if something had hit hard. Over time, this pain will develop into burning or itching. Often, many begin to suspect either an allergy, or just a small scratch or pimple. At this stage, the disease can still be prevented by applying special gels or ointments. The virus is not yet strong enough to take action.
If you do not use drugs at this point, then after a couple of hours it will already begin to swell. Moreover, along with the swelling, redness will also appear. This indicates the beginning of the development of the inflammatory process. Unfortunately, the disease cannot be stopped at this stage. You can just speed up the further recovery period.
In the event that no measures were taken at all, then after a couple of hours ulcers appear that will be very painful. It is the appearance of ulcers that is the most unpleasant stage, because in addition to aesthetic inconvenience, they will be very sick, itchy, and also burn. But the most important thing is not to touch them at all, otherwise they will itch even more. Over time, the discomfort gradually disappears.
How long the inflammatory process itself will last and the healing process depends solely on itself. And if he constantly touches sores with dirty hands, then not only will they increase in size, they will hurt even more and dry for a long time.
Gradually, with proper care, the sores will dry out, a brown crust will form on the bottom, which will peel off as it heals. You can’t remove the sore yourself, you must wait for the moment when it itself disappears, otherwise the herpes will appear again.
Complications after cold sores on the lips
It may seem to many that this disease is quite harmless, as it appears only on the lips. In fact, everything is much more complicated, and this can provoke the development of other ailments associated directly with the action of this virus.
So, herpes simplex on the lip can provoke:
- Ophthalmic herpes. This happens when a person rubbed his face or touched his lips, and then scratched his eyes
- Herpes Eczema
- Genital herpes
- Myocarditis
- Diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, bronchitis
In most cases, patients do not associate the above diseases with herpes on the lips, because they are so used to it that they do not attach much importance. But in fact, with timely diagnosis and timely treatment, it is possible to avoid both lung and serious complications, which are much more difficult to treat than the original source.
Cold sore lips treatment
Those who constantly suffer from cold sores on their lips already know exactly when, what and how to be treated. But getting rid of the virus is completely impossible, since it is embedded in the DNA and, as they say, “lives with a person”. You can only get rid of the next stage of exacerbation and reduce the manifestation of symptoms.
The most popular and effective drugs that are used during the treatment of cold sores on the lips include:
- Acyclovir, which reduces the reaction rate at the time of virus propagation
- . This drug is one of the most popular and popular among people suffering from herpes on the lips.
- Acyclovir Acre
- Valacyclovir. It is considered one of the most powerful drugs for the treatment of herpes on the lips, and therefore is sold in pharmacies only as prescribed by a doctor, that is, according to prescriptions
In addition to topical application of ointments and gels, many doctors also recommend taking tablets and inside. So, for example, along with the use of Zovirax ointment, you can take Valacyclovir tablets inside. The reception scheme will be as follows:
- When the very first symptoms of the disease appear, you must take 4 tablets. After 12 hours, 4 tablets should also be taken. If you have time to take the drug in the first 12 hours, then you can either generally reduce the likelihood of herpes, or alleviate the general symptoms
Some believe that treating herpes, if it appears, is useless. You just have to wait. This is actually not the case. , gels and pills alleviate not only the general condition, but also relieve symptoms of manifestations that reduce the quality of life. But before starting treatment, it is better to contact a specialist who will prescribe one or another drug in accordance with the individual characteristics of the body. 
Prevention
- Strengthening the immune system. It is known that all diseases appear exactly when immunity is weakened. And it happens quite often. Therefore, the body needs to help and eat healthy food, in which the maximum of vitamins and minerals
- Treat all chronic diseases on time, for example, sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.
- Washing with salt water. The virus really does not like salt water
- Limit exposure to the sun, as this provokes the activation of the virus
- Observe the daily routine
If a virus nevertheless enters the body, then a person can only maintain immunity so that he himself controls the virus and does not allow him to begin to act.
When watching a video, you can learn how to prevent the appearance of herpes on the lips.
Many do not know what causes herpes on, and they treat it negligently, without attaching special importance. In fact, it is necessary to immediately treat it so that the person’s discomfort is less.
Occurs in childhood. Therefore, carriers of the virus are 95% of the world's population. The pathogen is transmitted quickly, mainly by airborne droplets. Herpes is incurable, so a repeated incident makes itself felt under favorable conditions. People with persistent immunity develop enough antibodies to suppress HSV activity naturally. Others develop recurrent herpes.
Herpes is an infection for life that will disturb if immunity is weakened.
Description
Chronic herpes is an endogenous pathology characterized by periodic acute phases and a lull of symptoms. The causative agent of the disease is the herpes simplex virus. The virus comes out at any age, regardless of gender. A feature of the virus is a manifestation in the form of a bubble rash with localization in the lips. In the pathogenesis of recurrence of herpes, the main causative factor is a decrease in immunity against the background of:
- hypothermia;
- frequent or complex SARS;
- pneumonia;
- stress and overwork;
- severe forms of other pathologies (HIV, leukemia, cancer);
- hormonal fluctuations (in women).
Chronic herpes infection on the lips is also called labial herpes. When aggravated, it often spreads to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and throat, nose and its inner part.
Frequency
The norm in terms of quantity is considered if labial herpes was repeated at 1-2 relapses per year, in particular, in the winter season, when there is a chance to freeze. In people with good immunity, herpes on the lips is accompanied by discomfort, itching and vesicles, which quickly burst, crust over and go away after a week.
Frequent herpes on the lips is diagnosed when a recurrent disease is repeated 3-6 times a year. This amount signals the development of serious disorders requiring medical intervention.
If labile herpes comes out more than 6 times a year, this indicates serious problems with internal organs and severe suppression of immunity. Table: The number of repetitions of recurrent herpes in different pathologies:
Herpes on the lip, repeated from 6 times a year - an alarming signal about a severe pathology.
The reasons
Chronic recurrent herpes of the first type develops against the background of a recurring acute infection, which is usually infected as children. The virus most of the time is in a dormant state and is activated only under favorable conditions for its life. If in time you do not fix the state of immunity, the ailment becomes chronic and has frequent relapses. The virus makes pathological changes in the cells. Unpleasant symptoms and vesicular rashes begin to appear. Sometimes herpes takes on a permanent form when one rash does not go away, but the second already appears. This can last a month or more. The reason why the virus behaves this way is not fully understood.
Provoking factors are:
- sharp temperature difference, overheating in summer or hypothermia in winter;
- exacerbation of chronic pathologies, protracted colds;
- allergic reactions to products, flowering, etc .;
- constant stress, overwork;
- failure in metabolic processes;
- vitamin deficiency, in particular, a deficiency of vitamins A, C, E, which often happens in children;
- pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations before menstruation (in women).
Symptoms
Severe symptoms are observed only with a primary infection. Herpes on the lips, repeated several times a year, is characterized by a less intense clinical picture and blurred symptoms. The severity of the clinic is largely determined by the degree of weakened immunity. Typical symptoms when herpes recurred:
- tingling and burning, turning into itching in places where a future rash occurs;
- the formation of single papules, which gradually pour out on the skin of the lips and merge into groups, are filled with a transparent or cloudy liquid substrate.
If each repeat causes a cold, ARVI, flu, the accompanying symptoms appear:
Labile herpes often appears against the background of acute respiratory viral infections and other colds.
- general weakness;
- enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes;
- temperature.
In this case, the vesicles spread from the lips to the oral cavity, throat, tonsils, causing sore throat, redness, trouble swallowing, breathing.
A relapse of infection, manifested by itching, a rash on the red border of the lips or in the corners, an increase in cervical lymph nodes, takes 2 weeks. After that, herpes chronicus recidivans goes into a sleeping form.
Diagnostics
If rashes on the lips with vesicles, characteristic signs of exacerbation of chronic herpes in a child or adult, you should contact a therapist, dermatologist who will confirm the feasibility of further examination by an immunologist, etc. Doctors will conduct a differential diagnosis of persistent herpes on the lips from:
- activation of aphthous stomatitis;
- allergic inflammation of the oral mucosa;
- contagious infectious inflammation caused by streptococcus.
https://youtu.be/p23-vmtF1_M
Diagnosis is based on a patient examination, history, and medical history. The features of the clinic of the disease are taken into account. Laboratory tests based on a cytological analysis of samples of the contents of vesicles and scrapings taken from the erosion zone (wounds formed after opening the blisters after 2–3 days with exacerbation) are mandatory. The result is considered positive if large polynuclear herpes cells are detected. As a confirmatory diagnosis, a virological study of the biomaterial is performed.
Help Basics
Treatment of chronic herpes is carried out comprehensively with the use of specific drugs at different stages of the pathology. Three-phase therapy is usually used in the form of:
- etiotropic intervention aimed directly at the DNA of the virus;
- pathogenetic effects aimed at strengthening immunity;
- symptomatic therapy to help reduce discomfort.
As an additional effect, a sparing but nutritious diet, a course of multivitamins, good rest and a good sleep are prescribed.
The main rule for eliminating labile herpes is the timeliness of therapy. Frequent re-emergence (more than 6 times a year) requires a course of antiviral chemotherapy drugs from the group of interferon and its inducers, as well as "Deoxyribonuclease", "Levamisole", depending on the severity of the disease. When the disease passes into the stage of remission, immunomodulators, Pyrogenal, antiherpetic vaccination are used.
The maximum effectiveness of antiherpetic treatment is manifested at the initial stage, when redness and tingling in the lips have already occurred, but there are no vesicles yet. In this case, instead of lipstick and foundation, you need to lubricate the sore spot with anti-herpes ointment, for example, Herpevir, Zovirax, Acyclovir, Famvir, Lavomax. You can also do this with gels of plant origin - “Panavir”, “Alpizarin”, “Helepin”.
Every person who wants to protect their health from a number of unpleasant diseases should know why herpes appears. According to the WHO, this insidious virus is found in the blood of most of the world's population (up to 80–90%), however, it does not manifest itself at a certain point. Therefore, it is so difficult to determine the specific causes of herpes, and in what conditions the infection occurred.
The disease and its causes
Until now, scientists can not come to a consensus on why herpes appears, the causes of which are different. This virus infects the cells of the human body through "embedding" in their genetic apparatus. From the moment herpes enter the body, it remains in the body of the carrier forever.
In a sleeping state, the virus is located in the peripheral nervous system, namely in the nerve nodes of the spine. However, it will not slow to appear if a person begins to decline immunity. This can happen from 2-3 times a year to exacerbation every 2-3 months - depending on the state of the immune system.
Herpes can multiply very quickly, it is easy for them to become infected, and at room temperature it is able to remain active during the day. Typical symptoms are rashes in the form of small painful vesicles that appear on the lips, mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, genitals, and also on the skin.
The causes of the virus in the human body are as follows:
- unprotected sex
- transmission from a sick mother to a child during passage of the birth canal;
- use of common hygiene items with an infected person;
- through a kiss, shaking hands with a person who is a carrier of the virus in the acute stage;
- weakening of the body's immune defense.
Rarely, airborne transmission is possible during normal conversation. There is a high probability of preventing herpes from entering the body if a person has strong immunity.
Varieties of the virus and their manifestations
There are 8 types of herpes virus, each of which for the time being is hidden in the body, and then under certain conditions it rapidly multiplies. Activity is most common, due to which herpes appears on the lips. The droplets of saliva are guilty of this, transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through close contact. Vials filled with liquid appear on the lip. They itch, and touching them is very painful.
In adults, infection occurs when particles of the virus enter the mucous membranes. Skin contact is sufficient for children. In the latter, the manifestations of the virus are more pronounced. So, the consequences of the disease can be diseases such as stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa) or herpetic sore throat, pneumonia, and in newborns even meningitis is possible.
Herpes type 2 virus causes rashes on the genital mucosa in women and men. They can become infected with unprotected intimate contacts. Symptoms are the same as in the first case, only the localization of rashes differs. Vials appear on the genitals, which eventually grow, burst, and form painful ulcers.
The first 2 types of the virus are combined under the name - herpes simplex virus, since they can affect different parts of the body (face, genitals) depending on where the virus particles get.
leads to the appearance of shingles in an adult. In children, everyone has the famous chickenpox, which affects almost every child.
If you get sick with it once, then the virus particles remain in the nerve cells of the human body for the rest of their lives.
At the moment, the reasons why herpes is activated in the form of herpes zoster - rashes on the chest in the region of the ribs have not been determined. A characteristic sign of such a disease is severe pain at the site of the localization of the rash, which can continue after the disappearance of visible manifestations (the so-called herpetic neuralgia). The most dangerous outcome is the activation of this type of virus in the optic nerves.
Other types of herpes virus can lead to lymphoma, infectious mononucleosis, roseola, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Exacerbation of the disease
Despite the fact that the virus is contained in the nerve endings of every second inhabitant of the planet, not everyone has an acute form of the disease. However, there are many factors provoking an exacerbation of the virus:
- hypothermia or overheating;
- pregnancy;
- prolonged exposure to stress on the body;
- acute or chronic infectious diseases;
This is not all the reasons for the appearance of herpes, since it all depends on the individual characteristics of the body and general health. If rashes begin to appear more often 5 times a year, then this indicates a systemic malfunction in the body. In this case, antiviral ointments and creams will give only a temporary effect. You should look for the main cause of weakened immunity to find out why herpes appears so often.
During an exacerbation of the disease, the patient should limit contact: you can’t kiss with anyone, he must have personal hygiene items, dishes, etc. It is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse. Otherwise, a loved one will inevitably become infected.
Preventive measures
As a prevention of relapse, it is important to follow. You should eat as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible. Useful dairy products, meat, eggs, fish, legumes, boiled potatoes. Drink more fluids. Fatty, salty, sweet is under strict control. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and hypothermia, and also learn to maintain peace of mind in stressful situations.
So why does herpes appear? It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, since if herpes appeared in the body, then the causes can vary from banal hypothermia to a latent chronic disease that reduces the body's immune defense. In any case, the symptoms of the virus require immediate treatment, and contacting a specialist will help speed up the healing process.
The intake of trace elements and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help maintain the body in good shape and prevent the development of the disease.
However, in 17–20% of people, the herpes virus periodically “wakes up” and begins to multiply actively. This process is called a relapse and is accompanied by the appearance of rashes on the face.
The most common factors that can trigger a relapse of herpes include:
- hypothermia
- colds and other viral or bacterial infections,
- overwork,
- stress,
- injury,
- menstruation,
- “Hard” diets, hypovitaminosis and exhaustion,
- excessive tanning.
The virus can affect any part of the skin or mucous membranes of the body. But most often with relapse, the lips and nasal mucosa become the target.
For some, “cold on the lips” occurs only occasionally, being mainly a cosmetic flaw. But for people with sharply reduced immunity, the presence of the herpes virus in the body can be a serious problem. So, for example, in patients Aids , cancer patients, people who have undergone organ transplantation, the usual herpes virus can cause damage to internal organs.
Prevention
Prevention of “colds on the lips” consists, first of all, in strengthening. It is advisable to comply with sleep and rest, do not forget about hardening. During the period of SARS and influenza epidemics, it is important to avoid being in crowded places.
Those who often have exacerbations of herpes, it is recommended to check the state of immunity and undergo examination, including the presence of other hidden infections.
If any ailments or malfunctions in the immune system are found, the doctor will recommend treatment. Keep in mind that taking antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and immunomodulators on your own can create a number of problems instead of help.
Cold sore lips treatment
To date, there are no drugs that would completely destroy the herpes virus in the human body. However, there is a group of special antiviral agents that effectively inhibit the reproduction of HSV-I.
Relapses of herpes, affecting the lips or nasal mucosa, respond well to local treatment with cream or ointment. In more severe cases, the doctor may recommend pills.
If a antiviral cream start using with existing rashes, healing comes faster than with other methods of treatment.
It must be remembered that early treatment is the key to success. Before the appearance of vesicles, the lips become very sensitive, itching and tingling occurs. And if the disease begins to be treated at the stage of these precursors, then the rash may not appear, and recovery will occur as soon as possible.
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Memo
It must be remembered that with the appearance of rashes of herpes, a person becomes acutely infectious. Moreover, not only others can suffer, but also a sick person himself. For example, from a lesion on the lips with dirty hands, the virus can be introduced into the eyes or genitals.
Therefore, it is important to observe the following rules.
- Do not touch lips affected by rashes. If you touch them, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Use personal towels and utensils.
- If your lips are affected, do not squeeze the bubbles and do not tear off the crusts. This can cause additional skin infection.
- Refrain from kisses and oral-genital contacts.
- If you use contact lenses, do not wet them with saliva to moisturize.
- Apply antiviral cream to the lips not with your fingers, but with cosmetic sticks.
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