Bubbles and sores on the lips always appear at the wrong time, but herpes is not only a cosmetic problem. A cold on the lips brings a lot of discomfort: the wounds hurt, there is a burning sensation and itching, there is a chance of infecting someone close or transferring the infection to other parts of the body without carefully observing the rules of hygiene.
Treatment of herpes on the lips is best done as soon as the blisters appear or even before they appear. In the place where a cold will soon jump out, tingling and tingling, pain, slight itching, and redness are usually felt. Already at this stage, it is desirable to use pharmacy or home remedies. But how to treat herpes on the lip? Treatment and causes of rashes will be considered further.
Herpes on the lips
A cold on the lips appears due to infection or activity of the HSV-1 virus. The disease manifests itself in the form of rashes on the skin, slight irritation. Later it turns into small bubbles filled withlymph fluid. When the bubbles reach their maximum size or are combed by a person, they burst. Lymphatic fluid spreads, can get on the fingers. At this time, an infected person is most contagious to others. Next comes scab formation. A sore appears in place of the burst bubble, a protective crust forms over it. At this stage, it is important not to damage the crust, otherwise healing may be delayed for a long time.
Causes of herpes
Some representatives of the medical community claim that more than 95.5 of the population are infected with herpes, more real numbers are slightly less, but also impressive - 80-90%. But a cold on the lips does not appear so often. Among the main reasons for the activation of the virus can be listed:
- lack of sleep, frequent physical fatigue, constant fatigue;
- stress, nervous experiences and frequent unrest;
- hypothermia or overheating of the body (this also includes a long stay in an air-conditioned room or going outside in the cold without hygienic lipstick on the lips);
- excessive tanning and prolonged exposure to the scorching sun, especially without protection of the lips with lipstick with an SPF factor;
- any other inflammatory processes occurring in the body;
- hormonal changes, including menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, menopause;
- acute respiratory infections;
- excessive intoxication (tobacco smoke, alcohol) for a long period of time, bad habits;
- breaking the rulespersonal hygiene (do not touch the wounds with your hands, this can lead to re-infection, in addition, herpes can go to other parts of the body);
- contact with an infected person.
Aciclovir preparations
Antiviral drugs are prescribed exclusively by a doctor, and in cases where the affected area is extensive, the rashes are significant and bring not just discomfort, but pain. The most effective for the treatment of herpes on the lips are drugs with the active substance acyclovir. Even despite the emergence of new generation drugs, Acyclovir and other medicines with the same active substance are prescribed most often. For the development of this drug, scientists even received the Nobel Prize in the 80s of the last century.
The principle of action of the substance is as follows: acyclovir penetrates the DNA chain of the virus, breaks it and blocks the possibility of further division. This process does not affect the reproduction of human DNA in any way, that is, it does not bring any harm. However, drugs with acyclovir cannot be used only symptomatically, then the antiviral effect is lost. The use must be justified by the clinical picture, the drug can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Based on acyclovir, drugs such as Acyclovir, Zovirax, Acigerpin, Virolex, Geviran, Acyclostad, Medovir, Provisan, Gerpevir and " Herperax". These are all synonymous drugs that act in a similar way. The appropriateness of the use of a specific drug from the above listdetermined by the attending physician.
"Acyclovir" in tablets of 200 mg of the active substance is used for primary and recurring dermatological infections, mucous membranes caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2. Take orally, you need to drink plenty of clean water. For effective treatment of herpes on the lips, one tablet is prescribed four or five times a day (excluding the period of night sleep). You can treat children with this drug: up to two years, half the "adult" dose is prescribed (newborns are not recommended to give medicine), after - the same amount as for adults. The duration of treatment for herpes on the lips with Acyclovir is five days.
Migraines, mild nausea, indigestion, fatigue, allergic skin reactions, fever may occur if taken orally. Hypersensitivity is a contraindication. "Acyclovir" treatment of herpes on the lips during pregnancy or lactation is allowed, but with caution.
Valaciclovir tablets
Treatment of herpes on the lips at home is also carried out with valaciclovir preparations. This active ingredient is the "predecessor" of acyclovir. Once in the human body, valacyclovir almost completely decomposes under the action of a special enzyme, turning into acyclovir. Further, its action is similar to the drugs already listed above.
For the treatment of herpes on the lips (according to reviews, these are the most effective medicines in this group), V altrex, Virdel, Valzikon, Valvir,"Vairova", "Valciclovir". "V altrex" is available in the form of biconvex film-coated tablets. Each contains 500 mg of valaciclovir and excipients: magnesium stearate, crospovidone, colloidal silicon dioxide and so on.
Used in the treatment of herpes on the lips of the tablet "V altrex" 500 mg twice a day. If the infection does not appear for the first time, then the course of therapy is three to five days, but if there is a primary infection, then the duration of treatment is recommended to be increased to ten days. It is advisable to start taking the drug even before the onset of symptoms, then it is most effective.
Frequent herpes on the lips? Treatment with V altrex can also be preventive if herpes appears more than nine times a year. Adults and adolescents from 12 years of age are prescribed 500 mg once a day for about one year. If there is no regular sexual life, then the medication should be started three days before the intended contact.
Penciclovir drugs
Penciclovir has a mechanism of action similar to acyclovir. It acts on the DNR of the virus without affecting the person's own DNA and without harming the patient's he alth. Under the action of enzymes, penciclovir is converted into active triphosphate, which is retained on cells infected with an infection for up to 12 hours and does not allow the synthesis of viral DNA.
Penciclovir preparations include: Fenistil Pencivir, Vectavir. "Fenistil Pencivir" for the treatment of herpes on the lips is available in the form of a cream for external use. Other indications include food or drug allergic reaction, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, symptomatic treatment of insect bites, atopic dermatitis and chicken pox.
Drops called "Fenistil" are also prescribed for such conditions, but they are already produced on the basis of the substance dimentinden. Adults are usually prescribed 20-40 drops three times a day. If there is high drowsiness, then the daily dose can be divided into two doses: 20 drops after getting up and 40 drops before going to bed. The "children's" dose is calculated by weight: for one kilogram of weight, 0.1 mg of the drug per day is needed (20 drops correspond to 1 mg of the active substance or 1 ml of the drug). The dose should be divided into three doses throughout the day. So, children up to a year are usually given 3-10 drops, from one year to three years - 10-15 drops, from 3 to 12 - 15-20 drops. The drops taste good, so there should be no problems with taking and the need to dilute them.
As for side effects, most often in patients who are treated for herpes on the lips at home with Fenistil, there is increased drowsiness and fatigue. This is especially pronounced at the beginning of the course of therapy. Less commonly, dry mouth, headache and dizziness, increased libido, nausea may occur.
Contraindications include intolerance to certain components of the drug, with extreme caution "Fenistil" should be used to treat children under one year old. It is contraindicated for premature or underweight babies. Drops are rarely prescribed during pregnancy.
Famciclovir drugs
The active substance famciclovir in the human body under the influence of special enzymes turns into penciclovir. Assign "Famvir" or "Minaker". "Famvir" is available in tablets of 125 mg, 250 mg or 500 mg of the active substance. The medicine is swallowed whole with water. It can be taken with or without food. In case of primary infection, 250 mg of the drug is prescribed three times a day, and the course of treatment is five days. If relapse occurs, the dose will be 125 mg. You will need to take the medicine twice a day for five days. Adjust dosage regimen for patients with impaired liver function and the elderly.
Contraindications to the use of the drug are pregnancy and lactation, hypersensitivity, viral infections (only in the treatment of children). During pregnancy, use is permissible only if it is impossible to find a safe synonymous drug. Among the possible side effects of "Famvir" that may appear when treating herpes on the lips with the drug, you can list headache, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, the occurrence of hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, itching and skin rash, drowsiness.
Ointments for the treatment of herpes
Many of the drugs listed above are also available in the form of ointments or creams for topical use. These are Acyclovir, Zovirax, Bonafton or Florenal. "Zovirax" is applied to areas affected by the herpes virus, four to six times a day. Treatment should be started as soon as possiblethe course of therapy will be minimal. However, the duration should be at least 5 days (to prevent an early relapse), a maximum of 10 days. Do not apply Zovirax cream or ointment to mucous membranes.
"Panthenol" and "Depanthenol"
Fast and effective treatment of herpes on the lips is possible with the use of the usual "Panthenol". Spray for 140-150 rubles or cream "Depanthenol" for 170-190 will accelerate the healing of wounds from a cold on the lips. These drugs can only be used as auxiliary, they have the effect of rapid scarring on the skin, stimulate the epithelium. With the help of "Panthenol" or "Depanthenol", getting rid of herpes will turn out pretty quickly.
Miramistin and Chlorhexidine
These are the simplest remedies that can be used in treatment, but only in combination with antiviral pills prescribed by a doctor. Antiseptics "Miramistin" and "Chlorhexidine" in a pharmacy cost 180-400 rubles and 10-12 rubles, respectively. They need to lubricate the wounds as often as possible. "Chlohexidine" is also good because its use does not cause any additional pain, this antiseptic does not pinch.
Asterisk
Golden Star Balm is a time-tested remedy. The usual "asterisk" in a pharmacy costs about 50 rubles. The balm has a sufficiently warming and anti-inflammatory effect, disinfects, when applied, however, there is a burning sensation, but it quickly passes. Herpeswill pass in just one or two days, if you lubricate the wounds with an "asterisk" three times a day.
Doctor Mom
Although "Doctor Mom" is not a cure for herpes, but it helps well at the first sign of a cold on the lips. If you start lubricating the wound on time, then during the day it can pass. That's just both "Doctor Mom" and "Golden Star" can cause an adverse dermatological reaction, so before using these balms, you need to conduct an allergic test. You should smear a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin with the selected product. If symptoms of irritation do not appear within a few hours, then you can lubricate the bubbles on the lips.
Baking soda and table s alt
Treatment of herpes on the lips with home remedies is also possible, but it should be an auxiliary therapy, not the main one. It is better to follow the doctor's recommendations and take antiviral pills, and use something from traditional medicine as a symptomatic remedy. Healing will be accelerated by ordinary soda and table s alt, grains of which must be applied several times a day to the affected area.
Toothpaste
Treatment of herpes on the lips with toothpaste is getting good reviews. This is a simple remedy that dries the wounds well and disinfects the affected area. Perfect, for example, toothpaste "Forest Balsam". The only important rule is that you should not lubricate the bubbles or wounds with toothpaste, but the place where (it feels like) a rash will soon appear.
Aromatic oils
Aromatic oils are strong natural antiseptics. The anti-inflammatory properties of oils will relieve local rashes, and they will have an antimicrobial effect directly on the herpes virus. It is necessary to lubricate the wounds with aromatic oil or a mixture of them. Tea tree oil is perfect for this purpose (it must be used with care in its pure form, otherwise you can get burned; it is advisable to dilute with almond, soy or olive), cedar, pine, fir, eucalyptus oils. Almond or sea buckthorn oil works well, which will also significantly speed up recovery.
Propolis
Propolis can only be used to treat cold sores for those who are not allergic to bee products. In addition, you need to be sure of its quality. Of course, it is better if the propolis is from your own apiary, but not everyone has such a great opportunity. The therapy is the same - it is necessary to lubricate the affected area with propolis.
Plant juices
Juice of aloe, Kalanchoe, lemon or aspen leaves is a quick treatment for herpes on the lips with folk remedies. You can take any you like or the one that is at hand. It is enough to lubricate the bubbles with lymphatic fluid with juice squeezed from plants or lemon for several days.
Homemade ointment
An ointment made by hand is a rather effective folk remedy in the treatment of herpes on the lips. Such an ointment can be made from ash, honey and garlic. First you need to burn a piece of paper on a saucer andcarefully collect the ashes. Next, you need to crush or grate two cloves of garlic. Half a tablespoon of honey should be mixed with a tablespoon of ash, add garlic and mix well. With this mixture, you need to lubricate the areas that are affected by the virus, two or three times a day.
Garlic against herpes
Folk treatment for herpes on the lips is, of course, garlic. You can simply gently rub the wound with a clove of garlic, cut in half, lubricate the affected area with lemon juice. To avoid an unpleasant smell from the lips, it is better to do the manipulation before the catfish. After garlic, it is also recommended to lubricate the lesion with a small amount of honey.
Vitamins
The causes of herpes on the lips and the treatment should be interconnected. This is especially true for those cases when it comes to frequent recurrences of a cold on the lips. The main cause of unpleasant rashes is a decrease in immunity. To treat the cause of the appearance of herpes on the lips, it is sometimes enough to drink a vitamin-mineral complex prescribed by a doctor. If herpes occurs in pregnant women, this may indicate a lack of B vitamins. In any case, in the autumn-winter period, as well as in the spring, when there is still very little sun, fresh vegetables and fruits, it is advisable to take care of your he alth. Your doctor will help you choose the right vitamins.
Prevention
Prevention of the appearance of herpes is the support of immunity and a he althy lifestyle. You need to try not to overheat and not supercool, not to be under the rays for a long time.sun or in an air-conditioned room, use hygienic lipstick when going out into the cold. You also need to eat enough fresh vegetables and fruits, he althy food to saturate the body with vitamins, it is advisable to give up bad habits.
So, the causes and treatment of herpes on the lips are interrelated, therapy can be carried out with oral antiviral drugs, topical ointments and creams and home remedies. Before taking the pills, be sure to consult a doctor, as some of them should be used with caution in the presence of a patient's history of certain diseases.
