Herpes labialis is considered one of the most common viral diseases. Ancient Greek Aesculapius wrote about him. People often call it a cold on the lips and try to fight it in every possible way. More than half of the world's population is infected with the herpes virus, but only 7% have clinical manifestations. What else is remarkable about this pathology?
Features of the disease
Labial herpes is an acute infectious disease that manifests itself in the form of inflammatory formations. Its main localization is the lips and the areas closest to them on the face. Sometimes the symptoms of pathology appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose. The herpes simplex virus is the causative agent of infection. Once in the body, it remains in it forever. Penetration occurs by airborne droplets, as well as by household contact.
Main causes of infection
Most of the cases of infection with the herpes virus occur in the youngerage. By the age of 3-4, the antibodies received from the mother are already ending their action, and their own have not yet coped with the assigned functions. After penetration, the virus gradually accumulates in the body. The infection itself can be primary (when transmitted from a sick person) or secondary (activation of existing pathogens) forms. In any case, the main reason for the development of the disease is the creation of favorable conditions for the life of the virus by reducing immunity.
Labial herpes is initiated by the awakening of a latent infection or newly penetrated viruses, if there are conditions for their pathogenic activity. The following factors can lead to the development of the inflammatory process:
- frequent hypothermia;
- prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- strong stress or psychological stress;
- colds;
- alcohol abuse;
- complicated pregnancy;
- immunodeficiency.
Against the background of the suppression of the body's defenses, the virus gradually rises through the nerve channels, provoking multiple foci of inflammation on the skin.
How to recognize the disease yourself?
Labial herpes does not pose a threat to human life. However, the disease causes aesthetic discomfort, knocking out of the usual rut for several days. Usually the initial stage of the inflammatory process develops asymptomatically. Some people have a fever, pain when swallowing, and irritability. About a day laterthe main symptoms of infection begin to appear. The course of the disease is usually divided into several stages:
- First itching appears, the skin swells in the affected areas, there is a feeling of tightness. Symptoms of general intoxication of the body are also characteristic of this period.
- At the second stage, small bubbles with liquid inside appear on the lips. Their diameter varies from 1 to 3 mm. If cold sores are left untreated for a long time, the blisters can spread to the face or neck.
- About three days later, the vesicles burst and their contents come out. It is important to prevent further spread of the liquid on the skin, each drop of which contains a whole clot of herpes viruses. In place of the bubble, an ulcer is formed. On the lip, the wounds dry out quickly, become covered with a brown crust. The fight against the symptoms of the disease usually lasts about two weeks. All the while, new bubbles may appear.
- Recovery comes after the crusts dry up and fall off. Herpes affects only the dermis, so the scars after it do not remain.
Relapses of the disease are very common (up to 10 times a year). If you do not engage in treatment and neglect preventive measures, the likelihood of complications increases. Among them, the most dangerous are immune deficiency and neoplasms of various etiologies.
Medicated treatment
At the initial stage of the development of the disease, it is advisable to use special antiherpetic drugs. Among them, the most effective are Acyclovir, Panavir,Zovirax. They are available in the form of ointments and creams. It is recommended to apply the product to the affected area of the skin several times a day until the symptoms disappear completely.
When diagnosed with "labial herpes", treatment should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the overall clinical picture of the patient. It is impossible to completely overcome the disease, so it is important to engage in periodic prevention and strengthening of immunity. For these purposes, vitamin complexes and restorative drugs are prescribed.
Help of traditional medicine
The life of many people is poisoned by a cold on the lips. Treating cold sores at home can reduce swelling and discomfort. The most accessible method of all known is to apply ice to the lesion. If you start the procedures at the first symptoms, the sores will not be so painful. Moist tea bags help reduce inflammation. They contain a large amount of tannins, which relieve irritation and fight infection. It is recommended to apply such a bag every two hours for a few minutes.
Crusts will come off much faster if the affected area is lubricated with petroleum jelly or any nourishing cream. You can also use olive oil. Many herbal infusions have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. They are especially useful in labial herpes, also known as cold sores. Treatment at home involves the use of compresses. For example, a decoction of chamomile or calendula promotes rapid skin regeneration inaffected area.
Herpes labialis virus and pregnancy
To some extent, the child is a foreign body for the female body. To reduce the likelihood of fetal rejection, nature suppresses the immunity of the expectant mother. Therefore, in women during pregnancy, symptoms of labial herpes can often be found. A sore on the lip, fever and itchy skin are frequent companions of the fair sex in anticipation of a baby. Sometimes the disease transforms into genital herpes.
How dangerous is this virus for the fetus? If a woman was infected before conception, she managed to develop immunity, so the child is under his protection. When a woman in labor becomes infected with herpes during pregnancy, the virus can spread throughout the body and reach the baby through the placenta. However, this condition is not mandatory. The child can be born absolutely he althy. In the case of infection in the third trimester, the probability of stillbirth is quite high. That is why, before conception, all women are recommended to undergo a full examination, and, if necessary, a course of treatment.
Prevention measures
How to prevent labial herpes? The symptoms of this disease interfere with the habitual way of life of a person, because bubbles and sores on the lips create aesthetic discomfort. The main role in the prevention of pathology belongs to the strengthening of immunity. Maintain an active lifestyle andeat right, do not forget about moderate physical activity. During an epidemic of SARS and influenza, it is better to avoid crowded places.
The disease of herpes cannot be completely cured. However, the number of relapses can be minimized if you follow the basic rules of prevention. Each person has only one life, and the state of he alth depends only on taking care of your own body.
