Probably, every person at least once in his life, waking up, felt discomfort in the lips. They itched, itched, throbbed and ached a little. “Again this hated herpes,” we thought, rummaging through our home first aid kit in search of an effective drug for infection. Unfortunately, doctors say that the disease is incurable. And if it is activated more than three times a year, we can talk about weak immunity. What are the methods to "lull" herpes on the lips in the body? The causes of the disease discussed in this article can serve as an answer to an important and relevant question.
Characteristics of the disease
What is this disease - herpes on the lips? The causes of the appearance and methods of treating the disease are described in detail in any medical reference book. It says that this is a very common virulent infection, which is characterized by the appearance of blistering and painful rashes on the skin. In especially severe cases, they cover not only the entire lip, but also the area around them - the cheeks and chin, thereby forming one continuous ulcer covered with a crust.
Once in the body,herpes remains there until the end of a person's life. Usually he is in a "sleeping" state, but in some periods it can worsen. Stress, illness, hypothermia can awaken a hated infection. Therefore, in order to prevent the activation of the virus, the individual must lead the most he althy lifestyle: eat right, play sports, temper. Herpes is afraid of such manipulations, as they not only strengthen the body, but also increase immunity. And he, in turn, is the main enemy of the disease.
Main reasons
Various factors create fertile ground on which herpes on the lips "thrives" safely: the causes of occurrence can be primary and secondary. The first is when the virus enters the body. You can get infected even at birth, as well as in any public place, in contact with people. As for secondary causes, they are associated with regular activation of the infection. Most often, a relapse occurs due to exacerbation of chronic diseases, intoxication, psychological stress, poor nutrition, physical exhaustion, bad habits, hormonal disorders. In the primary infection, the main symptoms may not be observed. Often this phenomenon is observed when the patient "picks up" a virus of a different type. In this case, due to the protective functions of the body, the so-called annihilation occurs - the transformation of bacteria into antibodies. Secondary manifestations of the disease are manifested not only due to weak immunity. In some people, they can crawl out even due to banal reasons: for example, prolongedsun exposure or drinking strong coffee.
Transmission methods
Herpes on the lips, the causes of the appearance and treatment of which in each case are purely individual, has common ways of infection. Sometimes the infection enters the body when a person has close contact with a sick individual - during sexual intercourse or with a kiss. But in most cases, you can get an unpleasant gift with ordinary everyday contact: through dishes, towels, washcloths. In addition, there are other ways of transmitting herpes: at birth - from mother to baby, as well as airborne droplets. In the latter case, it is not necessary for the person next to you to sneeze or cough. It is enough just to talk to him at a distance of less than a meter.
All people are equally susceptible to the virus. However, doctors say that 3% of the total population of the planet never get sick, as they have innate and permanent active defense mechanisms. Moreover, these representatives cannot even become infected: their body “does not let in” harmful bacteria. Simply put, the disease always bypasses them.
Risk group
People with weak immunity fall into it. Sometimes relapse occurs due to completely different reasons. For example, it can be caused by various injuries and illnesses - especially HIV. A connection has also been traced between diabetes mellitus and the constant activation of herpes. It also occurs against the background of other somatic diseases, with prolonged use of drugs, regular abusealcohol and drugs. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are also at risk: during this period, their body is especially susceptible to infections. Small children and elderly pensioners, overly emotional people and workaholics often get sick.
The first infection most often occurs at 3 years. It is at this age that kids begin to actively communicate with peers and adults. They visit children's educational and entertainment institutions, where it is very easy to pick up various infections. Most are acutely ill and feel all the characteristic signs of the disease. Others become carriers of the pathogen that causes herpes on the lips. Causes, prevention, treatment of the disease are irrelevant for them.
Stages of disease
Herpes on the lips, the causes of which are indicated above, has several periods of development. The disease cycles are as follows:
- Initial stage. Symptoms appear after an incubation period of 7 to 30 days. In the area of the lips, a person feels a slight itching and tingling. Discomfort lasts for several hours. If you use medication at this time, you can avoid further progression of the disease.
- Prodromal period. The place that itched swells. Small transparent blisters appear on the skin, which after a while become cloudy and start to hurt.
- Acute stage. It is characterized by the rupture of blisters and the formation of ulcers.
- Healing period. Ulcers become covered with crusts, which later fall off.
Recovery of the body lasts about a week. If the disease is not fully treated, a relapse occurs after a few days. Bubbles should not be combed, otherwise they will heal for a very long time, and small scars may remain in place of especially large formations.
Treatment
Herpes on the lips, the causes and treatment of which are known to every qualified doctor, can be overcome with acyclovir. This is a substance that is a component of DNA and an analogue of deoxygunosine. The creator of the drug based on it under the same name received the Nobel Prize in medicine.
In our time, many herpes medicines are produced, the main component of which is acyclovir:
- Zovirax. Very effective in the initial stages - before the appearance of blisters. If you lubricate your lips with it even before the onset of the main symptoms, you can avoid further development of the disease. Panavir works similarly - if it is used at the stage of bubble formation, it, like Zovirax, will not guarantee the achievement of the desired result.
- "Valacyclovir" and "Famvir". More aggressive drugs are sold exclusively by prescription. The first medicine is available in the form of tablets: they are taken only in severe cases of the disease. When the first sign of infection appears, you need to drink 4 capsules. After 12 hours, repeat the reception in the same amount.
Among the drugs are also distinguishedFamciclovir, Dexpanthenol, Allomedin, Alpizarin, Gerperax and others.
Other Therapies
Not only antiviral drugs help to forget what herpes on the lips is. The causes and methods of treatment outlined in the medical encyclopedia are supplemented with interesting facts. Firstly, it is not the disease itself that needs to be eradicated, but the factors that provoke its activation. Most often it is a weak immune system. Accordingly, a person needs to increase it, strengthen it in order to muffle the symptoms of the disease and avoid further relapses. It is not surprising that the patient is often prescribed immunomodulatory drugs based on echinacea: homeopathic capsules "Aflubin", "Genferon" in the form of suppositories, "Probifor" aerosol and so on.
Secondly, patients are advised to take lysine, an amino acid that helps the skin regenerate, it is advised to treat lips with zinc-based ointments, which have drying, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. An interesting fact is that in the past, a vaccine was often used to treat complex forms of herpes. But studies have shown that it does not properly affect the infection, so developed countries have abandoned this method of treatment.
Treatment at home
Herpes on the lips, the causes of which are often associated with a weakening of the protective functions of the body, can also be treated with traditional medicine. For these purposes, valocordin is often used - they treat the affected tissue area. Helps and ordinarytoothpaste. A thin layer is applied to the blisters and left overnight. An equally effective remedy is fir oil: they smear the lip every two hours. Some people note that after using the remedy they experience an unpleasant burning sensation. If it intensifies, the oil must be washed off.
Propolis tincture helps against herpes. It is necessary to cauterize the blisters with liquid seven times a day, observing an interval of one and a half hours. After manipulation, the lip is smeared with a moisturizer. By the way, an ordinary teaspoon also helps to pacify herpes and alleviate the patient's condition. It is dipped in hot tea and applied to the affected area. The procedure is quite painful, but it is very effective: especially at the first stage of the development of the disease.
Some more methods of traditional medicine
How to treat herpes on the lips? The causes of the disease may be different, but the methods of treatment are often similar. It has been proven more than once that aloe juice copes well with the disease, which needs to be lubricated several times a day. If the bubbles appeared due to hypothermia, then table s alt will be a real salvation. A few grains should be applied to the desired area and left for a few minutes.
Herpes can also be treated with sea buckthorn and tea oil, garlic juice, a mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar. Be sure to try all the folk remedies, they are especially relevant when the formations on the lips have not yet appeared, and the place of their future localization is already beginning to itch. Urgent action should be takenin the early stages, otherwise the disease will progress. The virus can cause serious complications: if it enters the cervix, for a woman it is fraught with infertility. When bacteria begin to attack the nervous structures of the body, it can cause various kinds of neuritis.
