What are the initial signs of oral herpes. How is oral herpes transmitted. What triggers recurrent outbreaks of oral herpes. How is oral herpes diagnosed and treated. What precautions can prevent the spread of oral herpes.

Understanding Oral Herpes: Prevalence and Transmission

Oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This condition affects a significant portion of the adult population in the United States, with prevalence rates ranging from 50% to 80%. By the age of 50, approximately 90% of adults have been exposed to the virus, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Once infected, the herpes simplex virus remains in the body for life, lying dormant in nerve cells when inactive. While some individuals may never experience symptoms, others will have periodic outbreaks of infections.

How is oral herpes transmitted?

Oral herpes is primarily spread through direct physical contact with an infected person, particularly during an active outbreak. Common modes of transmission include:

• Intimate contact, such as kissing
• Oral sex
• Sharing personal items like lip balm, silverware, or razors
• Nonsexual contact with infected saliva, especially during childhood

It’s important to note that the virus is highly contagious, especially when sores are present and leaking fluid.

Recognizing the Early Stages of Oral Herpes

The initial infection of oral herpes is often the most severe, potentially causing flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches. However, some individuals may be asymptomatic during the primary infection. Subsequent outbreaks tend to be milder, with sores typically erupting on the edges of the lips.

What are the early signs and symptoms of oral herpes?

The progression of a recurring oral herpes outbreak typically follows these stages:

1. Initial sensations: Redness, swelling, heat, pain, or itching in the area where the infection will erupt
2. Blister formation: Painful, fluid-filled blisters appear on the lips or under the nose
3. Leaking and sore development: Blisters burst and leak fluid, forming open sores
4. Crusting and healing: After 4-6 days, sores begin to crust over and heal

It’s crucial to remember that these symptoms can resemble other conditions, so professional diagnosis is essential for accurate identification.

Diagnosing Oral Herpes: Methods and Challenges

Diagnosing oral herpes can be challenging due to its similarity to other infections and conditions. While experienced healthcare providers may be able to diagnose based on the location and appearance of blisters, definitive diagnosis often requires specific tests.

How is oral herpes diagnosed?

Several diagnostic methods can confirm the presence of oral herpes:

• Virus culture (PCR): This test detects the presence of the herpes simplex virus in a sample taken from a sore
• Blood test: Identifies antibodies to the herpes simplex virus
• Biopsy: Examination of tissue from the affected area

These tests help differentiate oral herpes from other conditions that may present similar symptoms, such as allergic reactions or other viral infections.

Triggers and Recurrence of Oral Herpes

While the exact triggers for oral herpes recurrence are not fully understood, several factors have been identified as potential catalysts for outbreaks.

What factors can trigger oral herpes outbreaks?

Common triggers for oral herpes recurrence include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Hormonal changes
• Exposure to sunlight or wind
• Injury to the affected area
• Weakened immune system

It’s worth noting that recurrent outbreaks are typically more frequent in the first year following the initial infection. However, as the body builds antibodies to the virus, the frequency and severity of outbreaks often decrease over time.

Treatment Options for Oral Herpes

While there is no cure for oral herpes, various treatment options can help manage symptoms, reduce the duration of outbreaks, and prevent recurrences.

What are the most effective treatments for oral herpes?

Treatment plans for oral herpes are typically tailored to the individual based on factors such as age, overall health, medical history, and the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Common treatment options include:

• Antiviral oral medications: Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are considered the most effective treatments
• Antiviral topical ointments: Acyclovir and penciclovir can be applied directly to affected areas
• Over-the-counter topical anesthetics: These can help alleviate pain and discomfort
• Anti-inflammatory agents: To reduce swelling and irritation
• Keeping the infected area clean and dry: This helps prevent secondary bacterial infections

For individuals with frequent or severe outbreaks, healthcare providers may recommend suppressive therapy using daily antiviral medications to reduce the frequency of recurrences.

Prevention Strategies for Oral Herpes

While complete prevention of oral herpes can be challenging, especially given its high prevalence, there are strategies to reduce the risk of transmission and manage outbreaks.

How can the spread of oral herpes be prevented?

Key prevention strategies include:

• Avoiding physical contact with active herpes sores
• Refraining from kissing or engaging in oral sex during outbreaks
• Not sharing personal items that come into contact with the mouth
• Practicing good hygiene, especially hand washing
• Using sunscreen on the lips to prevent sun-triggered outbreaks
• Managing stress and maintaining overall health to boost immunity

For individuals who are already infected, recognizing early symptoms and starting treatment promptly can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Living with Oral Herpes: Long-term Management and Considerations

Living with oral herpes requires ongoing management and awareness. While the condition can be frustrating, most people with oral herpes lead normal, healthy lives with proper care and precautions.

What are the long-term implications of oral herpes?

Long-term considerations for individuals with oral herpes include:

• Emotional impact: Dealing with the stigma and psychological effects of recurrent outbreaks
• Relationship considerations: Discussing the condition with partners and taking precautions to prevent transmission
• Ongoing medical care: Regular check-ups and adjustments to treatment plans as needed
• Lifestyle modifications: Identifying and avoiding personal triggers for outbreaks
• Pregnancy considerations: Discussing management strategies with healthcare providers to prevent transmission to newborns

With proper education, support, and medical care, most individuals can effectively manage oral herpes and minimize its impact on their daily lives.

Advances in Oral Herpes Research and Future Treatments

The field of oral herpes research is continually evolving, with scientists and medical professionals working to develop new treatments and potential cures for this widespread condition.

What promising developments are emerging in oral herpes research?

Several areas of research show promise for improving oral herpes management and treatment:

• Gene editing techniques: CRISPR technology is being explored as a potential method to eliminate the herpes virus from infected cells
• Immunotherapy: Researchers are developing vaccines that could boost the immune system’s ability to fight the virus
• New antiviral drugs: Novel medications with improved efficacy and fewer side effects are in development
• Combination therapies: Studies are investigating the potential of combining different treatment approaches for enhanced outcomes
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles and virus strains

While a cure for oral herpes remains elusive, these advancements offer hope for improved management and potentially groundbreaking treatments in the future.

Understanding oral herpes, from its early stages to long-term management, is crucial for both individuals living with the condition and the general public. By recognizing symptoms, seeking proper diagnosis and treatment, and implementing prevention strategies, we can collectively work to reduce the impact and spread of this common viral infection. As research continues to progress, those affected by oral herpes can look forward to potentially more effective treatments and management options in the years to come.

Oral Herpes | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Whether you call it a cold sore or a fever blister, oral herpes is a common infection of the mouth area that is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Fifty percent to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 90 percent of adults have been exposed to the virus by age 50.

Once infected, a person will have herpes simplex virus for the rest of his or her life. When inactive, the virus lies dormant in a group of nerve cells. While some people never develop any symptoms from the virus, others will have periodic outbreaks of infections.

Causes of Oral Herpes

Oral herpesis spread most commonly from individuals with an active outbreak or sore. You can catch oral herpes by engaging in intimate or personal contact (e.g., kissing or oral sex) with someone who is infected.

Prevention of Oral Herpes

Since oral herpes is spread through direct, physical contact, the best method of prevention is to avoid physical contact with a person’s herpes sores when they are having an outbreak.

Oral Herpes Symptoms

The initial (primary) infection of oral herpes is usually the worst. It may cause severe, flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and headache. However, some people have no symptoms at all. During the initial infection, sores can occur on and around the lips and throughout the mouth. 

Recurring infections tend to be much milder, and the sores usually erupt on the edges of the lips. Some people never have any additional outbreaks beyond the initial infection. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a recurring oral herpes simplex virus infection.

• Initial redness, swelling, heat/pain or itching may develop in the area where the infection will erupt.

• Painful, fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or under the nose. The blisters and fluid are highly contagious.

• The blisters will leak fluid and become sores.

• After about four to six days, the sores will start to crust over and heal.

The signs and symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Oral Herpes

Since oral herpes can be confused with many other infections, including allergic reactions, a virus culture (PCR), blood test or biopsy are the only ways to confirm your diagnosis. However, your health care provider may also diagnose your condition based on the location and appearance of the blisters.

Recurrence of Oral Herpes

Although the specific triggers that cause oral herpes to recur are unclear, several factors may play a role. These include:

While recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the initial episode, they tend to lessen as the body builds antibodies to the virus.

Oral Herpes Treatment Options

Your health care provider will recommend treatment options based on your:

Your specific treatment plan may involve:

• Keeping the infected area clean and dry

• Taking antiviral oral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir (these medications are traditionally the most effective)

• Applying antiviral topical ointments, such as acyclovir and penciclovir

• Using over-the-counter topical anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents to alleviate symptoms

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Mouth Infection

ABOUT

CAUSES
DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

NEXT STEPS

What is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) mouth infection? 

Some people call it a cold sore, others a fever blister. Herpes
simplex virus is the cause of this annoying and often painful chronic condition.

The herpes sores (lesions) typically last a week to 10 days. They
most often occur on the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, or the gums. The sores
occur first as fluid-filled blisters that burst (rupture) after a day or 2. The
sores will ooze fluid that has the virus. After a few days, the sores will form
crusts or scabs. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin
contact such as kissing.

What causes an HSV mouth infection?

The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who
carries the virus. Most people with oral herpes were infected during childhood or
as
young adults from nonsexual contact with infected saliva. It can be passed by
kissing, touching the infected person’s skin, or sharing infected objects such as
lip balm, silverware, or razors.

The 2 most common forms of the virus are:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1
  (HSV-1).
  HSV-1 is most often linked to infections of the mouth.
• Herpes simplex virus type 2
  (HSV-2).
  This type is most often linked to genital herpes infections.

Both types of HSV can infect both the mouth and the genitals.

Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the
rest of their life. When the virus is not active, it is dormant in a group of nerve
cells. Some people never have any symptoms from the virus while others have periodic
outbreaks of infections.

It is not clear what triggers the virus to return. But the risk
factors below may play a role:

• Long or intense exposure to sunlight
• A recent fever
• Emotional stress
• Menstruation
• Surgery
• Physical injury

Recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the
initial episode. After that, the outbreaks diminish in frequency and severity as the
body builds antibodies to the virus.

What are the symptoms of an HSV mouth infection?

The initial (primary) infection of the oral herpes simplex virus
is often the worst. It may cause severe, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and
headache. But some people have no symptoms at all. In the initial infection, sores
can occur on and around the lips and all over the mouth.

Recurring infections tend to be much milder, and the sores often
erupt in the edges of the lips. Some people never have any more outbreaks beyond the
initial infection. These are the most common symptoms of a recurring oral HSV
infection:

• Initial redness, swelling, heat, and pain, or itching in the
  area where the infection will erupt.
• Painful, fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or
  under the nose. These blisters, and the fluid they contain, are highly
  contagious.
• The blisters leak fluids and become sores.
• After about 4 to 6 days, the sores start to crust over and
  heal.

The symptoms of an oral HSV outbreak may look like other
conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a
diagnosis.

How is an HSV mouth infection diagnosed?

Herpes simplex virus may be difficult to diagnose because it may
be confused with many other infections, such as allergic reactions. HSV can be
confirmed only with a virus culture, blood test, or biopsy. A healthcare provider
can often diagnose it based on where the blisters are and how they look. 

How is an HSV mouth infection treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health.
It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment may include:

• Keeping the infected area clean and dry
• Antibiotic treatment for any secondary bacterial
  infections
• Topical antiviral creams
• Oral antiviral medicines

What can I do to prevent an HSV mouth infection?

These tips can help you prevent an oral HSV infection:

• Don’t have direct contact with someone with herpes sores.
  According to the CDC, genital herpes (HSV-2) can be contagious without any
  symptoms.
• Don’t share silverware, glasses, straws, or other items with
  someone who has oral herpes.
• Wash bedding and towels in boiling hot water after each
  use.
• Don’t have oral sex if you or your partner have oral herpes
  (HSV-1). HSV-1 can be spread to the genitals, especially if you have oral
  blisters.
• To prevent a possible recurrence, use a sunblock that
  contains zinc oxide on your lips.

Key points about an HSV mouth infection

• A cold sore or fever blister is caused by the herpes simplex
  virus.
• The virus is highly contagious and can be spread by
  skin-to-skin contact such as kissing.
• Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus
  for the rest of their life.
• Herpes sores typically last a week to 10 days. They most
  often occur on the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, or the gums.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare
provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to
  happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want
  answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and
  remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any
  new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your
  provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how
  it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the
  results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have
  the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date,
  time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have
  questions.

Medical Reviewer: Michael Kapner MD

Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Herpes (colds on the lips)

Herpes on the lips has several names: “cold” on the lips, fever on the lips, herpes of the lips, herpes labialis, labial or labial herpes.

“Cold” on the lips, mainly caused by herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-I) . 95% of people have this virus in their body. In rare cases, the cause of herpes lips is the herpes simplex virus type 2, (transmitted through oral sex).

The herpes simplex virus, which causes a “cold” on the lips, remains inside the human body for life. At the moment, no medicines and treatments have been developed that would completely destroy the herpes simplex virus in the human body.

Up to 10,000,000 Russians annually suffer from “colds” on the lips. Approximately every 5 Russians get herpes of the lips from 2 to 10 times a year. And only about 5% of the human race has immunity to HSV-I, the reasons for which are still unclear.

The virus enters the body in early childhood: at 3-4 years old, when the antibodies against the herpes virus transmitted to the baby by the mother are depleted. Most often, infection occurs if the child is kissed by carriers of the infection. For example, parents, brothers, sisters and other relatives. In addition to a kiss, the virus can enter the body along with the biological fluids of others, for example, with saliva.

Having come to visit us, it penetrates into the mucous membranes, reaches the nerve endings. Through them, with a current of fluid that feeds the nerves, it rises into the cranial cavity, where it “hides” in the nerve plexus, called the trigeminal ganglion , and “sleeps” there until the moment of reactivation.

Reactivation of the virus is possible at the moment when immunity “decreases”. “Decrease” in immunity can occur under the influence of: colds, flu, menstruation, emotional distress and stress, strong ultraviolet radiation, excessive alcohol consumption, indigestion and fatigue.

Causes of recurrence of herpes on the lips:

– Stress or emotional disorder;

– Various somatic diseases, in particular colds, flu, diabetes, HIV;

– Poisoning or intoxication;

– Alcohol, caffeine and smoking;

– Excessive ultraviolet exposure;

– Hypothermia or overheating;

– Coming of menstruation;

– Overwork and exhaustion;

– Malnutrition/diet or indigestion;

– Other individual factors;

After “awakening” the virus is sent to the nerves (like a train on rails) from the trigeminal ganglion back to the skin. It is important to know that branches that innervate the lips, oral mucosa, gums, skin on the earlobe and part of the cheek depart from the trigeminal plexus. In accordance with the outgoing nerves, lesions on the skin will also be located. As it passes through the nerve, the virus causes inflammation of the nerve tissue, which causes pain along the course of the nerve fiber.

Stages of development of a “cold” on the lips

In its development, the disease goes through stages IV:

Stage I – tingling.

At this time, most people feel that they are getting sick. Before a “cold” appears, the skin at the corners of the mouth or the inside of the lips, or on the tongue, or even all over the face begins to itch.
In a place where a recurrence of herpes will soon develop, harbingers of the disease appear: pain, tingling, tingling, itching. The skin over the site of the future relapse turns red.

The development of the disease can be prevented if drugs based on acyclovir (Zovirax ointment) are used at this stage. If you suffer from severe itching, you can take an aspirin or paracetamol tablet.

Stage II – the stage of inflammation, begins with a small painful vesicle, which gradually increases in size. The bubble is tense and filled with a clear liquid, which later becomes cloudy.

Stage III – stage of ulceration. The bubble bursts, and a colorless liquid flows out of it, stuffed with billions of viral particles. In its place, an ulcer is formed.

At this point, the sick person is highly contagious, as she releases a huge amount of viral particles into the environment. Because of the soreness and sores on the face, people are most annoyed by this stage.

IV stage eschar formation. A crust forms over the sores, if damaged, pain and bleeding can occur.

Herpes rashes are most often located on the red border of the lips, but can also be on the nose, on the cheeks, in the ears, on the forehead, in the oral cavity: on the gums, the inner surface of the lips and cheeks.

Complications of the “cold” on the lips

If personal hygiene rules are not followed, the virus can affect other parts of the body: if you rub your eyes with your hands after touching the blisters or sores, you can provoke ophthalmic herpes 9 0006 or eye herpes is a severe eye injury, sometimes leading to decreased vision and even blindness. Herpetic eczema may develop – a virus infection of the skin of the fingers.

If you kiss someone with ulcerated lips, you can pass the infection to the child or loved ones.

Oral sex with a partner with an active “cold” on the lips can lead to “ genital herpes “. Those. during an outbreak of a “cold” on the lips, herpes can be mechanically transferred from the lips of an “active” sexual partner in oral sex to the genitals of the recipient of oral caresses.

This is how patient M. describes the severe course of a herpetic infection on the lips: symptoms of severe poisoning appear. Pills from the “head” help with difficulty, more or less an injection of analgin with diphenhydramine saves.Not a single doctor even wanted to listen about a headache .”

In people with reduced immunity (immunosuppression, HIV infection), necrotic forms of the course with the formation of scars on the skin are possible. 6. “Colds” are contagious Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching a cold sore, including after applying antiviral cream

– Don’t touch your eyes! Especially women during make-up;

– Do not use saliva to wet contact lenses.

– Despite itching and pain, do not touch rashes, kiss, especially with children, use someone else’s lipstick or borrow your own, smoke one cigarette with a friend (girlfriend).

– Do not attempt to remove blisters or crusts to avoid transmission of infection to other parts of the body or bacterial infection.

– Stop oral sex! Oral sex during a “cold” on the lips of an “active” partner can cause genital herpes in a partner who is passively participating in oral sex. In this case, herpes from the lips of the “active” partner can be transferred to the genitals of the partner receiving caresses.
– If you have a cold on your lips, use individual dishes or towels, do not drink from other people’s glasses…

Newborn care. To avoid contracting herpes in the newborn, women who have cold sores on the lips should thoroughly wash their hands before touching their baby. If there are blisters or sores on the lips, a disposable surgical mask or gauze bandage should be used while caring for the child until the sores dry out. During a cold on the lips, do not kiss or sniff the child. If there is herpes on any other part of the body, then it must be carefully closed and in no case should it come into contact with the skin of the child.

REMEMBER:

– By the time you feel the tingling, the virus has already started, which means it’s time to start using the antiviral cream or other antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor without delay;

– Use your medicine!

Medicines can help stop a relapse or speed up recovery.

Use aciclovir creams and ointments to help heal blisters and ulcers quickly, supplements containing either zinc or L-LYSINE. Remember that the use of corticosteroids (hydrocortisone ointment) reduces itching, but dramatically increases the area and severity of the lesions and the duration of the painful period.

– Apply antiviral ointments with cosmetic sticks.

To apply antiviral ointments (Acyclovir, Zovirax) to herpetic eruptions, use special cosmetic sticks, as shown in this picture.

Applying ointments to the lesion directly with the fingers can cause the virus to be transferred from the lips to the skin of the fingers.

– If you have frequent relapses, then make sure that you always have the medicine at hand. Like a passport or money, keep it with you at all times;

– Aciclovir creams and ointments must be used at least 4 times a day for 5 days.

– Valaciclovir may be prescribed for one-day treatment of lip herpes by a physician. If you take two tablets of valaciclovir 500 mg first in the morning and then in the evening, within 24 hours from the onset of the disease, then a cold on the lips will not develop or the healing of herpetic lesions will occur faster.

– If a “cold” does not go away within 10 days, be sure to consult a dermatologist, as a “cold” on the lips can be a symptom of other serious diseases that require specialized treatment.

– Prolonged course of a cold on the lips (more than 30 days) may be a sign of a sharp decrease in immunity, benign tumors and oncological diseases, HIV infection, lymphoproliferative diseases.

Herpes on the lips: signs, causes, treatment

Viruses around us. Some of them suddenly appear and paralyze the normal life of the entire planet, others have been known for a long time, exist everywhere, often even in the human body, but do not manifest themselves. The second option is the herpes virus.

Currently, 8 types of it are known, and the human body reacts differently to each of them. Some cause shingles or varicella, and only the first two appear on a lesser scale, most often just as “bubbles” on the lips ^[1] .

This disease was mentioned in literary works and historical documents as early as 2000 years ago. But only in the 40s of the last century, the human herpes simplex virus was discovered, investigated and described.

WHO indicates that in 2012 the number of people infected with the first type of virus alone was about 3.7 billion. At that time, 67% of the world’s population were infected with it. The spread of this virus tends to increase. Many people are carriers of herpes and are not even aware of it ^[2] .

Another problem is the high infection rate of the healthy population, mostly young, working age. In the world, from 16 to 800 are infected annually, and in Russia from 40 to 80 people per 100 thousand population

“Peculiarities of herpesviruses” Ph.D. Peradze Kh. D., Ph.D. Sukhoruk A. A.

Types of herpes simplex virus and their features

If we talk about such a manifestation of herpes as a “cold” on the lips, then it is caused by the first two types of the virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. They are very contagious and contribute to the appearance of small vesicles on the mucous membranes – vesicles. A favorite place for the manifestation of HSV-1 is the oral cavity, and HSV-2 usually affects areas in the genital area.

Herpes infection does not always appear only on the lips or genitals. Other parts of the body can also be affected: fingertips, cornea, skin, internal organs and systems, even the spinal cord and brain.

Signs of the presence of the herpes virus in the body

Anyone who has ever faced such a problem knows how herpes manifests itself. Usually, herpes on the lips occurs in several stages and is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

1. Itching and tingling . A few days before the onset of a herpetic rash, itching, burning, or tingling in the lips may occur.

2. Bubble formation . Small, fluid-filled blisters usually form at the border of the red border of the lips and the skin around the mouth. Herpes can also be localized near the nose, ears or on the cheeks.

3. Crusts and wetting . The vesicles burst, the liquid pours out, shallow open wounds remain on the mucous membrane of the lips, which eventually become covered with a crust.

Most often, this is how the body reacts to the reappearance of symptoms, when the immune system has already developed an algorithm for getting rid of herpes. The first manifestation of herpes on the lips can be more difficult and be accompanied by additional symptoms:

• fever;
• ulcers on the gums;
• sore throat;
• headache;
• muscle pain;
• swollen lymph nodes.

Laboratory diagnosis of herpes

The insidiousness of this virus is that there are no signs of herpes for a long time. A person may not be aware of their infection until the first bubble appears on the lips.

But it is quite easy to detect it in the laboratory. For this, the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) is used, which detects even a small amount of viral particles in biological material. It is suitable for early diagnosis, as it allows diagnosing the disease regardless of the timing of infection, even when the body has not developed an immune response ^[3] .

If antibodies are examined, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) is considered the most reliable. In the body of the infected, protective immunoglobulins G and M begin to be produced. IgM antibodies appear immediately after infection, and IgG antibodies are formed only after the first relapse.

Tests also establish the presence of the virus and determine which of the two types it belongs to ^{[4, 5]} .

Modes of transmission

There are several main routes of transmission for herpes infection.

Direct route

The virus gets to a healthy person from a sick person through direct contact. A prerequisite for transmission is an active skin manifestation of the herpes virus on the lips or other parts of the body. This route of transmission is possible with kisses (herpes on the lips), sexual contact (genital herpes), through the hands, when the virus is actively released from the herpetic vesicles.

Indirect transmission

In this case, infection occurs through personal hygiene items, dishes, cosmetics from a person with herpes in the stage of virus spread. For prevention, it is enough to use individual personal hygiene items – a toothbrush, a comb, cosmetics – lipstick, creams, cosmetic pencils ^{[2, 6]} .

Risk factors for “cold” on the lips

After infection, the virus remains in the human body forever. So far, no effective treatment for herpes has been invented to help eliminate it from the body. However, you can try to reduce the frequency of herpes on the lips, if you avoid the causes of activation of the virus. To provoke frequent herpes on the lips can:

• stress;
• fatigue;
• systemic diseases, SARS;
• hormonal changes;
• allergies;
• sun exposure or local hypothermia ^[7] .

Methods of treatment of herpes

Currently, doctors’ recommendations on how to treat herpes are limited to a scheme that helps to quickly get rid of the manifestations of herpes on the lip, another part of the body, or helps to prevent the onset of the active phase of the disease.

Sometimes topical antiviral drugs are sufficient for therapy. Ointments and creams that help with herpes contain one of the following components:

• acyclovir;
• valaciclovir;
• farmciclovir;
• penciclovir.

These active ingredients are available under different brand names and all are designed to effectively treat the manifestations of herpes.

If local treatment of herpes on the lips is ineffective, it is recommended to take tablets that suppress the replication of viruses in cells. They are considered to be more efficient. In special cases, with large areas of damage, when internal organs and systems are affected, complex treatment in a hospital is possible ^{[3, 4, 8]} .

Prevention of infection and manifestations of the disease

It is not always possible to quickly get rid of herpes on the lips if it has passed into the active stage, but you can strive to prevent the spread of the virus and minimize its manifestation.

Prevention of herpes consists in observing elementary sanitary and hygienic recommendations:

• keep hands clean;
• use personal hygiene items;
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who are actively ill.

If exacerbations occur frequently, this is a signal that the immune system needs help: it may be necessary to take an antiviral drug for a long time as prescribed by a doctor ^{[2, 9]} . If the onset of the disease is provoked by sunlight or low temperatures, it is advisable to use special protective creams on the lips and the skin around them.

Only a qualified doctor knows how to cure herpes in each specific case. But on your own, you can prevent the further spread of a viral infection and reduce the number of relapses.

Medical expert: Oleg Sergeevich Shchekin

Date last updated: July 21, 2021

List of sources

1. Peradze H. D., Sukhoruk A. A. Features herpesviruses. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/osobennosti-gerpes-virusov (date of access: 04/09/2020).
2. WHO fact sheet. Herpes simplex virus. // URL: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus (Accessed: 09.04.2020).
3. Vasiliev A. N., Fedorova N. E., Klimova R. R., Adieva A. A. Improving the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovershenstvovanie-diagnostiki-gerpes-virusnyh-infektsiy (date of access: 04/09/2020).