What are the initial signs of oral herpes. How is the herpes simplex virus transmitted. What treatments are available for mouth herpes outbreaks. How can you prevent the spread of oral herpes. When should you seek medical attention for cold sores.

Understanding Oral Herpes: Prevalence and Basics

Oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, is a widespread 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 face periodic outbreaks of infections throughout their lives.

How common is oral herpes?

Oral herpes is extremely common, affecting millions of people worldwide. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that more than half of the adult population carries the HSV-1 virus. This high prevalence underscores the importance of understanding the condition, its transmission, and available treatment options.

Transmission and Prevention of Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is primarily spread through direct physical contact with an infected individual, particularly during an active outbreak when sores are present. The virus can be transmitted through intimate activities such as kissing or oral sex.

How can oral herpes be prevented?

The most effective method of prevention is to avoid physical contact with herpes sores during an outbreak. This includes refraining from kissing or engaging in oral sex with someone who has visible cold sores. Additionally, practicing good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items like lip balm, eating utensils, or razors can help reduce the risk of transmission.

• Avoid direct contact with herpes sores
• Refrain from kissing or oral sex during outbreaks
• Practice good hygiene
• Don’t share personal items

Recognizing the Early Stages of Oral Herpes

The initial infection of oral herpes is often the most severe, potentially causing flu-like symptoms including swollen lymph nodes and headaches. However, some individuals may experience no symptoms at all during the primary infection. Sores can appear on and around the lips and throughout the mouth during this stage.

What are the first signs of an oral herpes outbreak?

The early stages of a recurring oral herpes outbreak typically involve several distinct symptoms:

1. Initial redness, swelling, heat, pain, or itching in the affected area
2. Development of painful, fluid-filled blisters on the lips or under the nose
3. Leaking of fluid from blisters as they turn into sores
4. Crusting over and healing of sores after about 4-6 days

It’s important to note that these symptoms may resemble other conditions, so consulting a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis is crucial.

Diagnosing Oral Herpes: Methods and Challenges

Diagnosing oral herpes can be challenging due to its similarity to other infections and conditions. While healthcare providers may often diagnose based on the location and appearance of blisters, more definitive methods are available for confirmation.

How is oral herpes diagnosed?

Several diagnostic methods can be employed to confirm an oral herpes infection:

• Virus culture (PCR)
• Blood test
• Biopsy

These tests are particularly useful in cases where the symptoms are atypical or when a definitive diagnosis is required for treatment planning.

Triggers and Recurrence of Oral Herpes

While the specific triggers for oral herpes recurrence are not fully understood, several factors have been identified that may play a role in reactivating the dormant virus.

What factors can trigger a herpes outbreak?

Common triggers for oral herpes outbreaks include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Hormonal changes
• Exposure to sunlight or wind
• Fever or illness

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

Treatment Options for Oral Herpes

While there is no cure for oral herpes, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms and reduce the duration of outbreaks. The specific treatment plan will depend on factors such as the severity of symptoms, frequency of outbreaks, and overall health of the individual.

What are the most effective treatments for oral herpes?

Healthcare providers may recommend a combination of the following treatment approaches:

1. Keeping the infected area clean and dry
2. Antiviral oral medications (e.g., acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir)
3. Antiviral topical ointments (e.g., acyclovir, penciclovir)
4. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents

Antiviral oral medications are generally considered the most effective treatment for managing oral herpes outbreaks and reducing their frequency.

Living with Oral Herpes: Management and Coping Strategies

While oral herpes can be a challenging condition to live with, many individuals successfully manage their symptoms and lead normal lives. Developing effective coping strategies and understanding the nature of the virus can significantly improve quality of life.

How can individuals with oral herpes manage their condition?

Several strategies can help in managing oral herpes:

• Identifying and avoiding personal triggers
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support immune function
• Using sun protection to prevent sun-induced outbreaks
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques
• Taking antiviral medications as prescribed
• Being open with partners about the condition

By adopting these strategies, individuals with oral herpes can minimize the impact of the condition on their daily lives and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Oral Herpes and Relationships: Communication and Intimacy

Oral herpes can present challenges in intimate relationships, particularly concerning transmission risk and disclosure. Open communication and understanding are key to navigating these issues successfully.

How should someone with oral herpes approach relationships?

When dealing with oral herpes in relationships, consider the following approaches:

• Be honest and upfront about your condition with potential partners
• Educate your partner about transmission risks and prevention methods
• Avoid intimate contact during outbreaks
• Consider using antiviral medications to reduce transmission risk
• Encourage open dialogue about concerns and questions

By fostering a supportive and informed environment, couples can maintain healthy relationships while managing the challenges posed by oral herpes.

Myths and Misconceptions about Oral Herpes

Despite its prevalence, oral herpes is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to unnecessary stigma and misinformation. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for promoting understanding and reducing the social impact of the condition.

What are some common myths about oral herpes?

Let’s debunk some prevalent myths about oral herpes:

• Myth: Oral herpes can only be transmitted during an active outbreak
  Fact: While transmission risk is highest during outbreaks, asymptomatic shedding can occur
• Myth: Oral herpes is always a result of sexual activity
  Fact: Many people contract oral herpes during childhood through non-sexual contact
• Myth: People with oral herpes can’t have normal relationships
  Fact: With proper management and communication, individuals with oral herpes can have healthy relationships
• Myth: Oral herpes always causes visible symptoms
  Fact: Some people may carry the virus without ever experiencing symptoms

By dispelling these myths, we can foster a more informed and compassionate understanding of oral herpes in society.

Advances in Oral Herpes Research and Future Treatments

The field of oral herpes research is continuously evolving, with scientists and medical professionals working to develop more effective treatments and potential cures. Staying informed about these advances can provide hope and new management options for those affected by the condition.

What are the latest developments in oral herpes research?

Recent advancements in oral herpes research include:

• Gene editing techniques to target the herpes virus DNA
• Development of therapeutic vaccines to boost immune response
• Novel antiviral compounds with improved efficacy
• Exploration of combination therapies for enhanced treatment outcomes
• Research into the role of the microbiome in herpes outbreaks

While a cure for oral herpes remains elusive, these research directions offer promising avenues for improved management and potential eradication of the virus in the future.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Oral Herpes

While many cases of oral herpes can be managed at home, certain situations warrant seeking medical attention. Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for proper management of the condition and prevention of complications.

In what situations should someone with oral herpes see a doctor?

Consider seeking medical attention in the following circumstances:

• If you’re experiencing a first-time outbreak
• When symptoms are severe or prolonged
• If outbreaks occur frequently (more than 6 times per year)
• When sores spread to other parts of the body
• If you have a weakened immune system
• When pregnant and experiencing an outbreak
• If you develop signs of a secondary bacterial infection

Prompt medical attention in these situations can help ensure appropriate treatment and minimize potential complications associated with oral herpes.

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).