What are the stages of a cold sore. How long does each stage last. What treatments are available for cold sores. How can cold sores be prevented. What triggers cold sore outbreaks. Are cold sores contagious. How do cold sores spread.

Understanding Cold Sores: Causes and Transmission

Cold sores, medically known as herpes labialis, are a common viral infection caused by the nongenital herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). These painful blisters typically appear on or around the lips, though they can also develop inside the mouth. While HSV-1 is often contracted during childhood through nonsexual contact, adults can acquire the infection through sexual activities as well.

The virus has a unique ability to hibernate within skin cells and neurons beneath the skin’s surface. It remains dormant until certain triggers stimulate its reactivation, leading to the characteristic cold sore outbreak. Understanding the lifecycle of a cold sore is crucial for effective management and treatment.

How Does HSV-1 Spread?

HSV-1 is highly contagious, especially during the active stages of a cold sore. Transmission typically occurs through direct contact with the fluid from an open blister. This can happen through:

• Kissing
• Sharing utensils or drinkware
• Using the same cosmetics
• Sharing towels or other personal items

It’s important to note that the virus can spread even when no visible symptoms are present, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic shedding.

The Five Stages of a Cold Sore: A Detailed Breakdown

Cold sores typically progress through five distinct stages, with the entire cycle lasting between 9 to 12 days. However, in some cases, they may persist for up to 2 to 6 weeks. Let’s explore each stage in detail:

Stage 1: The Prodrome Stage

The first signs of an impending cold sore outbreak are often subtle. During this initial stage, individuals may experience:

• A tingling sensation
• Itching
• Burning feeling beneath the skin

These sensations typically occur around the mouth or at the base of the nose. Additional symptoms may include:

• General malaise
• Mild fever
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes

It’s crucial to note that no visible blister is present during this stage. For those with recurring cold sores, symptoms may be milder. Medical professionals strongly recommend initiating treatment as soon as these early warning signs appear.

Stage 2: The Blister Formation

If left untreated, a fluid-filled blister will likely develop within 1 to 2 days after the initial symptoms. This marks the transition from the prodrome stage to the visible manifestation of the cold sore.

Stage 3: The Ulcer or Weeping Stage

Around day 4, the blister ruptures, releasing its fluid. This stage is often referred to as the ulcer or weeping stage. It’s during this period that cold sores are most contagious and typically at their most painful. The open sore can easily spread the virus to others who come into contact with the fluid.

Stage 4: The Crusting Stage

Between days 5 and 8, the cold sore begins to dry out, forming a yellowish or brownish crust. As healing progresses, this crust will start to flake off. It’s essential to be gentle with the affected area during this stage, as the scab can easily crack or break, potentially prolonging the healing process.

Stage 5: The Healing Stage

The final stage of a cold sore’s lifecycle is the healing stage. Multiple scabs may form and flake off during this period, with each subsequent scab being smaller than the last. Eventually, the wound will heal completely, usually without leaving a scar.

Effective Treatments for Cold Sores

While there’s no cure for the herpes simplex virus, various treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce the duration of outbreaks, and prevent future occurrences. The most effective approach is to start treatment as soon as the initial tingling sensation begins, ideally before the cold sore becomes visible.

Oral Medications

Several oral antiviral medications have proven effective in treating cold sores:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

These medications work by inhibiting viral replication, thereby shortening the duration of the outbreak and reducing symptom severity.

Topical Treatments

In addition to oral medications, topical treatments can be applied directly to the affected area:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax) cream
• Docosanol (Abreva)
• Penciclovir (Denavir) cream

These topical options can help alleviate symptoms and may speed up the healing process when used in conjunction with oral medications.

Treatment Efficacy

Research has shown promising results in reducing the duration of cold sore outbreaks. A study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that high doses and short courses of valacyclovir could potentially shorten the duration of a cold sore by approximately one day. Moreover, when medication is administered at the first sign of symptoms, it may even prevent the cold sore from fully developing.

Preventing Cold Sore Outbreaks: Strategies and Lifestyle Changes

While it’s not always possible to prevent cold sore outbreaks entirely, several strategies can help reduce their frequency and severity:

Identifying and Avoiding Triggers

Various stimuli can reactivate the dormant HSV-1 virus, leading to a cold sore outbreak. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Fever
• Excessive sun exposure
• Extreme temperature changes
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Compromised immune system
• Physical injury to the lip area

By identifying personal triggers and taking steps to avoid or mitigate them, individuals can reduce the likelihood of experiencing frequent outbreaks.

Preventive Medications

For those who experience chronic cold sores, daily preventive treatments may be recommended. This typically involves taking antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir on a regular basis. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following dosages for preventive treatment:

• Acyclovir: 400 milligrams (mg), twice daily
• Valacyclovir: 500 mg, once daily

It’s important to note that these preventive measures should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

In addition to medication, certain lifestyle changes and dietary choices may help prevent cold sore outbreaks:

• Consuming foods high in lysine, such as red meats, fish, and dairy products
• Applying sunscreen to the face and lips before sun exposure
• Maintaining good overall health and a strong immune system
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
• Ensuring adequate sleep and proper nutrition

While these measures may not guarantee prevention, they can contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

The Contagious Nature of Cold Sores: Precautions and Considerations

Understanding the contagious nature of cold sores is crucial for preventing their spread. Cold sores become contagious during the ulcer or weeping stage, typically around the fourth day of the outbreak. During this period, the fluid from the open blister contains active virus particles that can easily infect others.

Transmission Window

After coming into contact with the fluid from an infected person’s cold sore, it can take anywhere from 2 to 20 days for a new cold sore to develop in the exposed individual. This wide range makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact moment of transmission.

Preventing Transmission

To minimize the risk of spreading cold sores:

• Avoid kissing or intimate contact during an active outbreak
• Refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, lip balm, or utensils
• Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area
• Avoid touching or picking at the cold sore
• Consider using a cold sore patch to cover the affected area

By taking these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Managing Chronic Cold Sores: Long-term Strategies

For individuals who experience frequent cold sore outbreaks, developing a long-term management strategy is essential. This may involve a combination of preventive medications, lifestyle adjustments, and prompt treatment at the first sign of symptoms.

Regular Medical Check-ups

Individuals with chronic cold sores should maintain regular communication with their healthcare provider. This allows for:

• Monitoring the effectiveness of current treatments
• Adjusting medication dosages as needed
• Exploring new treatment options as they become available
• Addressing any complications or concerns

Regular check-ups can help ensure that the management plan remains effective and tailored to the individual’s needs.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Living with recurring cold sores can be emotionally challenging. The visible nature of the condition and its impact on social interactions can lead to feelings of embarrassment or anxiety. Seeking support through counseling or support groups can be beneficial for:

• Developing coping strategies
• Addressing self-esteem issues
• Learning from others’ experiences
• Reducing stress, which can trigger outbreaks

Remember that managing cold sores is not just about treating the physical symptoms, but also addressing the emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition.

Advances in Cold Sore Research: Future Treatment Possibilities

The field of cold sore treatment is constantly evolving, with researchers exploring new avenues for more effective management and potential cures. Some promising areas of research include:

Gene Editing Techniques

Scientists are investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies to target and potentially eliminate the HSV-1 virus from infected cells. While still in early stages, this approach could potentially lead to a cure for cold sores in the future.

Novel Antiviral Compounds

Researchers are working on developing new antiviral compounds that may be more effective at suppressing viral replication or preventing outbreaks. These could potentially offer faster healing times and longer periods between recurrences.

Immunotherapy Approaches

Exploring ways to boost the immune system’s ability to fight off the HSV-1 virus could lead to new treatment options. This might involve vaccines or other immunomodulatory therapies that enhance the body’s natural defenses against the virus.

As research progresses, individuals with chronic cold sores may have access to more effective treatments and management strategies in the coming years. Staying informed about these advancements and discussing them with healthcare providers can help ensure access to the most up-to-date care options.

Cold sore stages: Pictures, duration, and treatment

There are five stages of cold sores. These lead from the initial tingling in the area to the healing stage.

Cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, are caused by nongenital herpes simplex virus type 1. People can develop a cold sore on their lips or in their mouth.

Transmission of the nongenital herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) occurs during childhood through nonsexual contact, but adults can contract the infection through sexual activity. HSV-1 hibernates inside skin cells and neurons under the skin until a trigger stimulates it.

Before the cold sore appears, people may feel a burning, stinging, or itching sensation on their lips. For best results, doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as the tingling begins, before the cold sore appears.

In this article, we discuss the stages of a cold sore and what to do if a cold sore develops. We also explore how doctors treat the infection and how people can avoid getting a cold sore.

A cold sore develops in five stages and will typically last between 9 and 12 days.

Stage 1

Initially, people will feel a tingling, itching, or burning sensation underneath the skin around the mouth or base of the nose. Doctors call this the prodrome stage.

Other symptoms that may occur during this stage include:

• malaise
• fever
• tender or swollen lymph nodes

At this first stage of the cold sore, people will not see a blister. People with recurring cold sores may present milder symptoms. Doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as these symptoms begin.

Treatment for cold sores may include oral or topical medications. Sometimes people will use both types to treat a cold sore.

Oral medications for cold sores include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Topical treatments for cold sores include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax) cream
• docosanol (Abreva)
• penciclovir (Denavir) cream

Treatment aims to shorten the duration of the cold sore. In one study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, researchers found that high doses and short courses of valacyclovir may reduce the duration of a cold sore by about 1 day.

Taking medication when symptoms first appear can prevent or block the cold sore from appearing.

Stage 2

If the person does not use any medication, a fluid-filled blister will likely develop around 1 to 2 days after the initial symptoms.

Stage 3

The third stage, which occurs around day 4, involves the blister opening up and releasing its fluid. Doctors call this stage the ulcer or weeping stage. If another person comes into contact with the blister’s fluid, they may develop a cold sore as well.

Cold sores are contagious and tend to be painful during this stage.

Stage 4

Between days 5 and 8, the cold sore will dry up, leaving a yellow or brown crust. The crust will eventually flake off.

People must take care of the scab during this stage because it can crack or break.

Stage 5

The final stage of a cold sore is the healing stage.

Several scabs may form and flake off during this stage. Every new scab will be smaller and smaller until the wound heals completely. Most often, the cold sore will not leave a scar.

Some doctors suggest that a cold sore can last around 2 to 6 weeks.

People who come into contact with another person’s cold sore may be at risk of infection. However, they would have to come into contact with the fluid when the blister ruptures.

Some people may develop recurring cold sores. According to the American Family Physician (AAP), various stimuli can awaken the hibernating virus, such as:

• stress
• fever
• sun exposure
• extremes in temperature
• ultraviolet radiation
• a compromised immune system
• injury

When a cold sore enters the ulcer or weeping stage, around the fourth day, the cold sore becomes contagious.

People who come into contact with the fluid from another person’s open blister can develop a cold sore between 2 to 20 days after contact.

People can come into contact with fluid from another person’s cold sore through kissing or sharing utensils, drinkware, cosmetics, or towels.

Doctors suggest that treating a cold sore at the start of symptoms, before the blister appears, may prevent the cold sore from appearing.

People with a history of cold sores can usually detect the initial symptoms and know they need to start treatment right away.

Some people get chronic cold sores and may require preventive treatments. Taking acyclovir or valacyclovir every day may prevent cold sores.

According to the AAP, the recommended doses for each drug are:

• acyclovir 400 milligrams (mg), twice daily
• valacyclovir 500 mg, once daily

People with chronic cold sores will need to take preventive treatments regularly. Also, doctors and dentists recommend:

• eating foods high in lysine, such as red meats, fish, and dairy
• applying sunscreen to the face and lips before going outside throughout the year
• shaving with a disposable razor blade when a cold sore appears
• replacing toothbrushes
• avoiding stress

People should avoid intimate contact with people who have cold sores. Avoid sharing utensils, toothbrushes, towels, and razors.

People with cold sores should avoid touching the blister, and if they do, they need to wash their hands thoroughly.

Cold sores are a common infection of nongenital HSV-1 that people can contract through sexual and nonsexual activities.

People who start treatment when they feel tingling and itching around their lips may block the cold sore from appearing.

If a cold sore appears, it will go through five stages from the prodrome stage to healing. During the ulcer stage, people can transmit the virus to another person. The fluid in the blister contains the virus. People with cold sores must avoid kissing and sharing utensils, towels, and drinkware.

A person may have a cold sore for about 2 weeks, but some doctors suggest that a cold sore can last up to 6 weeks. Medications can help shorten the duration of a cold sore.

Cold sore stages: Pictures, duration, and treatment

There are five stages of cold sores. These lead from the initial tingling in the area to the healing stage.

Cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, are caused by nongenital herpes simplex virus type 1. People can develop a cold sore on their lips or in their mouth.

Transmission of the nongenital herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) occurs during childhood through nonsexual contact, but adults can contract the infection through sexual activity. HSV-1 hibernates inside skin cells and neurons under the skin until a trigger stimulates it.

Before the cold sore appears, people may feel a burning, stinging, or itching sensation on their lips. For best results, doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as the tingling begins, before the cold sore appears.

In this article, we discuss the stages of a cold sore and what to do if a cold sore develops. We also explore how doctors treat the infection and how people can avoid getting a cold sore.

A cold sore develops in five stages and will typically last between 9 and 12 days.

Stage 1

Initially, people will feel a tingling, itching, or burning sensation underneath the skin around the mouth or base of the nose. Doctors call this the prodrome stage.

Other symptoms that may occur during this stage include:

• malaise
• fever
• tender or swollen lymph nodes

At this first stage of the cold sore, people will not see a blister. People with recurring cold sores may present milder symptoms. Doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as these symptoms begin.

Treatment for cold sores may include oral or topical medications. Sometimes people will use both types to treat a cold sore.

Oral medications for cold sores include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Topical treatments for cold sores include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax) cream
• docosanol (Abreva)
• penciclovir (Denavir) cream

Treatment aims to shorten the duration of the cold sore. In one study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, researchers found that high doses and short courses of valacyclovir may reduce the duration of a cold sore by about 1 day.

Taking medication when symptoms first appear can prevent or block the cold sore from appearing.

Stage 2

If the person does not use any medication, a fluid-filled blister will likely develop around 1 to 2 days after the initial symptoms.

Stage 3

The third stage, which occurs around day 4, involves the blister opening up and releasing its fluid. Doctors call this stage the ulcer or weeping stage. If another person comes into contact with the blister’s fluid, they may develop a cold sore as well.

Cold sores are contagious and tend to be painful during this stage.

Stage 4

Between days 5 and 8, the cold sore will dry up, leaving a yellow or brown crust. The crust will eventually flake off.

People must take care of the scab during this stage because it can crack or break.

Stage 5

The final stage of a cold sore is the healing stage.

Several scabs may form and flake off during this stage. Every new scab will be smaller and smaller until the wound heals completely. Most often, the cold sore will not leave a scar.

Some doctors suggest that a cold sore can last around 2 to 6 weeks.

People who come into contact with another person’s cold sore may be at risk of infection. However, they would have to come into contact with the fluid when the blister ruptures.

Some people may develop recurring cold sores. According to the American Family Physician (AAP), various stimuli can awaken the hibernating virus, such as:

• stress
• fever
• sun exposure
• extremes in temperature
• ultraviolet radiation
• a compromised immune system
• injury

When a cold sore enters the ulcer or weeping stage, around the fourth day, the cold sore becomes contagious.

People who come into contact with the fluid from another person’s open blister can develop a cold sore between 2 to 20 days after contact.

People can come into contact with fluid from another person’s cold sore through kissing or sharing utensils, drinkware, cosmetics, or towels.

Doctors suggest that treating a cold sore at the start of symptoms, before the blister appears, may prevent the cold sore from appearing.

People with a history of cold sores can usually detect the initial symptoms and know they need to start treatment right away.

Some people get chronic cold sores and may require preventive treatments. Taking acyclovir or valacyclovir every day may prevent cold sores.

According to the AAP, the recommended doses for each drug are:

• acyclovir 400 milligrams (mg), twice daily
• valacyclovir 500 mg, once daily

People with chronic cold sores will need to take preventive treatments regularly. Also, doctors and dentists recommend:

• eating foods high in lysine, such as red meats, fish, and dairy
• applying sunscreen to the face and lips before going outside throughout the year
• shaving with a disposable razor blade when a cold sore appears
• replacing toothbrushes
• avoiding stress

People should avoid intimate contact with people who have cold sores. Avoid sharing utensils, toothbrushes, towels, and razors.

People with cold sores should avoid touching the blister, and if they do, they need to wash their hands thoroughly.

Cold sores are a common infection of nongenital HSV-1 that people can contract through sexual and nonsexual activities.

People who start treatment when they feel tingling and itching around their lips may block the cold sore from appearing.

If a cold sore appears, it will go through five stages from the prodrome stage to healing. During the ulcer stage, people can transmit the virus to another person. The fluid in the blister contains the virus. People with cold sores must avoid kissing and sharing utensils, towels, and drinkware.

A person may have a cold sore for about 2 weeks, but some doctors suggest that a cold sore can last up to 6 weeks. Medications can help shorten the duration of a cold sore.

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 herpes eye – severe eye damage, 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 herpetic infection on the lips: He is very worried about headaches and intoxication, as a rule, for no apparent reason, symptoms of severe poisoning appear. Tablets from the “head” help with difficulty, more or less saves an injection of analgin with diphenhydramine. Not a single doctor even wanted to talk about a headache and listen .”

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 cold sores, 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.

Lip herpes diagnosis | Haleon HealthPartner

Lip Herpes Cycle Information

• Stage 1: Stinging

  The tingling sensation that occurs before the rash appears is caused by reactivation of a dormant HSV-1 virus located in the trigeminal ganglion. ^2.3

  • The virus migrates to the nerve ending near the oral mucosa (lips/oral cavity) ³
  • It invades cells in/near the oral mucosa ⁴
  • Infection begins with the spread of the virus to multiple lesions from a single infected nerve ³

• Stage 2: Redness/swelling

  The immune system triggers an inflammatory process that leads to redness and swelling. ⁵

• Stage 3: Bubble

  Without adequate treatment, there is a high probability of progression of herpes of the lips to the formation of a bubble. ³

  • After 2-3 cycles of viral replication, the points of infection expand and connect, forming a clinically pronounced lesion against the background of hyperemia ³
  • A collection of small, fluid-filled blisters appear, usually on the vermilion border of the lip (the line separating the lip from adjacent skin) ⁶

• Stage 4: Ulcer

  • Fluid-filled blisters burst, forming a shallow red ulcer. The excreted fluid is highly contagious. ² Soft crust starts to form ⁵
  • Often the most painful stage ²

• Stage 5: Crusting

  Ulcer dries up, forming a tougher yellow/brown crust. A scab is forming. ^2.5

• Stage 6: Healing

  Dry eschar flakes off leaving residual redness and swelling. Skin re-epithelialization is complete and the virus returns to a latent state. ^2.7

Symptoms and situations in which pharmacists should advise the patient to seek medical advice