What are the signs of herpes on the lip. How do cold sores develop and progress. What treatments are available for managing cold sore outbreaks. How can you prevent the spread of oral herpes.

Understanding Cold Sores: The Basics of Oral Herpes

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, blister-like lesions that typically appear on or around the mouth. These painful and often unsightly sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), with HSV-1 being the most common culprit. While there is no cure for oral herpes, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help individuals manage outbreaks more effectively.

Are cold sores always caused by HSV-1? While HSV-1 is the primary cause of cold sores, HSV-2, which is more commonly associated with genital herpes, can also cause oral lesions. In fact, oral-genital transmission of both virus types is possible through intimate contact.

The Prevalence of Oral Herpes: Statistics and Transmission

Oral herpes is remarkably common, with a significant portion of the population carrying the virus. In the United States alone, approximately 48.1% of individuals aged 14-49 years are infected with HSV-1. This high prevalence underscores the importance of understanding how the virus spreads and what measures can be taken to reduce transmission.

How is oral herpes transmitted? The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious and spreads through close physical contact, particularly when the virus is active and sores are present. This can include kissing, sharing utensils or lip products, or engaging in oral sex. It’s important to note that even asymptomatic carriers can potentially transmit the virus.

Recognizing the Initial Infection

When a person first contracts oral herpes, they may experience a range of symptoms beyond just cold sores. These initial symptoms can appear anywhere from 2 to 20 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Lesions on the tongue, mouth, chin, cheeks, or in the nostrils
• Mouth or tongue pain
• Lip swelling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headaches
• Dehydration
• Nausea

Can the initial herpes infection affect other parts of the mouth? Yes, in some cases, individuals may develop gingivostomatitis, an infection of the mouth and gums that typically lasts for 1-2 weeks. Adults may also experience pharyngotonsillitis, an infection of the throat and tonsils, during the initial outbreak.

The Life Cycle of a Cold Sore: From Tingling to Healing

Understanding the stages of a cold sore can help individuals recognize an outbreak early and take appropriate action. A typical cold sore progresses through several distinct phases:

1. Prodrome: A tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the mouth signals the start of an outbreak.
2. Blister Formation: Painful, fluid-filled sores appear, usually clustered around the lips.
3. Weeping: The blisters break open and release clear fluid.
4. Crusting: A yellow crust forms over the sores as they begin to dry out.
5. Healing: The crust falls off, revealing pink skin underneath that heals within 3-4 days.

How long does a cold sore outbreak typically last? Without treatment, most cold sores resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, early intervention with appropriate treatments can significantly reduce the duration and severity of an outbreak.

Triggers and Risk Factors for Cold Sore Outbreaks

While the herpes virus remains dormant in the body most of the time, certain factors can trigger its reactivation, leading to a cold sore outbreak. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation, pregnancy)
• Exposure to sunlight or wind
• Fever or illness
• Compromised immune system
• Certain foods or medications

Can identifying personal triggers help prevent outbreaks? Yes, recognizing and avoiding individual triggers can significantly reduce the frequency of cold sore occurrences. Keeping a journal to track outbreaks and potential triggers can be a useful tool in managing oral herpes.

Treatment Options: Managing Cold Sore Outbreaks

While there is no cure for oral herpes, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. These include:

Over-the-Counter Antiviral Creams

Topical treatments containing acyclovir or penciclovir, such as Zovirax and Soothelip, can be effective in reducing the duration of an outbreak. These creams should be applied to the affected area every 2-3 hours for 5 days, starting at the first sign of an outbreak.

Oral Antiviral Medications

For more severe or frequent outbreaks, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, oral antiviral medications may be prescribed. Common options include:

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

These medications are typically taken once or twice daily during an outbreak or as a preventive measure for those with frequent recurrences.

Is it necessary to seek medical attention for every cold sore outbreak? While most cold sores can be managed at home, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe, the sore doesn’t begin to heal within 10 days, or if you have a weakened immune system.

Prevention Strategies: Reducing the Risk of Transmission

While it’s not possible to completely prevent cold sores once infected with the herpes virus, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of transmission and minimize outbreaks:

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact during active outbreaks
• Wash hands frequently, especially after touching a cold sore
• Avoid sharing items that come into contact with the mouth (e.g., utensils, towels, lip balm)
• Use sun protection on the lips to prevent sun-triggered outbreaks
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques and regular exercise
• Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support immune function

Can suppressive therapy help prevent outbreaks? For individuals with frequent recurrences, daily suppressive therapy with oral antiviral medications can significantly reduce the number of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission to partners.

Living with Oral Herpes: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with recurrent cold sores can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Here are some strategies to help cope with oral herpes:

• Educate yourself about the condition to better understand and manage outbreaks
• Be open with partners about your HSV status to prevent transmission and build trust
• Join support groups or online communities to connect with others living with herpes
• Practice self-care and stress management techniques to reduce outbreak triggers
• Consider counseling if the psychological impact of herpes is significant

How can you maintain a positive outlook while living with oral herpes? Focus on the fact that cold sores are a common and manageable condition. Remember that outbreaks typically become less frequent and severe over time, and with proper management, the impact on your daily life can be minimized.

Advances in Herpes Research: Future Treatment Possibilities

While a cure for herpes remains elusive, ongoing research offers hope for improved treatments and potential preventive measures. Some areas of current investigation include:

• Gene editing techniques to eliminate the virus from infected cells
• Development of therapeutic vaccines to boost the immune response against HSV
• Novel antiviral compounds targeting different stages of the viral life cycle
• Immunotherapy approaches to enhance the body’s natural defenses against herpes

What is the potential timeline for a herpes cure? While it’s difficult to predict exact timelines, many researchers are optimistic about significant advancements in herpes treatment and prevention within the next decade. However, it’s important to focus on current management strategies while research progresses.

In conclusion, while herpes on the lip in the form of cold sores can be frustrating and uncomfortable, understanding the condition and available treatment options can empower individuals to effectively manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risks. By staying informed about triggers, treatment advancements, and preventive measures, those living with oral herpes can maintain a high quality of life and look forward to potential breakthroughs in the future.

Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are small, blister-like lesions that form on the lips, chin, cheeks, or in the nostrils, as well as the gums or the roof of the mouth. They result from infection with a herpes simplex virus. Antiviral medications may help manage them.

Cold sores usually cause pain, a burning sensation, or itching before they burst and crust over. People sometimes call them fever blisters.

The most common cause of cold sores is the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Other times, these sores result from an infection with a different strain, called herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

In the United States, 48.1% of all people aged 14–49 years have HSV-1, making them more susceptible to cold sores.

There is no way to cure or prevent these sores, but a person can take steps to reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks.

The viral strains that cause cold sores, usually HSV-1 and less often HSV-2, are highly contagious and transmit easily during close contact, such as sexual contact.

After the virus enters the body, a person may have:

• flu-like symptoms
• sores in or around their mouth or in their nostrils
• sores around the genital area, in some cases

It is possible for oral herpes sores, or cold sores, to develop around the genitals if transmission happens during oral sex.

A cold sore outbreak typically lasts 1–2 weeks, without treatment, before the body’s immune system suppresses the virus.

The virus does not leave the body, and though it remains inactive most of the time, it can periodically reactivate to cause cold sores.

Most people with oral herpes do not realize it until they experience cold sores or other symptoms. Some people have just one outbreak and no reoccurrence because the virus stays dormant.

Others may have frequent outbreaks that continue for many years.

What is genital herpes?

Some people with oral herpes have no symptoms, and others only experience them after the first exposure to the virus.

Still, at least 25% of people with oral herpes experience reoccurring outbreaks. In this case, cold sores often appear in the same locations each time.

Initial symptoms of an HSV-1 infection may appear 2–20 days after exposure to the virus and can include:

• lesions on the tongue, mouth, chin, cheeks, or in the nostrils
• mouth or tongue pain
• lip swelling
• difficulty swallowing
• a sore throat
• swollen lymph nodes
• a high body temperature
• headaches
• dehydration
• nausea

There may also be an infection of the mouth and gums, known as gingivostomatitis. This lasts for 1–2 weeks and does not reoccur.

Also, in adults, an infection of the throat and tonsils called pharyngotonsillitis may develop with the initial oral herpes infection.

What does a herpes skin rash look like?

A cold sore develops in several stages when it reoccurs.

• A tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the mouth often indicates the start of an outbreak.
• Painful, fluid-filled sores appear, usually around the mouth.
• The sores break and produce fluid.
• A yellow crust forms on the sores.
• The crust comes off, revealing pink skin that heals in 3–4 days.

Without treatment, most cold sores disappear within 1–2 weeks and do not leave a scar.

Learn more about the stages of a cold sore.

People with reoccurring outbreaks can manage them at home by recognizing the signs and using medication.

However, consult a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms are severe.
• A cold sore does not start to heal within 10 days.
• The gums swell.
• The person has a weakened immune system.
• Other symptoms are causing concern.

A doctor can usually diagnose the issue by considering the symptoms and making a visual examination, but in some cases — such as if the person has a weakened immune system — they may also order a blood test or take a sample of a sore’s fluid for testing.

Some factors that can weaken the immune system include HIV, medications following an organ transplant, some types of cancer, and some cancer treatment.

Most cold sore outbreaks resolve in 1–2 weeks without treatment.

However, some over-the-counter or prescription medications can shorten an outbreak’s duration and reduce any discomfort or pain, though these do not remove the virus from the body.

In most cases, it is best to use treatments as soon as the first signs of an outbreak appear.

Why is there no cure for herpes? Find out here.

Antiviral creams

Over-the-counter antiviral creams can shorten the duration of an outbreak. Most creams, such as Zovirax and Soothelip, contain acyclovir or penciclovir.

A person should apply the cream to the affected area every 2–3 hours for 5 days.

Oral antiviral medications

Some examples of antiviral medications that a person can take by mouth include:

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

A doctor may prescribe one of these medications if a person has a weakened immune system or otherwise has regular outbreaks.

A person takes it once or twice a day.

These medications can shorten the duration of an outbreak and may keep them from reoccurring.

Here, learn more about cold sore treatments.

Pain relief

Over-the-counter options contain an analgesic such as benzocaine or lidocaine. They do not speed the healing process, but they can reduce discomfort.

Some pain relief medications for cold sores include:

• Orajel
• Blistex
• Cymex
• Anbesol

People should dab these ointments, creams, or gels onto the sores with a Q-tip, and it is important not to share these products.

If a person applies the medication with a finger instead, they should wash their hands before and after.

Some alternate options include medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Home remedies

Some people find that the following home care techniques relieve cold sore symptoms:

• applying cold, soaked tea bags to the area every hour
• dabbing the area with diluted geranium, lavender, or tea tree oil
• using petroleum jelly to keep the skin moist, preventing cracking

There is no scientific evidence that these remedies work or are safe.

Learn more about whether home remedies might help treat herpes.

Rarely, oral herpes can lead to complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Possible complications include:

• dehydration, if pain from the sores makes drinking difficult
• herpetic whitlow, a painful infection that can occur through a cut on the skin and cause blisters, usually on the fingers
• herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, a secondary infection that can cause eye swelling and irritation, sores on the eyelids, and, without treatment, vision loss
• encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, which may occur if the infection spreads

Encephalitis can be life threatening.

When sores are present, try to:

• Avoid kissing and other skin-to-skin contact involving the affected area.
• Use a dental dam or condom during oral sex.
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and lip balm.
• Follow correct handwashing techniques.
• Avoid touching areas where sores can develop, such as the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals.
• If touching the sores is necessary, wash the hands with soap and warm water before and after.

Cold sores can be a painful and disruptive symptom of oral herpes.

Many people do not experience complications and can manage outbreaks at home with over-the-counter or prescription treatment.

Anyone with a weakened immune system should let a doctor know if they have cold sores or any other oral herpes symptoms.

Recognizing the early indications of an outbreak and using treatment right away can help. Without treatment, cold sores often disappear within 1–2 weeks.

Read the article in Spanish.

Fever Blisters & Canker Sores

Overview

Both fever blisters and canker sores are common across all ages and can be painful. However, they are separate conditions with different causes. Read further to learn how to tell them apart and find out which treatments might help ease the pain.

Fever Blisters (also known as cold sores) are painful fluid-filled sores that form on the outside of the mouth around the lips. Fever blisters are very contagious.

Canker Sores are painful white or yellow sores that only form inside the mouth, usually on the insides of the cheeks or lips or on the tongue. Canker sores (also called aphthous ulcers) are not contagious.

Causes

Fever Blisters are caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus, usually type 1, or HSV-1. It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of U.S. adults have been infected with the virus, although many people with the infection do not ever show symptoms. The virus generally resides in the nerve cells where it may periodically reactivate, traveling to the skin and causing recurring fever blisters.

Canker Sores do not have a known cause. They may be triggered by an injury, stress, smoking, or deficiencies in folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12.

Symptoms

Symptoms of fever blisters:

• Fluid-filled blisters on the outside of the mouth around the lips.
• Burning or tingling sensation at the site where the blisters will appear.
• And sometimes, fever, fatigue, or swelling of the lymph nodes, similar to other viral infections.

Symptoms of canker sores:

• A round white or yellow sore with a red border inside the mouth, usually on the inside of the lips or cheeks or on the tongue.
• A burning or tingling sensation may occur in the mouth prior to the formation of the sore.

Diagnosis

The main way to tell the difference between a fever blister and a canker sore is by location. Fever blisters occur outside the mouth, generally around the border of the lips. Canker sores occur inside the mouth.

They also differ in appearance: Fever blisters are patches of several small fluid-filled blisters, while canker sores are usually single round white or yellow sores with a red border.

Treatment

Typically, both types of sores go away on their own and treatment is not usually required. There is no known treatment that can permanently cure fever blisters or canker sores and prevent them from recurring. Treatment focuses on minimizing the pain and speeding recovery time.

Fever blisters can be treated with prescription antiviral medications either applied as topical creams or taken orally. See a doctor if your cold sores persist longer than a few weeks, you develop a high fever, or you notice eye irritation.

Canker Sores can be treated with over-the-counter (non-prescription) gels to numb the pain. Avoiding spicy or abrasive foods may also help. Rinsing the mouth with over-the-counter antiseptic medications may help prevent infection of the sore and speed healing.

See a doctor if you have frequently recurring canker sores or if the sores are severe enough to make eating or drinking difficult. If you have recurring canker sores as a result of a vitamin deficiency, treating the deficiency may reduce their frequency.

Helpful Tips

Both fever blisters and canker sores can have triggers that produce flare ups. Try to identify and then avoid triggers so your flare ups become less frequent.

Tips for Fever Blisters

• Sun exposure may sometimes trigger outbreaks of fever blisters. If you have recurring blisters, using sunscreen may help reduce their frequency.
• Fever blisters are contagious. Avoid kissing, sharing eating utensils, cups, water bottles, or other items if you are experiencing symptoms.
• Be aware that in young children, fever blisters can cause loss of appetite, drooling, and fever that can last for several days.
• Talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician if symptoms are severe or recur frequently.

Tips for Canker Sores

• If you regularly get canker sores, talk to your doctor about testing for food allergies, as allergic reactions can sometimes trigger canker sore outbreaks.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus (Fever Blisters)
  Information about oral herpes (the infection that causes cold sores) from the NIH National Library of Medicine.
• MedlinePlus (Canker Sores)
  Information about canker sores from the NIH National Library of Medicine.

Last Reviewed

September 2021

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 chicken pox, and only the first two appear on a smaller 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 Peradze Kh. D., Ph.D. Sukhoruk A. A.

Types of herpes simplex virus and their characteristics

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 encountered 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 infection

There are several main ways of getting a 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).
4. Kazmirchuk V. E. Clinic, diagnosis and treatment of human herpesvirus infections: monograph / V. E. Kazmirchuk, D. V. Maltsev – K .: Phoenix, 2009 – 248 p.
5. Kharlamova F. S., Egorova N. Yu., Guseva L. N., Guseva N. A., Novosad E. V. Herpes family viruses and immunity. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/virusy-semeystva-gerpesa-i-immunitet (Accessed: 09.04.2020).
6. Isakov V. A. , Arkhipova E. I., Isakov D. V. Human herpesvirus infections: a guide for physicians. – St. Petersburg: SpecLit, 2013 – 670 p.
7. Lutsenko MT, Gorikov IN Some information about the morphology of herpesviruses and their properties. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/nekotorye-svedeniya-o-morfologii-gerpes-virusov-i-ih-svoystvah (date of access: 04/09/2020).
8. Zuykova I. N., Shulzhenko A. E., Kuzmin V. N. Recurrent herpes. A new approach to treatment. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/retsidiviruyuschiy-gerpes-novyy-podhod-k-lecheniyu (date of access: 09.04.2020).
9. Kalinina NM, Davydova NI The role of immunotropic therapy in increasing the effectiveness of the treatment of herpesvirus infections. // Terra Medica. – 2009 – No. 1 (56). – P.17-22.

Herpes on the lips, causes, symptoms, how herpes on the lips is transmitted

Methods of treatment

Rashes of a viral, allergic or mechanical nature will require different methods of treatment. At the same time, it is very important that the treatment be carried out in a complex way, since it is not enough to eliminate only the external manifestations of the disease. It is necessary to influence the causes of herpes on the lips. For this, the following treatment scheme is used:0003

• general strengthening of immunity;
• elimination of the cause of the disease – a viral strain or an allergen;
• treatment of rashes with healing ointments and gels;
• prophylactic sanitation of the oral mucosa;
• if necessary – taking antiviral or antihistamines, antibiotics.

For a speedy recovery, you need to adjust your lifestyle – temporarily give up sour and salty foods, alcohol, and smoking. It is important to avoid hypothermia, excessive workloads, lack of sleep, stress. During the treatment of herpes, you should carefully follow the rules of oral hygiene, as the accumulated bacteria can provoke a relapse.

How dangerous is the disease?

The disease itself does not pose a particular threat to health. However, it is very important to understand why herpes appears on the lips, especially if it happens more than once every six months. It is a kind of indicator of the state of the body. Rashes may indicate serious health problems that are still in the development stage. Among them may be:

• pathological weakening of the immune system;
• skin diseases;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• dysfunction of the organs of the reproductive system;
• problems with excretory channels, liver and kidneys.

You should also be wary if herpes always manifests itself without any prerequisites – past viral diseases, injuries, concomitant allergic reactions. This may indicate a general deterioration in the state of the body caused by overwork, stress, malnutrition, lack of physical activity.

How is herpes on the lips transmitted?

The viral nature of the disease leads to the fact that even a person with good health can become infected, especially if he is constantly in contact with the carrier of the strain. Transmission of the disease is carried out during everyday communication, and direct physical interaction is not necessary. You can catch the herpes virus under the following circumstances:

• sharing cutlery – cups, forks and spoons, drinking straws;
• with one towel, contact with bed linen;
• through touching the skin of an infected person or objects with which he interacted;
• by airborne droplets during talking or sneezing;
• through kisses.

The risk of infection is significantly reduced if a person who does not have herpes has a strong immune system. However, frequent contact with the patient can lead to the development of the disease due to the number of viruses that attack the body. Often, pathology develops at the site of microtraumas of the mucous membranes – after burns, biting, visiting a dentist or cosmetologist.

Prevention of herpes on the lips

It is known that any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Herpes is no exception. Despite the fact that it is often due to internal causes, the development of the disease is impossible without the entry of the virus from the outside. Therefore, the prevention of pathology should be carried out comprehensively. To prevent illness, the following measures are necessary: ​​

• careful observance of personal hygiene rules, washing hands with warm water and soap;
• frequent washing and ironing of fabric items – towels, pillowcases, table napkins;
• use of individual lip cosmetics;
• washing dishes with hot water using detergents;
• limiting contact with carriers of the virus for the period of exacerbation of the disease;
• regular immunity support.

In order to help the body’s defenses cope with threats, it is necessary to lead a correct lifestyle. Its main components are a balanced varied diet, the alternation of work and rest, moderate physical activity, and enough sleep. In addition, nervous shocks and depressions should be avoided whenever possible.

What does herpes on the lips look like after treatment?

With the right selection of therapeutic agents, the disease disappears within 7-10 days. Depending on how difficult the healing process was, its results may vary slightly. On the mucous surface of the lips, herpes usually does not leave marks, since the cells in this zone have a high ability to regenerate. On the outer side of the mouth and adjacent areas of the skin may appear:

• brown or reddish crusts that fall off on their own within 3-5 days after healing;
• pinkish or beige scars that take about a week to disappear completely;
• lumps of a natural color or a tone lighter than the surrounding skin – most often they appear after a complicated long-term course of the disease.

The appearance of the scars is also related to what causes herpes on the lips. Often, thermal burns or mechanical damage in themselves can leave scars and pigmented areas of the skin.