“Cold on the lips”: we advise the buyer

Many people are familiar with such an expression as cold sore lips. It is usually used when a bubble with transparent contents forms in the lip area, which subsequently bursts and the affected area becomes covered with a crust. Cold sores are an infectious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. The source of infection can be infected people, both with and without pronounced signs of herpes. Cold on the lips is not limited to the presence of the virus only in this area. In patients herpes virus detected in body fluids such as blood (including menstrual fluid), urine, nasal discharge and tear ducts, vaginal secretions, amniotic fluid and semen. How the virus is transmitted and how to treat herpes is discussed in this article.

How to get rid of herpes: the most effective ointments.

June 30, 2022
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Content

• Which ointment for herpes to choose
• Herpes symptoms
• How to treat herpes
• The best ointments for herpes
• Oksolin
• Herpferon
• Zovirax
• Fenistil Pencivir
• Panavir-gel
• Erazaban
• Herperax
• Alpizarin

We are sure that everyone has had herpes (popularly known as a cold on the lips) at least once in their life. Moreover, almost 100% of the world's population has the herpes virus in their bodies. But for the majority, it seems to be “dormant,” and as soon as the immune system weakens, the body becomes hypothermic, or the time comes for seasonal ARVI, herpes becomes more active. Moreover, sores on the lips are the most harmless version of herpes.

Based on the recommendations of doctors, we have compiled a list of effective and safe ointments for the quick treatment of herpes on the lips. But you need to understand that any remedy for herpes has contraindications, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before treatment.

Provocateurs of herpes infection

Colds on the lips rarely have an acute form; a chronic course of the disease is much more common. According to WHO, approximately 70% of people around the world are infected with the herpes simplex virus and about 10-20% of patients experience various symptoms of herpes infection. Exacerbations of chronic herpes occur for a number of reasons. The main factors that lead to relapse are emotional and physical stress, hypothermia, sexual intercourse, menstruation in women, concomitant diseases (ARVI, including influenza), ultraviolet radiation and others.

Which ointment for herpes to choose

There are many drugs for herpes in the pharmacy, although they all have the same active ingredient - acyclovir (or its more modern analogues). But it is worth considering that ointments for herpes, even with the same active substance, can act on the body differently, because a lot depends on the quality of purification of this substance. If you have herpes on your lips and are planning to buy ointment, consider the following parameters:

1. Age.
   Each active substance has its own parameters according to the age from which it is allowed to be used. Acyclovir, for example, is contraindicated under 18 years of age. Penciclovir can be used from the age of 16; a doctor can prescribe valacyclovir from the age of 12.
2. Tendency to allergies.
   In addition to the main active ingredient, auxiliary agents (preservatives, dyes, flavors) are also added to the preparations. These components can cause allergic reactions with unpredictable manifestations. Before using ointment for herpes (especially on the face or intimate area), do a skin test on your wrist and see how it reacts.

Do not forget that many drugs are prohibited for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But there is one drug for herpes that can be used during these periods - Gevisosh .

, the active substance of which is epervudine.

Gevisosh

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Germany

An antiviral agent that is active against the Herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus.
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Herpes virus (how does infection occur) –

Initially, children are born with immunity to the herpes virus - thanks to the antibodies that each child receives from the mother (even during pregnancy). However, gradually the number of antibodies decreases, and usually in the period from 6 months to 3 years maximum, the child develops a primary herpes infection. It usually occurs in the form of primary herpetic gingivostomatitis. And in the future, the herpes virus remains in the body for life, periodically exacerbating.

How is herpes transmitted?

The best remedy for herpes is certainly its prevention, but below we will also talk about special ointments and tablets. You should know that contact is the main route for transmission of herpes infection; Airborne transmission is more rare. Contact transmission means that infection with the herpes virus occurs:

• through kisses and touches,
• when you use personal items that have been in contact with a person with herpes or simply a “carrier”,
• for example, you dried yourself with someone else's towel,
• for example, you tasted your child's food with his spoon,
• for example, you eat with someone from the same plate, etc.

The most contagious are people who have clinical manifestations of herpes - we are talking about whole or newly opened herpetic vesicles. Keep in mind that the risk of infection does not disappear once crusts form, but only decreases slightly. Modern research shows that infection with herpes is possible even from a clinically completely healthy person.

Important: in approximately 10% of people, the herpes virus is constantly detected in the saliva (even against the background of the complete absence of any symptoms of herpes).

What causes relapses of herpes -

After the initial infection, the herpes virus penetrates the nerve cells, then it spreads along the nerve trunks, ultimately ending up in the nerve ganglia. There it remains for life - in the form of a “dormant infection”.

Under the influence of certain triggering factors, the virus is activated and again moves along the nerve trunks to the surfaces of the skin and/or mucous membranes - where it causes the formation of herpetic vesicles (vesicles). Relapses can occur 1 or 2 times a year, but sometimes much more often, which ultimately depends on the state of your immune system and nervous system.

Factors that cause recurrence of herpes –

• contact with a person with clinical manifestations of herpes,
• decreased immunity due to influenza or ARVI,
• immunodeficiency states,
• hypothermia, dehydration,
• physical fatigue and emotional stress,
• cuts and scratches on the skin, for example after shaving,
• after a visit to the dentist (due to the fact that when the mouth is opened wide for a long time, cracks form in the corners of the mouth),
• after invasive cosmetic procedures,
• during menstruation in women,
• prolonged exposure to the sun.

Herpes symptoms

The herpes virus has several types. The most common type 1 herpes virus occurs - it usually appears on the upper half of the body (face, hands). The second type of herpes virus is genital. How does the herpes virus manifest itself:

• burning and tingling in those places where bubbles with liquid will later appear;
• wounds form in place of the bubbles;
• Sometimes with herpes, fever, swollen lymph nodes or sore throat are possible.

Well, since the virus does not disappear from the body, you need to be prepared for relapses as soon as the immune system weakens.

How does herpes manifest?

In medicine, it is customary to distinguish 5 stages of the development of herpes simplex: 1. The first stage occurs when blisters appear. It manifests itself as burning and itching in the lip area, and its swelling. 2. The second stage begins with the appearance of bubbles. At first small, they grow and fill with clear liquid. After a couple of days the liquid becomes cloudy. 3. The third stage of the disease is characterized by rupture of the vesicles. In place of the burst blisters, ulcers with swelling form. This stage is dangerous due to the development of complications. The person at this moment is very contagious. 4. In the fourth stage, the ulcers become covered with a dense crust. 5. At the fifth stage, the crusts dry out and fall off. The symptoms go away. The person becomes no longer contagious.

How to treat herpes

Herpes can go away on its own, without any treatment, but if the wounds do not go away for a long time or they are large, you will have to use some medications.

1. Antiviral agents.
   Similar drugs against herpes come in tablets and ointments with an analgesic effect. The active ingredient in herpes medications is acyclovir and its analogues, which block the DNA of the virus and stop its reproduction. But medications for herpes are still unable to cure it completely.
2. Ointments for wound healing.
   The most popular wound healing ointments today are based on panthenol (vitamin B5). Such ointments for herpes are used as soon as the blisters have opened to speed up the healing process of wounds.
3. Drying agents.
   Among the most famous and accessible ointments with a drying effect is zinc ointment, which, among other things, relieves inflammation and is a good antiseptic. By the way, for herpes you can use several remedies from these three groups at once, but before that you need to consult a doctor.

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 his infection until the first vesicle appears on the lips.

But it is quite easy to detect it in a laboratory. For this, the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method 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 you examine antibodies, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is considered the most reliable. The body of the infected person begins to produce protective immunoglobulins G and M. IgM antibodies appear immediately after infection, and IgG antibodies are formed only after the first relapse.

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

The best ointments for herpes

Our rating includes the most effective ointments for herpes, which are often prescribed by doctors. From accessible, cheap to more expensive, but equally helpful. Choose any one after consulting with your doctor, and remember this important advice: the sooner you start treatment, at the very first symptoms, the faster the herpes will go away.

Read also Review of popular drugs against thrush The most popular drugs against thrush for internal and external use

Oksolin

This antiviral non-hormonal inexpensive ointment is recommended for chickenpox, rashes and herpes of the first and second types. A white ointment with a uniform consistency and specific odor is indicated for external use only. The active ingredient in ointment for herpes, oxolin, perfectly fights viruses, penetrating inside viral cells and destroying them. Oxolinic ointment acts on the DNA of the virus, stopping its reproduction. You need to smear wounds from herpes with “Oxolin” several times a day until complete recovery.

Oksolin

OJSC "Lubnyfarm", Ukraine

The active ingredient of Oxolinic ointment is oxolin, which has antiviral activity against the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus.
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Herpferon

The active ingredients of this herpes ointment are interferon alpha-2b and acyclovir. In addition, "Gerpferon", unlike other similar products, contains lidocaine, which perfectly anesthetizes the area affected by herpes. By the way, “Gerpferon” is suitable for treating herpes on the oral mucosa. As for the use of this ointment for herpes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is no data on this, so it is better to consult a doctor. Reviews about Gerpferon ointment are positive, but many patients note its high cost.

Herpferon

Firn M, Russia

primary and recurrent herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
genital herpes; herpes zoster. from 213

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Zovirax

Zovirax is perhaps the most popular ointment for herpes. The active ingredient in Zovirax is acyclovir. And to make the product more gentle on the skin and mucous membranes, propylene glycol, glycerin and other components are also added to the composition. Despite the higher price than regular Acyclovir, patients often choose Zovirax as an effective remedy for herpes that quickly gets rid of the problem.

Zovirax

GlaxoSmithKline, France

Antiviral agent for the treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, incl.
herpes lips from 162

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Fenistil Pencivir

One of the most effective remedies against herpes. The active ingredient in Fenistil Pencivir cream is penciclovir, which is considered safer than acyclovir. Penciclovir is an analogue of acyclovir, but more modern, with virtually no side effects. Fenistil Pencivir can be used by pregnant women (but only if the prescription is approved by the doctor!). You need to apply the herpes cream about eight times a day. Fenistil Pencivir does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, like many similar herpes remedies. This cream is odorless, does not leave marks on clothes and is suitable for children over 12 years of age. But they cannot be used to treat the mucous membranes and skin around the eyes.

Fenistil pencivir

Novartis Pharma Services AG (Novartis Pharma), Switzerland

- recurrent herpes simplex localized on the lips (herpes labialis).
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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 entered the active stage, but you can strive to prevent the spread of the virus and minimize its manifestation.

Prevention of herpes consists of following basic sanitary and hygienic recommendations:

• keep your hands clean;
• use personal hygiene items;
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people with active disease.

If exacerbations occur frequently, this is a signal that the immune system needs help: it may be necessary to take a long-term antiviral drug 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 lip area 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 further spread of the viral infection and reduce the number of relapses.

Medical expert: Oleg Sergeevich Shchekin

Last updated: July 21, 2022

List of sources

1. Peradze Kh. D., Sukhoruk A. A. Features of herpes viruses. // 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/ru/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus (access date: 04/09/2020).
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. Viruses of the herpes family and immunity. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/virusy-semeystva-gerpesa-i-immunitet (date of access: 04/09/2020).
6. Isakov V. A., Arkhipova E. I., Isakov D. V. Human herpesvirus infections: a guide for doctors. – St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2013 – 670 p.
7. Lutsenko M. T., Gorikov I. N. Some information about the morphology of herpes viruses 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. Zuikova 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: 04/09/2020).
9. Kalinina N. M., Davydova N. I. The role of immunotropic therapy in increasing the effectiveness of treatment of herpesvirus infections. // Terra Medica. – 2009 – No. 1(56). – P.17-22.

Panavir-gel

This herpes remedy is the only one on our list that comes in gel form rather than ointment form. The main advantage of Panavir Gel is that it is created on a plant basis; it is a homeopathic drug. Its active ingredient is not acyclovir, as in other herpes remedies, but an extract of potato shoots. Therefore, if you are allergic to acyclovir and its analogues and are looking for a gentle remedy for herpes, Panavir-gel is just such a medicine.

Panavir-gel

Zelenaya oakbrava JSC, Russia

Panavir-gel is an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, the indications for which are: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus types I and II, incl.
genital herpes. from 121

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Forms of herpetic infection

There are several forms of herpes infection. The bullous form of herpes is characterized by the appearance of blisters that can reach the size of a plum. The abortive form occurs without the formation of a blistering rash, and at the site of the lesion there is swelling and small cone-shaped elevations above the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. The most severe forms of herpes are ulcerative, ulcerative-necrotic and gangrenous. They are characterized by the appearance of vesicles with hemorrhagic contents, the appearance of long-term non-healing deep ulcers that leave scars. The development of the gangrenous form occurs in people weakened by any diseases, as well as in elderly patients with gastric ulcers, diabetes mellitus and other concomitant pathologies.

Erazaban

Herpes ointment "Erazaban" perfectly treats and heals herpetic rashes. The active ingredient in herpes ointment, docosanol, effectively fights the herpes simplex virus. The good thing is that Erazaban ointment, when applied externally, does not penetrate the bloodstream and does not affect the functioning of the body. This ointment is prescribed at the first manifestations of herpes on the skin and mucous membranes. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of herpes, which often recurs in patients with reduced immunity.

Erazaban

Bausch & Lomb, Germany

Infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1, including herpes labialis.
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Remedies for herpes on the lips

One of the most famous INN (International Nonproprietary Name) used to treat herpes is acyclovir. It is included as the main component in most drugs that are developed to combat this disease; it is able to suppress the reproduction of the virus and cope with the acute phase of the disease. But now, more and more often, doctors are registering cases where the virus does not respond to acyclovir and treatment does not bring the expected result * This means that “colds” on the lips will appear again and again.

Most often, acupressure agents in the form of ointment, cream or gel are used for treatment. The ointment is available in a form containing a higher amount of fat. Cream is a form whose base contains oils, water and an emulsifier that allows them to interact. The depth of penetration of the active substance is usually less than that of an ointment. And the gel has a soft and viscous consistency of a water-based product that does not contain fats and oils, so it manifests its properties most quickly on the mucous membranes.

The drugs are applied to the area affected by the blistering rash, and thereby stop the process of reproduction of virus particles. The result is a cessation of the spread of infection, which prevents the emergence of new foci of the disease.

When selecting a medicine, it is necessary to remember that effective drugs aimed at combating the herpes virus have the following characteristics:

• affect both the reproduction of the virus and immunity indicators;
• relieve unpleasant symptoms such as burning, itching, soreness;
• prevent skin dissemination (limit the spread of the virus through the skin);
• quickly and almost completely absorbed;
• accelerate the formation of crusts, reduce the healing time of rashes;
• do not affect healthy cells.

Many antiviral drugs (usually based on acyclovir) are contraindicated for the treatment of children under a certain age, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. One of the exceptions is the antiviral drug VIFERON Gel, which is produced in the form of a homogeneous, opaque and gel-like mass of white color with a grayish tint. When applied to the skin, mucous membrane and tonsils, the gel forms a thin protective layer, which prevents the penetration of viruses and also strengthens local immunity.

Herperax

This herpes ointment for external use is also not absorbed into the blood and does not have a systemic effect on the body. The active ingredient in Herperax ointment is acyclovir, which successfully fights the herpes simplex virus. The product affects only those cells that are affected by herpes. "Herperax" is a very effective drug, therefore it is often prescribed by doctors. It is noteworthy that this ointment for herpes can be used in children from birth.

Herperax

Micro Labs Limited, India

Herperax is an antiviral drug whose active substance is acyclovir.
Thymidine kinase in virus-infected cells actively converts acyclovir through a series of sequential reactions into acyclovir mono-, di- and triphosphate. The latter interacts with viral DNA polymerase and is integrated into the DNA that is synthesized for new viruses. Thus, defective viral DNA is formed, which leads to suppression of the replication of new generations of viruses. Acyclovir is active against Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Bar virus and cytomegalovirus. from 50

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Alpizarin

Anti-herpes ointment for external use has virtually no side effects and is not addictive. "Alpizarin" is prescribed to children from 1 year old, because it is non-toxic. In addition to herpes, this ointment is effective against cytomegalovirus and paramyxoviruses. “Alpizarin” not only inhibits the virus itself, but also stimulates the production of interferon gamma in the body, thus increasing the resistance of the immune system to viral diseases. Thanks to this complex action, Alpizarin is prescribed to adults and children not only for herpes, but also for any viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as for herpes zoster.

Alpizarin ointment