Herpes on the lips (cold). His photo and what are the causes of the disease?

More than 70% of Russians are infected with the herpes virus, but in most cases it does not pose any threat to health. The virus is relatively safe and becomes active only against a background of weakened immunity, especially in the autumn-winter period. It manifests itself in the form of a rash on the lips, genitals and other areas. As a rule, neoplasms go away on their own, but in some cases you may need to get help from a doctor.

How does primary infection occur?

Often, the initial infection with a herpes infection has no symptoms and is not noticeable. But it happens that complications appear along with herpes:

• gingivostomatitis - inflammation of the oral mucosa and gums;
• an increase in temperature, accompanied by the appearance of blisters and ulcers in the mouth;
• herpetic panaritium (inflammation of the finger tissue) - the infection can spread to the fingers if they are pulled into the mouth;
• rashes can occur throughout the oral cavity, affecting the gums, which turn red and bleed. The child refuses to eat because the process becomes painful.

Causes of herpes

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be transmitted through household contact. Airborne transmission is also possible.

The airborne route is the main route of infection with the varicella zoster virus.

Genital herpes and cytomegalovirus are transmitted sexually.

You can also become infected with herpes through blood or saliva. The virus can be transmitted through saliva through kissing. Small children who put things in their mouths every now and then are also very vulnerable. If at least one child in a children's group is infected, a rapid spread of the infection can be expected.

How to fight a “cold”?

If herpes appears for the first time or in a baby under 6 months, and the disease is accompanied by fever and affects not only the lips, then you need to consult a pediatrician for antiviral therapy.

Often recurrent infections go away on their own. But you can shorten their duration by using local antiherpetic agents (active ingredient acyclovir).

Ways to reduce discomfort:

• apply a cold compress to the area of ​​the rash;
• avoid sour and spicy foods;
• choose cool drinks;
• if there is severe pain, then use ibuprofen or paracetamol;
• Do not use products containing lidocaine due to possible side effects or overdose.

How to prevent the spread of the virus:

• it is important to ensure that the child does not scratch the rash and wash his hands;
• use individual dishes, towels, toothbrushes for a child with a herpes infection;
• during an exacerbation, you should not engage in contact sports;
• a child with a “cold” on his lips should not kiss other people.

Methods for diagnosing herpes

Diagnosis of herpes is carried out, first of all, on the basis of examination of the patient, since herpetic rashes have a certain specificity. However, your doctor may order laboratory tests. Laboratory tests can detect infection even in the absence of obvious manifestations.

Herpes test

Be prepared that if you suspect a herpes infection, the doctor will write a referral for a blood test, which will determine the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood. Based on the results of the analysis, it will be possible to judge not only the presence of the pathogen, but also its activity.

More information about the diagnostic method

Sign up for diagnostics To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.

Traditional medicine for swollen lips

Swelling on the lips is rarely expected; rather, it takes you by surprise. It’s good if your home medicine cabinet contains pharmaceuticals suitable for each specific case. The victim probably has the opportunity to go to both a doctor and a pharmacy. But what to do when your lip is swollen at night? It is advisable to react to damage as quickly as possible; you have to use improvised, “folk remedies”.

Traditional medicine suggests solving the problem of swollen lips as follows:

• aloe juice - finely chop or crush a large leaf of an adult aloe (over 3 years old) and squeeze out the juice, soak a cotton pad in the juice (or you can wrap the aloe pulp in gauze) and apply to the swelling for 15-20 minutes;
• a mixture of turmeric, Fuller's earth and water - the powders must be taken in equal quantities and diluted with a small amount of water to a paste-like state; apply to the swelling for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm running water;
• baking soda - form a paste-like substance from baking soda and a small amount of water and apply it to the damaged area of ​​​​the lips; after 10 minutes, rinse with cold water;
• honey - apply a thick layer of honey onto a cotton pad, apply to the swollen area for 20 minutes, rinse with cold water; repeat several times a day.

What should you know about treatment?

Whatever drug is offered for use, it is worth remembering that it will not be possible to cure herpes once and for all. Any medication can inhibit the replication of the virus, but they will not be able to eradicate the problem that is embedded in the DNA. Each time the immune system weakens, a favorable environment for the development of the disease will appear, and herpes will progress.

As for treatment, doctors most often recommend using the following drugs:

1. Acyclovir cream or ointment 5%. There are many analogues of the drug - Zovirax, Acyclovir-acri, Hexal, Sandoz. A distinctive feature of these medications is that they cost little, especially if they were produced in Russia. The downside is that the effectiveness of these funds will also be low. In addition, the drugs have distinctive features - they are suitable for every person, regardless of age, which cannot always be said about other medications. The main disadvantage of this drug is that more than 50% of viruses easily tolerate Acyclovir. In addition, it does not penetrate very well through the crust and skin on the lips and does not disperse into the tissues.
2. Fenistil-pentsivir. It is one of the most popular remedies aimed at combating this disease. The main substance is penciclovir. About 0.2% of bacteria are resistant to this substance, which increases the chances of recovery. This drug can only be used by patients over 12 years of age. The medication contains substances that will help speed up the absorption of the component through the crust, that is, it reaches the skin as much as possible. The advantage of the drug is that it blocks the reproduction of the virus for up to 48 hours after application. In fact, the medication accumulates in the tissues. Compared to the previous substance, the cost of this will be higher, up to 330 rubles.

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Could there be complications?

Yes, they can, and it’s worth knowing about them:

1. A serious complication is the manifestation of herpes in the eyes. This occurs because initially the patient may rub his lips with his hands, and then rub his eyes. In this case, infection occurs, most often the problem appears in young children. Treatment of the disease must be started immediately, because its further complication is possible. In rare cases, even complete blindness cannot be ruled out.
2. The appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth. In this case, it is necessary to resort to antifungal drugs, and not just to the treatment of herpes. The cure for the disease may take a long time.
3. The virus enters the oral mucosa. Most often it occurs in children, but manifestations are often found in adults. A negative consequence is erosion of the oral mucosa, redness of the gums and cheeks.
4. During illness, it is worth completely abstaining from oral sex. If this is not done, the result will be genital herpes in your partner.

Prevention

For those infected with herpesvirus type 1, it is generally almost impossible to completely avoid the appearance of cold sores on the lips. You can only reduce the risks of its occurrence due to reactivation of the virus. To do this, first of all, you should use the usual methods of maintaining immunity (a healthy lifestyle, a nutritious and varied diet, a minimum of stress, etc.). However, herpes on the lips can also occur unexpectedly, for no apparent reason.

Particular attention should be paid to prevention for infants and young children, since primary infection can have serious consequences due to imperfect immune defense. It is believed that it is most important to avoid too early infection with herpes viruses (which is almost inevitable later), for example, transmission of the virus from a nursing mother. If signs of a herpetic lesion appear in the mother or surrounding people, precautions should be taken: no close contact with a small child, stricter personal hygiene.

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Types of drugs

The main group of tablets recommended for the effective treatment of herpes includes four nucleosides with similar effects - acyclovir, penciclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. An impressive part of the preparations use one of the above substances as the main component. It should be noted that components such as valacyclovir and famciclovir are not active.

Their activation begins only after they enter the digestive tract, where the transformation process occurs. Valaciclovir is converted to acyclovir, and famciclovir is converted to penciclovir. The substances affect the DNA synthesis of the replicating virus without affecting the pathogen that is in a latent state.

Based on their composition, herpes tablets can be divided not only according to the main components, but also according to their special properties.

For targeted treatment, doctors use:

• Medicines of a narrow specialization, so-called antiherpetic drugs (Acyclovir, Valtrex, Zovirax);
• Medicines related to immunomodulators (Anaferon, Galavit);
• It is possible to use interferon-containing agents, but some experts question the advisability of their use (Reaferon);
• Drugs that stimulate the body's production of its own interferon. This treatment regimen helps increase the intensity of the immune response to the virus (Arbidol, Lavomax, Cycloferon).

Antiviral

Antiviral immunostimulating agents come in a wide variety and are prescribed to support immunity. Such drugs are recommended not only for herpetic infections; there can be a great many indications for starting use.

Immunomodulators and antiviral drugs have general indications and their scope of application:

• Herpes of varying severity;
• Preventive measures and seasonal therapy of respiratory diseases;
• Fighting viral hepatitis;
• Treatment of cytomegalovirus;
• In joint therapy of multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, viral eye damage;
• Chlamydia;
• Tuberculosis.

Immunomodulators

Support of the immune system, in the case of herpetic disease, is prescribed for relapses, extensive lesions that abundantly cover the patient’s skin and mucous membrane. The most popular medication is Isoprinosine; herpes medications containing this substance are also prescribed.

Symptoms and first signs

It is known that cancer begins to manifest itself at a time when it is too late to treat it. But if we are talking about lip cancer, then its first signs appear long before the formation of metastases.

Most often, patients complain:

1. For the appearance of a lump in the area of ​​the damaged part of the lip.
2. The seal causes some discomfort as it increases in size.
3. The top of the tumor is covered with a dense film, and when you try to remove it, severe pain occurs.
4. Gradually, the compaction grows and increases in size, involving new tissues in the pathological process.

When the process of metastasis begins, a person exhibits other, specific signs:

• lymph nodes enlarge, they lose their mobility;
• their pain on palpation is noted.

The process of eating is gradually disrupted. A person cannot chew food and takes it in liquid form, resulting in exhaustion. The patient loses weight, his body cannot fully absorb nutrients and vitamins.

initial stage

At the first stage of disease development, scanty manifestations of cancer may be present. The person is not bothered by anything at all or the symptoms are mild.

It is worth paying attention:

1. The appearance of a non-healing wound in the lip area. This could be a deep crack or ulcer that does not heal over a long period of time.
2. The edges of the wound become thicker and painful. Gradually the size of the damage decreases.
3. And the compaction grows, involving other tissues in the process.

Since tumor growth can be slow, it is recommended to pay attention to a wound that does not heal. It can bleed and secrete.

What should you know about the symptoms?

You can identify herpes diseases (photo) on the lip by searching for information on the Internet. Naturally, there are many examples of how this deviation looks and manifests itself. The doctor will be able to confirm it, as well as the results of the tests that were carried out. Such a disease can be easily identified by people who have previously suffered from it.

Let's look at what stages of herpes exist and how they will manifest themselves:

1. 1 day. The stage is called prodromal. At this stage, you can observe redness of the lips, itching, tingling, and discoloration of the skin on the lips. This stage takes several days in different cases. It is advisable to begin treatment at this stage, because it is possible to reduce both the duration of the disease and its severity.
2. Stages of inflammation. In most cases, it occurs on the first day immediately after the itching appears. In the affected area of ​​the skin, the virus begins to divide and multiply, a swelling appears on the lip, and not only redness, but also swelling occurs.
3. This stage appears somewhere on the second or third day. Large, hard blisters appear on the lips. They contain a clear liquid that will become cloudy. Touching damaged skin can be quite painful. It is in this place that the herpes virus accumulates; the fluid itself is very contagious.
4. The next stage is characterized by the bursting of bubbles. In fact, there is one large wet sore on the lip. Often at this time the body temperature increases and the lymph nodes begin to grow.
5. From 5 to 8 days, sores appear at the site of the wound. They can be brown or yellow. At this stage, the carrier is contagious, the disease is easily transmitted through liquid. The cracks may continue to ooze fluid containing herpes.
6. The next step can take from 8 days to 2 weeks. During this period, new skin appears on the lips, the crusts will peel off on their own. They must be endured and not torn off, otherwise new frames may appear later. The recovery period can vary markedly, depending on the stage at which treatment of the disease began.

Useful video

From this video you will learn how and with what you can quickly cure herpes:

Herpes inside the lip is more dangerous than outside. Treatment can be ineffective or very long, and it must be comprehensive.

The sooner this disease is eliminated, the less likely it is to develop serious complications.

Therefore, if you experience pain on the inside of your lips, you should definitely visit a dentist.

He specializes not only in the treatment of dental diseases, but can also recommend remedies for herpes, which manifests itself in the oral cavity.

Author of the article

ENT (otolaryngologist), 11 years of experience