Herpes labial (cold on the lips): causes, treatment

Herpes labial is considered one of the most common viral diseases. About him wrote the ancient Greek Aesculapius. The people often call it a cold on the lips and try to fight in all possible ways. More than half of the world's population is infected with the herpes virus, but only 7% have clinical manifestations. What else is remarkable about this pathology?

Features of the disease

Herpes labial is an acute infectious disease that manifests itself in the form of inflammatory formations. Its main localization is the lips and the closest zones to the face. Sometimes the symptoms of the pathology appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose. The virus of herpes simplex acts as the causative agent of the infection . Getting into the body, it remains in it forever. Penetration occurs airborne, as well as contact-household way.

The main causes of infection

Most of the cases of infection with the herpes virus occur at a younger age. By 3-4 years the antibodies received from the mother are already finishing their operation, and their own do not cope with the assigned functions. After penetration, the virus gradually accumulates in the body. The infection itself is primary (in transmission from a sick person) or secondary (activation of existing pathogens) form. In any case, the main cause of the development of an ailment is the creation of favorable conditions for the vital activity of the virus due to a decrease in immunity.

Herpes labial is triggered by the awakening of a latent infection or newly infiltrated viruses, if conditions exist for their pathogenic activity. The following factors can lead to the development of the inflammatory process:

• Frequent hypothermia;
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• Severe stress or psychological stress;
• Catarrhal diseases ;
• Alcohol abuse;
• Complicated pregnancy;
• immunodeficiency.

Against the background of suppression of the body's defenses, the virus gradually rises through the nerve channels, provoking multiple foci of inflammation on the skin.

How to recognize the disease yourself?

Herpes labial does not carry a threat to human life. However, the disease delivers aesthetic discomfort, knocking out of the usual ruts for several days. Usually the initial stage of the inflammatory process develops asymptomatically. Some people have fever, there is pain while swallowing and irritability. About the next day the main symptoms of infection begin to manifest. The course of the disease is divided into several stages:

1. First there is itching, the skin in the lesions swells, there is a feeling of tightness. Symptoms of general intoxication of the body are also characteristic for this period.
2. In the second stage, small bubbles appear on the lips with a liquid inside. Their diameter varies from 1 to 3 mm. If the herpes is not treated for a long time, the vesicles can spread to the face or neck.
3. After about three days the vesicles burst, their contents come out. It is important to prevent further spread of the liquid on the skin, in each drop of which a whole bunch of herpes viruses is contained. In the place of the vesicle, a sore is formed. On the lip, the wounds quickly dry out, are covered with a brown crust. The fight against the symptoms of the disease usually lasts about two weeks. All this time, new bubbles may appear.
4. Recovery comes after the crusts dry and fall off. Herpes affects only the dermis, therefore scars after it do not remain.

Relapses of the disease are very common (up to 10 times a year). If you do not engage in treatment and neglect the measures of prevention, the probability of complications increases. Among them, the most dangerous are immune deficiency and neoplasms of various etiologies.

Medication

At the initial stage of the development of the disease, it is advisable to use special antiherpetic drugs. Among them, the most effective are "Acyclovir", "Panavir", "Zovirax". They are available in the form of ointments and creams. On the affected area of the skin is recommended to apply a few times a day until the symptoms disappear completely.

In the diagnosis of "labial herpes" treatment should appoint a doctor, taking into account the overall clinical picture of the patient. It is impossible to completely overcome the disease, so it is important to engage in periodic prevention and strengthening of immunity. For these purposes, vitamin complexes and restorative drugs are prescribed.

The help of traditional medicine

Many people's lives are poisoned by the common cold on the lips. Treatment at home with labial herpes can reduce puffiness and discomfort. The most accessible method of all known is to apply ice to the lesion focus. If you start the procedures for the first symptoms, the sores will not be so painful. Reduce the inflammation helps moist tea bags. They contain a large amount of tannins, which relieve irritation and fight infection. Apply such a packet is recommended every two hours for several minutes.

Crusts will go down much faster if the place of the lesion is lubricated with petroleum jelly or any nutritious cream. You can also use olive oil. Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect has many herbal infusions. Especially they are useful in labial herpes, also known as cold on the lips. Treatment at home implies the use of compresses. For example, a decoction of chamomile or calendula promotes rapid regeneration of the skin in the affected area.

Labial herpes virus and pregnancy

To some extent, the child is a foreign body for the female body. To reduce the probability of rejection of the fetus, nature suppresses the immunity of the expectant mother. Therefore, in women during pregnancy, it is often possible to meet the symptoms of labial herpes. Ulcer on the lip, fever and itching are frequent companions of the fair sex in anticipation of the baby. Sometimes the disease is transformed into genital herpes.

What is dangerous for the fetus? If a woman was infected before the conception, she managed to develop immunity, so the child is under his protection. When a pregnant woman is infected with herpes during pregnancy, the virus can spread through the body and penetrate the baby through the placenta. However, this condition is not mandatory. A child can appear absolutely healthy. In case of infection in the third trimester, the probability of stillbirth is high enough. That is why before conception all women are recommended to undergo a full examination, and if necessary, a course of treatment.

Preventive measures

How to prevent labial herpes? Symptoms of this disease interfere with the habitual way of life of a person, because the bubbles and sores on the lips create an aesthetic discomfort. The main role in the prevention of pathology belongs to the strengthening of immunity. It is necessary to adhere to an active lifestyle and eat right, do not forget about moderate physical exertion. During the epidemic of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, it is better to avoid crowded places.

Herpes disease does not lend itself to complete cure. However, the number of relapses can be minimized if elementary prevention rules are followed. Each person has only one life, and the state of health depends only on caring for his own body.