Herpes on the lips – causes, symptoms, treatment. Herpes ointments

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Herpes on the lips, otherwise known as “cold”, is a common viral infection. These are small, fluid-filled blisters in and around the mouth. These blisters are often grouped in one place. When the blisters burst, a scab forms that can last for several days. Cold sores usually heal in two to three weeks without leaving a scar. Herpes is spread from person to person through close contact such as a kiss.

Herpes on the lips – what exactly is it?

Herpes on the lips are red, fluid-filled blisters that form near the mouth or other areas of the face. In rare cases, cold sores may appear on the fingers, nose or mouth. Usually they are clustered together in small groups. Cold sores can last for two weeks or more.

A common virus called herpes simplex virus (Herpes simplex virus – HSV) causes cold sores. Herpes on the lips can spread from person to person through close contact such as kissing. Wounds are contagious even if they are not visible. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold sores and it can come back without warning. Certain medications can be used to treat cold sores on the lips and prevent them from coming back.

Herpes on the lips – what causes it?

Herpes on the lips is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) usually causes labial herpes, a herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes.

The actual sores are similar in appearance to both forms of the virus. It is also possible that HSV-1 causes wounds on the genitals and HSV-2 causes wounds on the mouth.

Visible cold sores are contagious, but they can spread even if you can’t see them. You can get infected with the herpes simplex virus by contacting people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus. This can happen through kissing, sharing cosmetics, or sharing food. Oral sex can spread both cold sores and genital herpes.

Some people with the virus report more frequent outbreaks of the virus when their immune systems are weak, such as during illness or stress.

See also: Kissing and jaundice. What do they have in common?

Herpes on the lips – symptoms

If you have herpes on the lips, you may notice a tingling or burning sensation on the lips or face several days before the appearance of cold sores. This is the best time to start treatment.

Once the ulcer has formed, we will see a red blister full of fluid build up. Usually it will be painful and tender to the touch. It is worth adding that we may have more than one bladder.

Herpes on the lips last up to two weeks and will be contagious until it hardens. Our first cold sores may not appear until 20 days after contracting the herpes simplex virus.

One or more of the following symptoms may occur during sudden outbreaks of herpes:

1. fever;
2. muscle aches;
3. swollen lymph nodes.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any eye symptoms while developing cold sores. The herpes simplex virus can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Herpes on the lips – stages of herpes

Herpes on the lips go through five stages.

1. Stage 1: Tingling and itching occur approximately 24 hours before blisters appear.
2. Stage 2: Fluid-filled blisters appear.
3. Stage 3: The blisters burst, ooze and form painful wounds.
4. Stage 4: The wounds dry out and the scabs are itchy and cracking.
5. Stage 5: The scab comes off and the cold sores heal.

Herpes on the lips – risk factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, 90 percent of adults worldwide test positive for herpes simplex type 1 virus. Once we have the virus, certain risk factors can reactivate it, such as:

1. infection, fever or cold;
2. sun exposure;
3. stress;
4. HIV / AIDS or a weakened immune system;
5. menstruation;
6. severe burns;
7. eczema;
8. chemotherapy;
9. dental treatments.

We can get cold sores if we come in contact with herpes fluid when kissing, sharing food or drinks, or sharing personal care items such as toothbrushes and razors. If we come into contact with the saliva of someone who has the virus, we can contract the virus even if there are no visible blisters.

See also: Herpes is more dangerous than you think

Herpes on the lips – diagnosis

Our doctor will likely be able to tell if we have oral herpes by looking at the affected area. He may also take a herpes swab to test the fluid for the herpes simplex virus.

Herpes on the lips – complications

While complications with cold sores are rare, they can include:

1. Eye infections: The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) can spread to the eye when someone touches herpes and then touches the eye. If HSV-1 travels to the eye, it can cause HSV keratitis – a potentially serious infection of the cornea. Severe keratitis infections can lead to blindness.
2. genital ulcers: HSV-1 can spread to the genitals during oral sex, causing warts or ulcers in the genitals or the anus. Although people sometimes call it oral herpes, HSV-1 is not the same as HSV-2, the sexually transmitted virus that causes most genital herpes.

For some groups of people, cold sores on the lips can lead to serious complications. The following groups of people should get medical attention immediately if they have herpes:

1. Newborns: Babies under 6 months of age may experience complications such as high fever and seizures as their immune systems are not fully developed.
2. Immunocompromised people: Herpes simplex virus can lead to encephalitis (swelling of the brain) in people with a weakened immune system. If we have HIV or are undergoing chemotherapy, cold sores may be more severe and may take longer.
3. People with Eczema: The herpes simplex virus can cause a life-threatening infection called eczema herpes in adults and children with eczema. It’s important to see your doctor right away if you have eczema and develop cold sores.

See also: Symptoms of reduced immunity – this is how the body warns you

Herpes on the lips – treatment

There is no cure for oral cold sores, but some people with the herpes simplex virus rarely have an outbreak. When cold sores appear on the lips, there are several ways to treat them.

Herpes ointments and creams

When cold sores become troublesome, we may be able to control the pain and promote healing with antiviral ointments like penciclovir. Ointments are usually most effective if they are applied as soon as the first signs of pain appear. They will need to be applied four to five times a day for four to five days.

Docosanol (Docosanol) is another treatment option. It is an over-the-counter cream that can reduce the duration of your illness by hours or even a day. The cream should be applied several times a day.

Herpes medications on the lips

Oral herpes can also be treated with oral antiviral medications such as aciclovir (Zovirax), valaciclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir). These drugs are available only by prescription.

Our doctor may recommend taking antiviral medications on a regular basis if we have complications from herpes or if our attacks are frequent.

Herpes on the lips and home remedies

Symptoms can be alleviated by applying ice or a towel soaked in cold water to the wounds. Alternative treatments for herpes on the lips include the use of a lip balm with lemon extract.

Regular use of lysine supplements has been associated with less frequent cold sores in some people.

Aloe vera, the cooling gel found in the leaves of the aloe plant, can provide pain relief. Apply aloe vera gel or aloe vera lip balm to the cold sores on the lips three times a day.

Vaseline may not necessarily cure cold sores, but it can ease the discomfort. Vaseline prevents cracking. It also serves as a protective barrier against external irritants.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help dry and heal cold sores, but it can sting when applied. Scientists in one study showed that witch hazel has antiviral properties that can inhibit the spread of cold sores. Even so, it’s still unclear whether cold sores heal faster when it’s wet or dry.

However, remember to always apply home remedies, creams, gels or ointments on the lips with a clean cotton swab.

See also: Herpes and other viral diseases can be safely treated during pregnancy

Herpes on the lips and aphthae

Mouth ulcers and cold sores cause pain and discomfort, but that’s where the similarities end. Aphthas are ulcers that occur on the inside of the mouth, tongue, throat and cheeks. Usually these are flat changes. They are not contagious and are not caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Cold sores are usually found on the lips and outside of the mouth. It is very contagious. Herpes is raised and has a “vesicular” appearance.

See also: Oral diseases can lead to diabetes and heart attacks. How to prevent it?

Preventing the spread of herpes on the lips

To prevent spreading cold sores on the lips to others, wash your hands frequently and avoid skin contact with other people. Make sure we don’t share items that touch our lips, such as lip balm and eating utensils, when we have outbreaks. Also, wash your hands before touching your mouth, eyes or genitals.

We can prevent the herpes virus from reactivating by knowing the triggers and taking steps to prevent them.

1. If we have cold sores on our lips when we are out in the sun, let’s apply zinc oxide lip balm before soaking up some of the sun’s rays.
2. If cold sores occur every time we are stressed, practice stress management techniques such as meditation and journaling.
3. Avoid kissing anyone who has herpes, and do not have oral sex with anyone who has active genital herpes.

If we’ve been in contact with HSV-1 before, let’s do this to reduce the risk of a herpes outbreak:

1. Let’s take care of our health: a fever can cause cold sores on the lips.
2. Rest long enough: Fatigue weakens the immune system and increases the likelihood of getting sick.
3. Let’s apply an SPF lip balm: Protecting your lips from sunburn can help prevent cold sores from appearing on your lips.

If we have herpes, be careful with the children. Always wash your hands and never kiss your baby until the herpes has healed completely.

To prevent cold sores, it is important to properly care for your lips. We recommend HYDRATION Protective lipstick.

See also: Washing your hands can protect against viruses. How to do it effectively?