Unfortunately, this phenomenon is familiar to almost every person living on Earth. In addition to the physical inconvenience that inevitably occurs with cold sores (itching, a feeling of tightness and dry lips), the virus causes many psychological problems. Well, how, for example, you can appear on a date with a huge itchy bubble on the lips? And how to appear in society in general, because you have to constantly capture the views of others in your problem area, talk with people who can (and you and they are aware of this) become the next victim of herpes? In short, discomfort on all fronts.
According to scientific research, herpes on the lip is the most common type of herpes attack. It was proved that once penetrated into the human body , the herpes virus remains there, so there is no reason to hope for a complete and final surrender of the enemy. The only reasonable actions are treatment and prevention, which consists in quitting smoking, limiting the use of alcohol, coffee, tempering, rational nutrition - in a word, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What makes the virus wake up and start active actions? Herpes on the lip occurs when the immune system is weakened, therefore it is worth constantly strengthening the immune system, not to get cold in the winter and not to walk under the scorching sun in the summer, take vitamins, smile more often and have a good rest. Pregnancy, a change in the hormonal sphere, the inflammatory process, ultraviolet and, of course, omnipresent stress can provoke herpetic activity. Obviously, we can’t block the herpes virus forever, and we must be prepared for its attack.
Cold sores on the lip are caused by a simple type 1 virus (HSV-1). It is able to move along the skin (on the nose, eyelid, etc.), expanding the zone of "military operations".
It is transmitted by contact with a human carrier of the virus (for example, with kisses); upon contact with an infected surface (the virus can survive for some time outside the human host in a humid environment, at a 37-degree temperature, so you can easily catch the virus when using one makeup, when drinking from the same mug); by self-infection.
Herpes on the lip goes through a certain development cycle. At the first stage, tingling, burning sensation on the lips occurs, the area of the future sore constantly itches. The time interval is from several hours to one day.
At the second stage, swelling and redness of the lips occurs, the itching intensifies. Symptoms usually appear on the same day as the symptoms of the previous stage. The time interval is one / two days.
The third stage is characterized by the formation of vesicles, which, connecting with each other, form a large painful bladder filled with lymph. This occurs on the second day, and the virus constantly reminds itself of painful sensations.
The next stage is characterized by the formation of sores and pustules from the vesicles, which later take the form of a gray sore, around which a bright red rim is visible. A liquid containing viruses is released from the sore, so this period is most dangerous in terms of infection.
Approximately by the fourth day (in the interval of 4-9 days), the sore begins to dry out, a crust forms on it. The pain gradually subsides, which can not be said about the itch. Some parts of the crust may fall away, and an open painful place begins to bleed. Gradually, the sore becomes smaller.
In the next stage, which lasts about two days (from 9 to 11), the wound heals and heals (herpes is eliminated). The virus is no longer dangerous.
Herpes gives her victim a lot of trouble, and if you take into account the fact that almost two weeks pass before recovery (the moment when the virus starts to doze again), the question of treatment comes to the fore.
How to treat cold sores on the lip? Most people rely on traditional medicine and use antiviral drugs (tablets, ointments, creams). Creams ("Penciclovir", "Herpeblock", "Zovirax") have proven themselves well. The cream is applied to the affected area several times a day with four-hour breaks. There is a huge list of antiherpetic creams on sale, and you can choose both an expensive or a cheap option. In addition, you need to consult a doctor and start taking vitamins.
As for the adherents of traditional medicine, they are focused on the use of medicinal herbs and plants. This is not to say that these are ineffective methods, by no means. But alternative methods of treatment have one drawback: if you just need to oint the ointment on the affected area and drink a pill, then alternative methods of medicine take longer to prepare, and the course of treatment usually lasts longer. In a word, it is easier for lazy people to turn to traditional medicine.
Herbalists treat cold sores on the lips with infusions of St. John's wort, mint, lemon balm, thyme. You can also use black or chamomile tea: dip a cotton swab in the cooled tea and apply it to the affected area several times a day. Effective in the treatment of cold sores on the lips of lemon juice with Kalanchoe, celandine juice. Juice several times a day lubricate the area attacked by the virus.
At the stage of bubble formation, ice is effective. A piece of ice wrapped in gauze should be applied to the lips and kept as long as possible (it is important not to overdo it so that there is no hypothermia).
Another method of combating herpes, offered by traditional medicine, is a zinc solution. Dissolve zinc sulfate (4 g) in boiled (cold) water and hold the solution in the affected area for half an hour.
You can use tincture of lemon balm: pour lemon balm leaves (10 g) with alcohol and insist for several days. Apply a cotton swab dipped in this solution to the lips.
Traditional medicine considers an ordinary egg shell an effective remedy for herpes . A piece of shell simply sticks to the affected area.
Aromatherapy can also be used. Mix 10 drops of thyme oil (or tea tree oil) with 2 teaspoons of lavender tincture and 4 tablespoons of water. Apply this mixture to the affected area three times a day.
Mix 3 teaspoons of lotion (or calendula oil) with eucalyptus, geranium and bergamot oil (4 drops each). Place the mixture in a dark glass bottle and store in a dark place. Apply to affected areas several times a day. After application, avoid direct sunlight for at least half an hour.