Any rashes on the face are not only an aesthetic problem, but also a "bell", indicating possible failures and pathologies. A rash that periodically appears in the same place requires special attention. Herpes on the chin is a rather rare form of localization of the disease. However, its appearance indicates the presence of a pathogen virus in the body that requires immediate treatment.
Why on the chin?
The herpetic virus can penetrate the human body through the mucous membranes and injured skin of any location. The integrity of the skin creates a powerful barrier, but once the virus gets into the area where there is damage or scratches, it is quietly located in the cells of tissues, multiplies and captures nearby structures.
Primary infection is characterized by a confident capture of the surface layer of skin cells by the virus. Cells begin to die, releasing toxins, which cause a feeling of discomfort at the site of a future rash. In the case of a pathogen meeting with a process of a nerve cell, the latter is also affected by the capture scheme. However, for the herpetic particle to settle in the nerve cell, it needs to get to the spine, where the neurons are located.
With the complete capture of neurons, the body's defense system is no longer able to get rid of the pathogen. Here it is securely "hidden". During infection of a nerve cell, the body manages to develop immunoglobulins that resist herpetic particles. Acting, antibodies relieve the patient from specific rashes, while simultaneously destroying the newly formed pathogens.
From this moment, the herpes virus is constantly in the body. Weakening of the immune response or other adverse factors provoke the approach of viral particles to the surface of the skin and damage to the areas innervated by the infected nerve cell. This explains the possibility that herpes will appear on the chin, cheeks, lips, or other areas of damage the next time .
Contributing factors
Adverse factors affecting the body, in their own form, cannot cause the disease. Herpes on the chin, the reasons for which lie in the infection with the herpetic virus, develops at the moment of the appearance of favorable conditions for reproduction and the emergence of the causative agent on the skin surface. These factors include:
- hypothermia of the body ;
- colds or acute respiratory viral diseases;
- chronic fatigue;
- frequent depressive states or stress;
- the transition of chronic diseases to the acute phase;
- alcohol abuse;
- surgical interventions;
- HIV infection
- organ transplantation.
Clinical picture
Herpes on the chin, the photo of which is presented to readers, has practically no specific symptoms, in comparison with other localization of the lesion. Coarser skin than in the lip area explains the absence of the prodromal phase. Tingling and itching, preceding the rash, are not noticeable.
An area of redness and inflammation immediately appears, and after a few hours - a large number of small watery blisters, which is accompanied by severe itching. Elements of the rash merge with each other, and their contents become milky. In parallel, regional lymph nodes increase.
After several days, the bubbles open, freeing themselves from the fluid, and sores form. Itching is replaced by soreness, aggravated by palpation. Crusts form on the surface of the sores. Within two weeks, all visible signs of the disease disappear.
There are known cases of fever, a feeling of weakness, fatigue, the appearance of toothache and headache. Such symptoms allow you to think about the defeat of the trigeminal virus. Manifestations and the possibility of relapse depend on the state of the body's immune defense.
Diagnostics
Herpes on the chin, the treatment of which should begin as early as possible, requires differential diagnosis. It is necessary to distinguish between herpetic manifestations from ordinary acne. A dermatologist prescribes an enzyme immunoassay to determine the presence of antibodies to the virus in human blood.
The level of immunoglobulins allows you to determine the type of pathogen and the presence of immunity to it, and their number allows you to assess the state of the antiviral immune response. Interpret the results should be solely specialist. After clarifying the diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to quickly cure herpes on the chin or in other areas of the body.
Principles of Therapy
The treatment of rashes on the chin requires a longer treatment, since most medications are effective at the prodromal phase, and in this case it is almost impossible to determine its presence. Headache and toothache, soreness in the affected area require the use of analgesics - this is “Analgin”, “Ketalong”, “Ketanov”. Antipyretic drugs are used if the temperature rises above +38 o C.
As you know, it is impossible to get to the pathogen itself in order to completely destroy it, however, the use of antiviral agents can reduce the activity of herpetic virions. Bubbles filled with liquid are treated with drying disinfectants (oxolinic or zinc ointment). Alternative remedies for the disease and vitamin preparations are also used.
Antiviral drugs
The use of the following antiviral agents allows you to remove herpes on the chin:
- "Acyclovir" - the drug is available in tablet form and as an ointment for topical application. The sooner therapy is started, the higher the likelihood of accelerating the healing process and delaying the period of relapse. "Acyclovir" is prescribed to patients from the age of two. Pregnant women and women during lactation, the drug is contraindicated. The simultaneous use of both tablets and ointments is allowed.
- Ointment "Zovirax" is a derivative of acyclovir. Used for local therapy.
- "Famvir" is used against herpes viruses resistant to the action of acyclovir. The treatment regimen is selected individually by a dermatologist.
- "Valtrex" is an acyclovir-based agent used against herpes simplex. It is advisable that the initiation of therapy occur in the prodromal period of the disease. It is shown from 12 years old, and pregnant women can use it under the supervision of a doctor.
- "Tromantadine" contains the substance amantadine. Its effectiveness is based on the inhibition of pathogen activity.
Drug Complexes
Since it is impossible to cure herpes on the chin, but you can only remove its manifestations, you should take time to strengthen the immune system. This will reduce the number of exacerbations of the disease. Multivitamin complexes, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, are an excellent choice. They also include trace elements, in particular zinc, which reduces the likelihood of relapse.
Herpes on the chin, as in other affected areas, requires the use of B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Reception of these substances within three days of the prodromal period allows you to minimize the amount of virus in the body. Vitamin E is applied to the rash zone to stop soreness and a feeling of itching, tingling.
The use of eleutherococcus, ginseng, mummy, pantocrine and echinacea has a stimulating effect. Means activate the production of white blood cells and take part in the restoration of damaged cells. All of the above substances are available in the form of alcohol tinctures, tablet formulations and extracts.
Expert Advice
- Do not supercool. Dress for the weather.
- Practice hardening, starting the procedure gradually, with room numbers.
- Do not overheat in the sun.
- Do not get involved in alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
- In the spring-autumn period, take vitamin complexes and the required number of trace elements.
- Timely treat foci of chronic infection in the body.
- Use condoms for sexual intercourse, including oral-genital.
- Avoid kisses and bodily contact with herpetic eruptions on the face or in the genital area. This applies to both partners.
- Do not use common utensils.
Conclusion
Herpes on the chin is a rare manifestation of the disease, but just as unpleasant. It should be remembered that once settled in the body, the virus cannot be destroyed. However, everyone is able, using advice and instructions, to prevent its penetration into the body or to learn to coexist peacefully with it.