Most of the world's population is familiar with the nuisance associated with the appearance on the lips of one or more transparent bubbles. Some do not attach special importance to them. Others suffer from an annoying cosmetic defect and try to “fix” the matter with lipsticks. And few people wonder if herpes on the lips is transmitted to other people and what these harmless vesicles are fraught with. Let's try to clarify the situation a bit.
Insidious aggressor
Rashes on the lips provokes the herpes virus. It is microscopically small, but very insidious. Once in a completely healthy cell, herpes attaches to its membrane with its membrane. At this stage, he is still vulnerable, so he tries to isolate his DNA into the cytoplasm of the occupied cell as soon as possible and transport them to the human nerve nodes , the so-called ganglia. There, viral DNA invades the nucleus of a foreign cell and immediately begins to divide. Everything. From this point on, it is impossible to remove the virus. He remains in the host's body until his very last breath. Usually, there are no symptoms in the first few days after infection. In the future, rashes appear. Many people know what herpes looks like on her lips. This is one, often several bubbles, which can merge. They contain a clear liquid, teeming with young viruses. Bubbles itch, sometimes cause pain. Over time, they turn into a dark crust. If it is accidentally touched and torn off, blood is released.
Infection pathways
Unfortunately, not all people who have cold sores on their lips think about precautionary measures. How this "infection" is transmitted, not everyone knows and connects an unpleasant rash with a common cold. This is partly true. The herpes virus leads a cyclical life. That is, its active phases alternate with the phases of rest. The common cold is one of the factors that motivate him to work. Fortunately, the structure of herpes does not allow it to penetrate into the human body through intact skin. But if there are wounds on the hands, and a virus gets in them, for example, with saliva, infection is inevitable. Many care about whether herpes is transmitted through a kiss. Of course, transmitted. It can also be picked up through household items, for example, dishes that the patient used. At room temperature, the virus is active for 24 hours. A temperature above +50 degrees Celsius kills him. But in the cold, even at -70 degrees, he can live 5 days. But on metal surfaces, for example, door handles, herpes lasts only 2 hours. Even on sterile bandages and cotton wool, it lasts longer, namely until they dry completely.
Infection with the Newborn Virus
If a pregnant woman has a cold sore popped on her lips, how is it transmitted to the fetus? The answer depends on the gestational age at which the infection occurred. If this happened in the early stages, then that's okay. Usually only 1-3 percent of babies become infected during this period. But if the disease occurred on the 6th month and later, the rate increases to 60 percent. In this case, the doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to the woman. Two types of herpes simplex virus are known. The first affects the lips, eyes, nose, oral mucosa, central nervous system. The second - only the genitals. Pregnant women with two types of herpes in their bodies can pass them to their children twice as often as those with only one type of virus in their bodies .
Hidden danger
Herpes simplex infected almost 95 percent of earthlings. The remaining 5 percent can easily pick it up if they do not observe safety measures. Unfortunately, such a cure for herpes on the lip, which can kill him forever, has not yet been invented. There are only drugs that keep herpes inactive. If you do not take measures to strengthen your health at all, the activity of the virus can begin to appear not only on the lips, but also on the eyes, causing inflammation of the cornea. Sometimes infected people have rashes in the oral cavity, gingivostomatitis occurs. If the virus enters the brain, meningitis or encephalitis may develop. From infected to still healthy, herpes is transmitted through a kiss or household items. But the patient himself can transfer his own virus from the lips to other parts of the body. This happens if you touch the bubbles with your hands, and then with the same hands touch your eyes, genitals. If there are wounds on the fingers, the virus easily enters the body through them. On fingers, it appears like rashes on the lips. Bubbles are very itchy, the skin turns red, sometimes cracking, causing pain to a person.
Risk groups
Is herpes dangerous for everyone and everyone? Maybe the devil is not so terrible as he is painted? Unfortunately, anyone can get herpes. But the greatest likelihood is for people with low immunity who have suffered a disease that has weakened the body. Also at risk are HIV-infected and people who have had an organ transplant. Those who are stressed, who live in constant stress or work hard, not having the opportunity to relax, also easily catch the insidious virus. Scientists have definitely established that heredity also affects the susceptibility of a person to this strain of viruses. This means if in the family one of the parents is infected with herpes, their child may be more likely to get sick than the one whose parents are healthy. The immune system of children is usually weak. For them, herpes on the lips is especially dangerous. How is it transmitted to an already born baby? Most often, by airborne droplets from a sick mother. She contacts the child almost all day, and the virus is also present in saliva.
External treatment
Most often, a medicine for herpes on the lip is offered in the form of ointments. They effectively act only on the affected area, relieving itching, burning, pain, and drying the vesicles. On the Russian market, Acyclovir, Zovirax, Fenistil and others are offered. The active substances present in these ointments disrupt the DNA division of viruses, leading to their death. But on viruses in the human ganglia, they have no effect. Some patients lubricate the vesicles on the lips with iodine or alcohol. Although these drugs have bactericidal properties, herpes viruses do not kill, but they can cause burns to the delicate skin of the lips. Therefore, they should not be used. You can only dry the already formed crust. Also, do not puncture the bubbles and squeeze out liquid from them. Such "treatment" leads only to additional infection.
Pills
As noted above, a cure for herpes on the lip or other parts of the body has not yet been invented. Only drugs have been created that help reduce the activity of the virus or reduce symptoms. For example, "Lidocaine", "Paracetamol", "Ibuprofen" and similar drugs relieve pain, itching, and fever. The antiviral drugs available in the arsenal of doctors can reduce the activity of the virus and transfer it from the active phase to the calm. Herpes vaccines are only being developed and tested. Fortunately, a person himself is able to develop immunity against this "infection". Our body produces special lymphocytes called natural killers. By their receptors, they recognize the "enemy", invade their cells and kill. It is thanks to them that herpes, which appeared on the lips, rarely shows activity on other organs. These lymphocytes, as well as antibodies, and produce immunity, which prevent the onset of relapse. That is, the herpes virus in a person remains, but is in an inactive state.
Prevention
Knowing what is herpes on the lips, how this virus is transmitted from a patient to a healthy one, you can take measures so that they do not get infected or at least avoid relapses. These measures are very simple and include basic hygiene:
- Do not kiss or use one dish, a towel, lipstick with a person who has rashes on his lips.
- Be sure to wash your hands when returning from the street.
- Strengthen and enhance immunity in all available ways. It can be teas and tinctures with echinacea and ginseng, herbal teas, fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins. This also includes hardening the body and playing sports.
- To lead a lifestyle so that the body does not experience stress and excessive overload.
- If relapse occurs very often, consult a doctor.