Herpes on the lips suggests a standard complication of a viral infection, which is formed against a background of low immunity. Moreover, for the maturation of herpes on the lips, immunodeficiency is considered a required condition. Many are interested in the question of how many cold sores pass on the lips. The virus is stored in the human body for life, being in an inactive state. But with the formation of immunodeficiency, a rash is activated and causes a rash. As a rule, for the occurrence of herpes on the lips of a fairly simple immunodeficiency, which appears against a cold, flu, stress or psychoemotional stress.
Causes
The appearance of herpes on the lips has a close relationship with a weakened immune system and the general condition of the body. During immunodeficiency, the virus, which was in a “dormant” state, manifests itself and begins to multiply, getting into the bloodstream, which leads to the onset of symptoms of herpes. Factors for suppressing the immune system, leading to the appearance of herpes on the lips, can serve as:
- avitaminosis;
- hypothermia of the body;
- intoxication of the body;
- frequent stressful situations;
- mental experiences;
- nervous strain;
- menstruation period;
- pregnancy;
- taking immunosuppressants (for allergies);
- alcohol abuse
- infectious diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Transmission ways
The reason for the occurrence of herpes on the lip can be infection from an infected person. In this case, several infection methods can be distinguished:
- airborne droplets (talking, sneezing);
- through direct contact (through a kiss or sexual contact);
- through common objects (dishes, towels).
The route of transmission does not affect how many days a cold sore passes on the lip. Through the mucous membranes, the virus enters the lymph nodes and reaches the internal organs, after which the pathogen settles in the elements of the nervous system.
Symptoms
A distinctive feature of the manifestation of the symptoms of herpes on the lip is the formation of watery vesicles in the area near the mouth, on the skin near the lips and wings of the nose. Inside the bubbles are filled with yellow liquid. Such rashes are characterized by severe itching and burning. The duration of preservation of such papules is up to 3 days. After the vesicles burst, wounds form on the infected skin surface instead, followed by the appearance of a crust, tearing of which is unacceptable. Since, the tear can cause a second outbreak of the disease. Crusts remain on the lips for up to 10 days. The course of the disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- worsening of well-being;
- lack of appetite;
- irritability;
- muscle pain;
- headache;
- increase in body temperature;
- bad dream.
Based on the symptoms, it is possible to establish how much time goes on herpes on the lips and approximately name the time of complete deliverance.
External signs of the disease pass after the manifestation of primary herpes. However, the virus continues to remain in the body of the patient and is able to activate, which again leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms. Again, bubbles form, which subsequently turn into ulcers. Symptoms of the secondary manifestation of herpes have a shorter duration, and are also easier to tolerate than with the primary.
How much herpes on the lip will take?
After the onset of herpes, the immune system begins to fight it rapidly, producing antibodies and resuming the normal degree of functioning. Similarly, as a rule, the immune system copes with the herpes virus for 5–7 days, and rashes on the lips disappear after 7–10 days from the moment of occurrence. In some cases, the disease on the lips can go away after 14-15 days, but in this case, the person has a mild immunodeficiency, which will require adjustment in simple ways that enhance immunity.
Thus, normally herpes on the lips proceeds without a trace for 10-15 days. If he did not pass, then this indicates the presence of another serious illness, which will require special treatment. In such conditions, the disease acts simply as a sign of another disease.
Stages
Each stage indicates how long herpes on the lip passes at this stage:
- Harbingers. At the beginning of this stage, the patient has sensations of itching, tingling and burning in the lips. This lasts up to 1 day.
- Hyperemia. Following tingling, puffiness forms, redness of the affected area of the lip is noted. Itching sensation. The duration of the stage is 1-2 days.
- Bubbles An accumulation of watery vesicles filled with serous fluid forms. There is a union of these vesicles into a single bubble filled with lymph. This is accompanied by pain in the infected area of the lip.
- The formation of erosion. On day 3, herpetic vesicles are transformed into ulcers and ulcers, forming a painful formation, usually with a gray tint and a red ring around. The liquid released from there is characterized by a high concentration of virus particles and is extremely contagious.
- Crust formation. Before 9 days, this formation is dried out and covered with a crust. The pain decreases, but at the same time, intense itching occurs. The resulting crust may fall off partially and bleed. Herpes heals from the inside, with a decrease in external signs.
- Healing. On 9–11 days, wounds heal, but redness may persist. The virus goes into a dormant state until the next relapse.
Medicines
If cold sores occur on the lip, treatment with medications is necessary, the action of which is aimed at suppressing the activity of the strain. This will accelerate the healing of the affected areas of the lips. To accelerate the body's fight against the herpes virus and in order to avoid scarring of sores on the lips, antiviral drugs are prescribed:
- "Acyclovir" (as well as analogues containing the active substance "Acyclovir": "Cyclovir", "Zovirax", "Vivorax"). The course of admission is 5-10 days. The daily dose is 800-1000 mg. Pills are allowed during pregnancy and in childhood. The availability of the drug due to its low cost is also noted.
- “Famciclovir” (“Famvir”). The drug helps to suppress herpes strains that are not amenable to the action of Acyclovir. In addition, it is characterized by selective activity, so it does not affect healthy cells. How many herpes on the lip will pass 5-7 days. The daily dosage is 3 times 250 mg each. The disadvantage of the drug is its high cost.
- Valtrex The active substance is valaciclovir, which is highly digestible, a type of acyclovir. The drug has a slight advantage over “Acyclovir” due to the high speed of exposure. How long does a cold sore pass on the lip after ingestion? The problem will disappear after 5 days. The daily dose is 2 times 500 mg each.
Home therapy
The following are the most popular traditional medicine for treating cold sores on the lips:
- The juice of antimicrobial plants - garlic and onions, St. John's wort, marigold, chamomile, celandine, string, wormwood, oregano - is used to lubricate the affected areas of the lips with vesicles 3-4 times during the day until the rashes disappear. For the same purpose, the juice of indoor plants is used - aloe, Kalanchoe.
- A good effect is given by the lubrication of herpes vesicles with essential oils of almond, tea tree, fir. Used as emollients and painkillers.
Little known methods
There are ways to help overcome the disease faster:
- Alcohol-based pharmacy drugs - corvalol, valocordin, alcohol tinctures of calendula, propolis, echinacea, as well as the usual 70% alcohol when applied to the affected areas of the lips, can quickly reduce inflammation. A solution of brilliant green greens already on the second day significantly reduces redness and removes vesicles with the virus, drying them.
- Unusual, but popular remedies are ear wax and match sulfur, natural laundry soap and toothpaste.
- Among toothpastes, the best is Conifers, Blend-a-med, and Colgate. 2-3 times a day, it is necessary to lubricate the lips with herpes vesicles and areas of redness until recovery.
Women in position are often interested in how much herpes passes on the lip of a pregnant woman. Subject to the above treatment, this process will significantly accelerate.
If herpes on the lip does not go away for a long time
The first thing to do is not to give up and not to panic. Many, with the onset of herpes, begin treatment on their own, without consulting a specialist. Since this method does not work, then the disease lies much deeper. Do not delay the treatment and visit to the doctor.
The first thing that will be prescribed is the delivery of tests to identify the causes of weakened immunity. It is necessary to be examined for hidden diseases. First of all, you need to check for exacerbation of chronic diseases, if any. Then on to such as syphilis, AIDS. And only having all the test results on hand, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment.
Recommendations
It will be necessary to fully comply with all recommendations:
- Take prescribed drugs strictly according to the instructions.
- Include vitamins in the diet to enhance immunity.
- Be sure to follow a diet: eat more fruits, avoid fast foods.
- Twice carefully monitor the cleanliness of the hands. They carry the causative agents of the disease.
- For the period of treatment you need to give up alcohol and cigarettes.
- Walk more, morning jogging will not hinder.
- And most importantly - a good, full sleep.
With this treatment, about herpes, a week later you can forget.
Prevention
The first measure to prevent the appearance of herpes on the lips is to refuse contact with an infected person. In this case, you should avoid touching his personal belongings, and use them. Among such things: dishes, lipsticks and balms, towels, etc. If the patient is a member of the family, it is worth minimizing the number of touches to each other in order to avoid infection. The reason for the initiation of the herpes virus can serve as a tan and sunlight. Therefore, various means should be used with sun protection, to prevent ultraviolet radiation.
Such a preventive measure is especially necessary for people who are faced with frequent relapses of herpes. In case of damage to the skin of the lips, an antiviral agent should be treated. This will prevent its occurrence and avoid active development. With frequent colds and relapses of herpes on the lips, it is recommended to consult an immunologist. The doctor will select the appropriate preventive measures. Also in the spring and autumn season it is necessary to monitor the usefulness of the diet, it should include a sufficient amount of vitamins and nutrients.