Herpes labial is considered one of the most common viral diseases. Ancient Greek Aesculapius wrote about him. People often call him a cold on the lips and try to fight in every possible way. Herpes virus infected more than half of the world's population, but clinical manifestations are observed only in 7%. What else is remarkable for this pathology?
Features of the disease
Herpes labial is an acute infectious disease that manifests itself in the form of inflammatory formations. Its main localization is the lips and the areas closest to them on the face. Sometimes symptoms of pathology appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. The herpes simplex virus acts as the causative agent of the infection . Once in the body, it remains in it forever. Penetration occurs by airborne droplets, as well as by contact-household means.
The main causes of infection
Most cases of herpes virus infection occur at a younger age. By 3-4 years old, the antibodies received from the mother are already completing their action, and their own can not cope with the assigned functions. After penetration, the virus gradually accumulates in the body. The infection itself can be primary (when transmitted from a sick person) or secondary (activation of existing pathogens) form. In any case, the main reason for the development of the disease is the creation of favorable conditions for the life of the virus by reducing immunity.
Herpes labial is initiated by the awakening of a latent infection or by newly infiltrated viruses, if conditions exist for their pathogenic activity. The following factors can lead to the development of the inflammatory process:
- frequent hypothermia;
- prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- severe stress or psychological stress;
- colds ;
- alcohol abuse;
- complicated pregnancy;
- immunodeficiency.
Against the background of suppression of the body's defenses, the virus gradually rises through the nerve channels, provoking multiple foci of inflammation on the skin.
How to recognize the disease yourself?
Herpes labial does not pose a threat to human life. However, the disease causes aesthetic discomfort, unsettling for several days. Usually, the initial stage of the inflammatory process develops asymptomatically. Some people have a fever, pain when swallowing and irritability. After about a day, the main symptoms of infection begin to appear. The course of the disease is usually divided into several stages:
- First, itching appears, the skin swells in the affected areas, and a feeling of tightness arises. Symptoms of general intoxication of the body are also characteristic of this period.
- At the second stage, small bubbles with liquid inside appear on the lips. Their diameter varies from 1 to 3 mm. If cold sores are not treated for a long time, vesicles can spread to the face or neck.
- After about three days, the vesicles burst, their contents come out. It is important to prevent the further spread of fluid on the skin, each drop of which contains a whole clot of herpes viruses. An ulcer forms at the site of the bladder. On the lip, the wounds quickly dry out, covered with a brown crust. The fight against the symptoms of the disease usually lasts about two weeks. New bubbles may appear all this time.
- Recovery occurs after the crusts dry and fall off. Herpes affects only the dermis, so the scars do not remain after it.
Relapses of the disease are very common (up to 10 times a year). If you do not deal with treatment and neglect preventive measures, the likelihood of developing complications increases. Among them, the most dangerous are immune deficiency and neoplasms of various etiologies.
Drug treatment
At the initial stage of the development of the disease, it is advisable to use special antiherpetic drugs. Among them, the most effective are Acyclovir, Panavir, Zovirax. They are available in the form of ointments and creams. It is recommended to apply the product several times a day on the affected area of the skin until the symptoms disappear completely.
With a diagnosis of labial herpes, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the overall clinical picture of the patient. It is impossible to completely overcome the disease, so it is important to engage in periodic prevention and strengthening immunity. For these purposes, vitamin complexes and fortifying drugs are prescribed.
Help traditional medicine
The life of many people is poisoned by a cold on the lips. At-home treatment for labial herpes can reduce swelling and discomfort. The most affordable way of all known - to apply ice to the lesion. If you start the procedure with the first symptoms, the sores will not be so painful. Wet tea bags help reduce inflammation. They contain a large number of tannins, which relieve irritation and fight infection. It is recommended to apply such a bag every two hours for several minutes.
Crusts will come off much faster if you lubricate the affected area with petroleum jelly or any nourishing cream. You can also use olive oil. Many herbal infusions have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. They are especially useful for labial herpes, also known as a cold on the lips. Home treatment implies the use of compresses. For example, a decoction of chamomile or calendula promotes rapid regeneration of the skin in the affected area.
Lab herpes virus and pregnancy
To some extent, the child is a foreign body for the female body. To reduce the likelihood of rejection of the fetus, nature suppresses the immunity of the expectant mother. Therefore, in women during pregnancy, you can often find symptoms of labial herpes. A sore on the lip, fever and itchy skin are frequent companions of the fair sex in anticipation of the baby. Sometimes the disease transforms into genital herpes.
What is the danger of this virus to the fetus? If a woman was infected before conception, she managed to develop immunity, so the child is under his protection. When a future mother in child becomes infected with herpes during pregnancy, the virus can spread throughout the body and penetrate the baby through the placenta. However, this condition is not mandatory. A child can be born completely healthy. In case of infection in the third trimester, the probability of stillbirth is quite high. That is why, before conception, all women are advised to undergo a full examination, and, if necessary, a course of treatment.
Preventive measures
How to prevent labial herpes? Symptoms of this disease interfere with a person’s usual way of life, because the bubbles and sores on the lips create aesthetic discomfort. The main role in the prevention of pathology belongs to the strengthening of immunity. It is necessary to adhere to an active lifestyle and eat properly, do not forget about moderate physical exertion. During an acute respiratory viral infection and influenza epidemic, it is better to avoid crowded places.
Herpes disease cannot be completely cured. However, the number of relapses can be minimized if you follow the basic rules of prevention. Each person has only one life, and the state of health depends only on taking care of his own body.