In the article, we will consider how to treat herpes on the face.
Diseases of this type are manifested in the form of tiny vesicles that occur on various parts of the body. Most often, such rashes appear on the face. Usually, herpes is located near the lips, on the wings of the nose, forehead, cheeks, and the most unpleasant location is on the mucous membrane of the eyes and nose. Such rashes are caused by herpes simplex type 1. In total, there are 8 different types of virus, the rest are much less common.
So, how does herpes appear on the face?
Symptoms
Almost everyone knows how this ailment looks on the face. Its appearance can be predicted by the specific tingling on the lips. At this stage, the spread of the disease can still be prevented by using special antiviral drugs or folk remedies.
Symptoms of herpes on the face will also help the doctor recognize.
But if you miss this time, then small bubbles begin to appear on the upper edge of the lip, which very quickly increase in size and quantity. The diameter of such vesicles can be from one to five millimeters, and their appearance is accompanied by the presence of severe itching. Inside, the vesicles contain a cloudy liquid and you can feel pain while touching them. You can, of course, pierce these bubbles or burn these places with alcohol, but this will not solve the problem.
In addition to external formations, herpes on the face also causes discomfort due to its increased temperature and ailments. Lymph nodes that are located close to the rash can become inflamed or increase in size.
Stages
Usually herpes on the face goes through 4 stages of development:
- the appearance of tingling, itching, tingling in the area where the bubble will soon appear;
- inflammation, bubbles with fluid inside appear on the skin and mucous membranes;
- bubbles burst, internal fluid flows out, ulcers form;
- a crust appears.
Duration
On average, the passage of all stages does not last more than ten days. The most dangerous stage is the third, when the internal fluid, which contains a large number of viruses, begins to flow out, thereby infecting the wound again. At the same time, other bacteria or viruses can penetrate this wound, which can further aggravate the situation.
Many people know what herpes looks like on her face. But in addition to the popular localization on the lips, it can appear on any part of the body:
- cheeks, nose, forehead, chin;
- nasal mucosa;
- mucous membrane of the eye - conjunctivitis, which is caused by herpes viruses;
- ears
- mouth.
Many people do not accept the appearance of such pimples on the face as a manifestation of herpes. For example, most people are not even aware of the appearance of herpes in the ear.
What caused the ailment?
The occurrence of herpes on the face of a child may be the result of a manifestation of herpes zoster or shingles. Herpes zoster is slightly different from simple, it is larger with painful blisters. Its consequences are neuralgia on the face, unpleasant sensations, pains, numbness, tingling, high sensitivity, headache, itching appear in the place of the rashes.
Herpes infection can be very large, it can cover the entire face with vesicles. In addition to painful sensations, such herpes can be dangerous because the vesicles often do not pass without a trace and leave small scars.
Why does herpes appear on the face in adults
The main cause of a rash on the face is the virus. It has a large part of the world's population, but many have never noticed such symptoms. The virus is transmitted through skin contact or through the exchange of body fluids. Also, most people receive it at birth, it is inherited. Under ordinary conditions, it can be stored on any surface for up to a day.
Such a virus can live for a long time in the human body, but at the same time not manifest itself. But as a result of certain conditions, he can show himself in the form of bubbles on the face or other parts of the body.
What can cause the appearance of herpes on the face:
- colds - flu, SARS and the like;
- hypothermia;
- exacerbations of chronic diseases;
- seasonal deficiency of vitamins;
- stress;
- prolonged fatigue, strain.
Thus, any decrease in the immune system is an impetus for the multiplication of the virus and its manifestation on the face. Also, the causes of herpes on the cheeks or other parts of the body are sharp weight loss, alcohol abuse and smoking.
Does a child have cold sores?
In children
In a child, herpes can be located anywhere. Herpetic appearance can be associated with poor hygiene. As a rule, the virus is transmitted to children by domestic means, and quickly enough. For infection with herpes, adults need the virus to get on the mucous membrane, and children become infected even through the skin. Usually, herpes in children is located on the wings of the nose or near the eyes. Often there are cases when herpetic vesicles occur in the mouth (stomatitis).
It is important to know that children are extremely difficult to tolerate herpes. If it cannot be cured in time, more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or meningitis, can develop.
Children's herpes is dangerous because the child is unable to tolerate itching and begins to comb the wounds, and if the hands are dirty, the wound is infected again and the cold sores spread even more on the face.
Consider how to treat cold sores on your face.
Treatment
This disease, unfortunately, is considered incurable. And when asked about how to cure herpes on the face, they usually mean the elimination of external manifestations. The virus, after settling in the body, remains in it forever, it can only be controlled and its activity reduced.
In order to cure an ailment, they use medicines, and to relieve the condition, folk remedies are used.
Before you begin to treat herpes, you need to know that you need to approach this disease in a comprehensive manner and treatment should include:
- taking antiviral drugs;
- general strengthening of immunity;
- the use of ointments and creams that have a healing effect;
- special antiviral agents for the treatment of herpes on the face.
Preparations
Herpes antivirals come in many forms. It can be tablets, creams, and injections.
How to cure herpes on the face for sure?
These drugs have proven effective:
- "Acyclovir";
- "Famciclovir";
- "Valacyclovir."
All other medicines were created on the basis of precisely these drugs, although they have other names: “Valtrex”, “Zovirax”, “Gerpeval” and others.
Drugs are selected depending on the symptoms and the number of rashes. In the case of single rashes on the lips, you can apply a cream that is applied up to six times a day. The most effective ointments for herpes on the face are: “Zovirax”, “Acyclovir”, “Vivorax”, “Viru-Merz Serol”, “Fenistil Penicivir”. Ointments for colds on the face are used for five days. If no effect is observed, you will need to consult a doctor.
What does herpes look like on the face, you can see in the photo.
In the case when there are a lot of rashes and a fever is observed, you must immediately consult a doctor so that he picks up an antiviral agent. You also need to use creams and ointments. With a strong spread of herpes, Acyclovir is prescribed intravenously.
If the rash is rarely bothered (once, twice a year), then you can limit yourself to home treatment. If this happens often, complex therapy is needed, because conventional treatment can lead to the virus becoming stronger and more frequent and more painful.
Herpes medicines can have a bad effect on the liver or cause allergies, but without them it will be difficult to cope with the disease. Herpes drugs should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women, as well as children. If nevertheless a need arises, this issue should be discussed with your doctor. There are drugs that are safe for children and pregnant women - these are oxolin ointment for cold sores on the face and Bonafton tablets. Also, Bonafton ointment is very effective for treating herpes in the eyes.
It must be recalled that any medication can be taken no more than two weeks.
Immunostimulating drugs
For the treatment and prevention of the disease, immunostimulating drugs are used. They all have antiviral effects. Among these tools, it can be noted:
- "Derinat" enhances immunity and has no contraindications;
- "Likopid" is an immunostimulant that is allowed to be taken by children (once a day for 10 days);
- "Cycloferon" - an injection drug, do two courses according to a special scheme, which is prescribed by a doctor, with breaks of two weeks, it is also allowed to use for children under 4 years old;
- "Viferon" is prescribed for the first symptoms of herpes on the face (tingling or tingling), the course consists of seven days, there are no contraindications and restrictions.
In this case, they show quite good results and folk remedies, for example, tincture of echinacea, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Take it daily - stir two tablespoons of tincture in one glass of water. The course of therapy is from 10 to 14 days.
Prevention
The causes of cold sores on the face can be varied. This may be a virus already in the human body or a primary infection. To avoid infection with the virus, you need to observe personal hygiene. This is especially true for children. If someone suffers from cold sores at home, they should allocate their dishes to the sick person, it is advisable to wear a mask, not to kiss children or other family members, be careful in everything.
Why does herpes occur on the face? Usually it affects a person who has weak immunity. Therefore, you should adhere to these rules:
- observe a healthy lifestyle;
- do not catch a cold;
- take vitamin complexes;
- Do not overwork.
If you adhere to these recommendations, you will no longer have to look for answers to the question: "How to get rid of herpes."