How to treat cold sores on the lips: the best remedies, reviews

Carriers of the herpes virus, which may not manifest itself for a long time, are 80-90% of people. A cold on the lips always appears at the wrong time, it causes not only physical discomfort, but also is a serious cosmetic defect (especially for women). What is the treatment for cold sores on the lips? There are many ways that include the use of pharmacy drugs and folk remedies. We will consider them in more detail below, we will also touch on the topic of treatment of the manifestations of herpes in pregnant women and in children.

Risk factors

Most people are infected with herpes, but the virus enters the active phase only under favorable conditions. Risk factors for developing a cold on the lips are:

• decreased immunity for any reason;
• sunburn, excessive tanning;
• overheating or hypothermia of the body (often a cold on the lips appears after a long stay in an air-conditioned room);
• SARS, any inflammatory process in the body;
• nervous strain, stress;
• any changes in the hormonal background, for example, menstruation or pregnancy;
• heavy physical exertion, lack of sleep and overwork;
• lack of vitamins, poor nutrition, “hard” diets.

Stages of development

Four stages of the spread of the common cold on the lips can be distinguished, each of which is distinguished by its individual symptoms:

1. Pinching. When the virus moves to the surface of the lips, in a place where wounds will soon form, there is a noticeable soreness and redness, often a person feels a tingling, tingling sensation.
2. Inflammation. At this stage, one or more vesicles appear that are filled with lymphatic fluid. They increase in size and cause discomfort.
3. Statement. Bubbles in the future burst on their own, reaching the largest size, or due to combing. The lymph fluid that they contained spreads over the surface of the lips and can enter the mouth or fingers. At this time, the person is most dangerous to others.
4. Scab formation. When the bubble burst, an ulcer forms in its place. The wound under the protective crust gradually heals, leaving no trace. At this time, it is important not to damage the crust and use special ointments that will accelerate healing.

The whole process, which fits in four stages, proceeds within one to two weeks. The exact period depends on the immunity, compliance with the recommendations of the doctor and the rules of personal hygiene.

Antiviral

What is the treatment for cold sores on the lips? Antiviral drugs for oral administration are prescribed only by a doctor and in cases where the lesion is significant enough. Effective medications, such as Acyclovir, Zovirax, or Valtrex, are traditionally prescribed for treatment.

So, what is the treatment for cold sores on the lips, how to take drugs? “Acyclovir”, due to its active active ingredient, penetrates into cells infected with the virus, prevents their reproduction and helps the body’s immune system to more effectively fight against virus particles. In this case, the drug is completely safe for humans, it does not affect the genetic apparatus and does not contribute to the occurrence of mutations in cells. Even with the advent of a new generation of antiviral drugs, Acyclovir remains one of the best drugs. At one time, its developers were even awarded the Nobel Prize.

How to treat herpes on the lips? Reviews emit the drug "Zovirax". It is available in the form of tablets for oral use, powder for the preparation of a solution, cream or ointment. The active ingredient is the same - acyclovir, a synthetic substance that is close in structure to guanine, which is a component of complementary acids.

To treat cold sores on the lips (photo in the article), one tablet of Zovirax is taken five times a day (the optimal interval is four hours), the course of treatment, as a rule, is five days. Children are prescribed under one tablet with an interval of eight hours. Elderly patients and those suffering from renal failure require lower doses.

When applying a cream or ointment, local allergic reactions, itching and burning, skin irritation at the site of application of the drug are sometimes noted. Also, some patients noted side effects such as peeling and dry skin, slight swelling. Contraindication to taking the drug is increased individual sensitivity, impaired renal function, neuralgia. Pregnancy is not a contraindication, but a consultation with the attending physician is necessary.

How to effectively treat cold sores on the lips? Valtrex is available in the form of biconvex coated tablets. In the human body, under the influence of enzymes, it completely turns into acyclovir, although the active substance of the drug is valaciclovir. The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity of the body, with caution should be used for patients with HIV-positive status.

Adults are prescribed 500 mg twice a day, the course of treatment is three to five days. If herpes is primary, then the duration of therapy should preferably be increased to ten days. Well, if Valtrex is prescribed immediately after the first symptoms of a cold on the lips appear, then its effectiveness is maximum. For the prevention of herpes, adults are prescribed a dose of 500 mg once a day.

How can I treat cold sores on my lips? The list of herpes medications includes:

1. Drugs with acyclovir. These are the above-mentioned Acyclovir, Zovirax, as well as Virolex. They have almost the same mechanism of action.
2. Valacilovir-based drugs. These are Valciclovir, Valtrex and the like.
3. Preparations with penciclovir. This substance blocks the synthesis of DNR in cells affected by herpes, the virus cannot develop.
4. Famciclovir-based medicines. This substance is converted to penciclovir in liver cells under the influence of enzymes.
5. Ointments for external use. Suitable for the treatment of colds on the lips "Bonaphton", "Acyclovir", "Zovirax", as well as "Florenal."
6. An effective German drug, which is supplied in the form of a gel for external use in cases of inflammation caused by herpes, is Tromantadine. In just three to four days, he stops the inflammatory process, relieves the unpleasant symptoms of a cold, and prevents relapses for a long time.

Other funds

What is the best treatment for herpes on the lips? For therapy, not only the funds listed above are used. Also used, for example, “Allomedin” is a relatively new drug that must be used at the initial stage of the disease. The cost of the medicine is from 350 to 500 rubles. Allizarin is also used. The drug is also effective for chickenpox, stomatitis, has a high antiviral activity.

How to treat herpes on the lip? Quick treatment is Panthenol in the form of a spray or Depantenol cream. Both drugs accelerate the healing of colds on the lips. These drugs are prescribed as part of adjuvant therapy, as they have the effect of rapid scarring, and also stimulate the formation of new epithelial cells. This is what Panthenol and Depantenol help to quickly cure cold sores on the lips.

Helps to cope with the cold “Herperax”. This ointment should be applied four to six times a day. The medicine is very budgetary - the cost is only 60-70 rubles. An even cheaper drug is the usual Chlorhekidin (10-12 rubles in a pharmacy). Miramistin is very similar to it. Both Chlorhekidin and Miramistin are antiseptics that act effectively on the virus.

How to treat cold sores inside the lip? From pharmacy funds helps the Golden Star balm. Time-tested "star" has a strong warming effect, prevents inflammation. When applied, however, there is a strong burning sensation that quickly passes. If you smear a "star" three times a day, then the cold sore will pass in just one or two days.

How to treat herpes on the lip? Quick treatment is possible with Doctor Mom ointment, which, of course, is not intended to stop the symptoms of herpes and "euthanize" the virus. But if you start lubricating the wound on time, then it will pass even within one day. True, both the Golden Star and Doctor Mom can cause allergies, so before using these drugs it is advisable to test on a small area of ​​the skin, for example, on the arm. If there is no itching and redness, then the funds can be used to treat herpes.

It is strictly forbidden to try to cauterize wounds with the help of iodine, alcohol or brilliant green. This will give a drying effect, but the virus will not disappear, and you can even get a serious burn, which will only aggravate a cold on the lips.

Immunity support

A factor provoking the activation of the herpes virus is a weakening of the body's defense caused by various reasons. Immunity can be maintained with the help of immunomodulators, which can be taken only with the permission of a specialist, or vitamin-mineral complexes. From folk remedies will help:

1. Medicinal mixtures that are often used to prevent acute respiratory viral infections during colds. To make such a mixture, you need to take in equal parts nuts, honey, raisins, dried apricots, lemon. You need to take daily, just one tablespoon.
2. Uses the usual seasoning - cloves. The way pieces need to be chewed and held in the mouth, and then swallowed.
3. Wormwood will help boost immunity. Pour bitter wormwood with a glass of boiling water, strain and take a tablespoon about an hour before eating for three weeks.

Immunity is supported by a bath and a sauna (in the absence of contraindications), fresh air, walks and physical activity, hardening. It is advisable to include more fresh vegetables and fruits, moderate amounts of vegetable fats, cereals, and protein foods in your diet. Another important component is fiber. You can take it as a food supplement. From drinking, it is advisable to pay attention to fruit drinks, green tea and freshly squeezed juices. It is also necessary to consume about two liters of pure water.

Folk methods

What is the treatment of herpes on the lips from folk remedies? Most of these “medicines” can be found at home, they are always “at hand”. But you need to be aware that folk remedies are, rather, an auxiliary treatment, and not the main one, since pharmacy drugs have a great antiviral effect. So, how to treat herpes on the lips with folk remedies? This will help:

1. Fir essential oil. It is enough to lubricate the wound with aromatic oil, it is advisable to apply it every two to three hours.
2. Plain toothpaste. It dries and disinfects the affected area. The wound must be lubricated at the very beginning, even before the appearance of blisters.
3. Salt and soda. Grains need to be applied several times a day to the site of the herpes virus lesion. This will help speed up healing and stop the spread of the inflammatory process.
4. Almond, sea buckthorn oil, tea tree oil. These essential oils, like fir, accelerate recovery.
5. Aloe juice, Kalanchoe, lemon, aspen leaves. You can just apply the juice that is. For treatment, it is enough to lubricate the wounds with the juice of the listed plants.
6. Propolis. This is a good tool, but only if you are confident in its quality. Do not use propolis for allergies to honey and other bee products.
7. Garlic. The wound can be rubbed with garlic, lubricated with garlic juice. To avoid unpleasant odors, it is better to perform manipulation before going to bed.
8. Homemade ointment from ash, honey and garlic. To make such an ointment, you need to burn a sheet of paper on a saucer, collect ash. Next, mix a tablespoon of ash with half a tablespoon of honey. Grate two cloves of garlic, add to the mixture. The resulting ointment needs to be lubricated with the affected area two to three times during the day.

In children

How and how to treat herpes on the lips in children? You can apply the above antiherpetic drugs, after consulting with a pediatrician. “Acyclovir”, “Riodoxol”, “Zovirax”, “Virolex”, “Tebrofen”, “Gerpevir” and others are suitable for treating children. To quickly stop the action of the virus, the doctor may prescribe Immunal, Arpetol, or Interferon tablets in injections. Vitamin therapy is also necessary, in some (especially severe) cases bed rest is indicated, antihistamines and antipyretics are prescribed.

How to treat herpes on the lips of children with folk remedies? It is better not to risk the health of the child and consult a doctor. A pediatrician, by the way, can tell which of the alternative methods are the safest and can be used as additional therapy. In addition, often with herpes in children, the affected area also includes the nasolabial triangle, nasal mucosa, and sometimes stomatitis and herpetic tonsillitis occur. In these cases, the appointment of additional drugs is necessary.

During pregnancy

Modern medicine cannot precisely determine how the virus in a pregnant woman will affect the fetus. With the initial manifestation of the virus, the child may be in real danger. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor, and if necessary, conduct additional studies. If the cold does not appear on the lips for the first time, then this is not very dangerous. Moreover, such a rash leads to the appearance of antibodies, which means that the newborn will be protected by innate immunity from HSV-1 during the first six months of life.

During pregnancy, herpes develops due to a decrease in immunity, exacerbation of concomitant diseases or living conditions. It is possible and necessary to treat an aggravated disease at any week of expectation of a child. However, you need to take into account your interesting situation, due to which you may have to abandon the usual medications.

How to treat herpes on the lip of a pregnant woman? If a cold develops a second time, that is, it recurs, doctors usually prescribe antiviral drugs for external use. How to treat herpes on the lips during pregnancy? Suitable for therapy are oxolinic or alizarin ointments, the drug "Zovirax".

Oral tablets, that is, "Foscranet", "Acyclovir", "Penciclovir" and similar drugs are strictly not used for the treatment of colds on the lips during pregnancy. They are highly likely to have an adverse effect on fetal development.

How to treat cold sores on the lips with home remedies while expecting a baby? You can lubricate the wounds with Forest Balm paste or Corvalol solution. You can also buy hygienic lipstick with tea tree extract from the pharmacy; these are special lipsticks, which, according to reviews, are quite effective. It helps to get rid of vesicles on the lips with petroleum jelly, rosehip oil or sea buckthorn, ordinary vegetable oil.

How to treat herpes on the lips during pregnancy? The doctor will tell you, because if you have a cold during pregnancy, you need to consult with him. The doctor will not only choose the appropriate method of treatment, but may also recommend taking B vitamins, active biological supplements, ginseng, and other useful substances.

Be sure to carefully follow the rules of hygiene to avoid the spread of the virus to other parts of the body. Genital herpes is considered the most dangerous. It is unacceptable to touch the cold on the lips with your hands, because this increases the risk of spreading the infection further. It is undesirable to wet the bubbles, you can not squeeze them out. It is advisable to refrain from oral-genital contacts with a partner for a while.

If herpes does not disappear after childbirth, you need to observe special hygiene for the health of the child. You can’t kiss the baby, do not touch his body with his lips at all. You can use a medical mask until the crusts are dry.

Small memo

When manifestations of herpes appear, a person can transmit the virus to others. To prevent this from happening, you need to adhere to several rules that will slightly change the way of life. Firstly, you can not touch the vesicles and wounds, and if the touch still happened, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Secondly, you need to use separate dishes and a towel. Thirdly, you can’t tear off the crusts or squeeze out the bubbles, as this can cause additional infection.

It is highly advisable to completely abandon oral (kisses) and oral-genital contacts with a partner, and those who use contact lenses will need to stop the habit of wetting them with saliva. All preparations should not be applied with fingers, but with cotton buds.

Is it possible to treat teeth with cold sores on the lips? With inflammation, the dentist’s manipulations will almost certainly lead to the active spread of infection throughout the oral cavity and even to the nasolabial triangle. In addition, stomatitis can become a serious complication. So, if there is cold sores on the lips, is it possible to treat teeth? This is highly undesirable. It is better to sign up to the dentist when the cold is completely gone.

Prevention

To prevent recurrence of herpes, you must carefully follow the rules of hygiene, do not drink or eat from someone else's dishes, do not use someone else's towel and personal belongings, women should not exchange cosmetics with friends. It is also important to maintain immunity, especially in the cold season, when herpes most often manifests itself. It is necessary to exclude contacts with carriers of infection, and also pay attention to proper protection from the sun, because sunburns also activate the virus. In the summer, you should not stay long in a room that is cooled using an air conditioner.

It is important to remember that prescribing drugs (especially when it comes to potent drugs with an extensive list of contraindications) can only be done by the attending physician. Self-diagnosis and self-medication are unacceptable even in the case of a seemingly mild disease like herpes, that is, a cold on the lips. At the first symptoms (if the infection is primary), you need to see a doctor. In the event that there is a relapse, you can use those drugs that have already been prescribed for treatment. If relapses happen too often (more than ten times a year), you also need to see a doctor. Then the therapist will prescribe medications that support the immune system, and medications that will prevent the recurrence of a cold on the lips.