Herpes is a viral disease characterized by the appearance of vesicular rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.
On average, 75% of the population (according to WHO) of the globe are periodically subject to unpleasant symptoms of virus infection due to the fact that the virus is transmitted quite easily and in several ways at the same time.
Content
- Signs of herpes on the lips
-
What to do, how to treat herpes on the lips?
- Can I cauterize herpes with alcohol?
- Pharmacy ointments and tinctures
- Traditional methods
- Contraindications to moxibustion
Signs of herpes on the lips
The notorious blisters on the lips are already an acute condition. The first signs of herpes appear much earlier and in a relatively strict chronology, therefore, experts combine the characteristic symptoms of the development of an infection in several periods:
Stage | Period name | Symptoms | Characteristic |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Prodromal phase | Itching, tingling in the affected area and other discomfort | In case of primary infection, the symptoms appear 7 to 30 days after a person is infected. The duration of this period directly depends on the level of the patient's immunity and the activity of the infectious agent (usually from several hours to a day).
In addition to the clinical manifestations of the disease, the period is characterized by the occurrence of various psychological problems (depression, detachment, etc.). |
2 | Hyperemia (increased blood volume in the area) | Redness and swelling of the lips | The unpleasant sensations characteristic of the first stage accompany the development of pathology in the second period. In addition, the lip gradually turns red due to blood flow and swells. Painful sensations appear. From this point on, it will no longer be possible to quickly fix the problem. |
3 | Bubbles | Formation of vesicles with various kinds of exudates | About 3 days after the first signs are detected, blistering rashes appear on the skin. Initially, there may be a small number of them, or the vesicles will be small in size. Over time, the lesions grow, there are more of them. The pressure inside the vesicles increases, due to which the painful sensations increase. And the transparent content of "acne" gradually darkens, becomes bright yellow, purulent. |
4 | Erosion | Ulceration | On the fourth day, the pressure on the walls of the bubble reaches its limit, and it bursts. The infected fluid comes out, and an ulcer remains at the site of the lesion. In addition, the lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears enlarge. During this period, it is important not to touch the erosion with your hands, so as not to transfer herpes to other parts of the body. It is at this moment that the patient is most infectious for himself and others. |
5 | Cork formation | Scabs on the lip | Crusts appear at the site of the ulcers. The soreness of the lip decreases. The general condition of the patient improves. |
6 | Healing | Drying and crusting | From the 6th day, the upper layer of the epidermis is restored. Erosion dries up, and after complete healing, the crusts in their place disappear by themselves. Depending on the level of the patient's immunity, recovery may take 1.5 - 2 weeks. The main thing is not to tear off the crusts yourself, otherwise scars will form. |
7 | Recovery | No symptoms | A week after the scabs have fallen off, the skin of the infected area is restored. Incorrectly carried out or untimely treatment of herpetic eruptions at this stage can provoke a relapse of the disease. |
In rare, especially difficult cases, the clinical picture colds on the lips can be supplemented:
- nausea;
- rapid fatigue;
- weakness;
- high temperature.
Important! If you cauterize herpes at the initial stage, that is, in the prodromal phase, you can save yourself from subsequent rashes.
What to do, how to treat herpes on the lips?
Most often, the virus has to be fought after the formation of painful blisters on the lip. In this case, one of the most effective ways is to cauterize the infected area with various means.
Important! It is necessary to perform cauterization with the utmost care and in accordance with the instructions, otherwise the upper layer of the epidermis can be damaged, and thereby prolong the healing period of erosion.
Can I cauterize herpes with alcohol?
There is an opinion among the people that alcohol-containing preparations are the most effective means of cauterization. This is partly true. After treatment with alcohol, the herpes bubbles burst faster, and a crust forms in their place.
However, this substance can damage the delicate skin of the lips and lead to a burn, as a result of which the general condition and appearance of the patient will deteriorate. This is especially true for owners of light or sensitive skin. In addition, after a burn, the skin is more susceptible to infection, which is why a relapse of the disease is possible.
Pharmacy ointments and tinctures
It is better to anoint and dry herpes on the lip with pharmacy products. They will not be able to completely remove the virus from the human body, but they will completely deactivate it, as well as eliminate symptoms and remove inflammation.
The following drugs are considered the most effective:
Name of medicines | Characteristic | Mode of application |
---|---|---|
Tincture of calendula | One of the most inexpensive drying and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is used at the stage of bubble formation. | Apply to the affected area with sticks and cotton wool 2-3 times a day. |
"Star" | Used to cauterize herpes sores. Quite often causes allergic reactions, so if redness and itching increase, it is better to discontinue use. | Lubricate the bubbles three times a day. |
Eucalyptus tincture | Helps eliminate breakouts. | It is used as compresses. To do this, a preparation is applied to a cotton pad, after which the sponge is applied to the herpes for 3 to 5 minutes. |
Tincture propolis | It has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. | For moxibustion ½ h. l. tinctures must be diluted in 200 g of alcohol. Then moisten cotton wool in the solution and apply to the sores. It is forbidden to use more than 1 time per day. |
Potassium permanganate | It has antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, relieves inflammation. | For use, you need to dilute several crystals of the substance in ½ tbsp. water. Wipe the lesions with a cotton swab about 4 times a day. |
Zovirax or Acyclovir | One of the most common herpes ointments. Blocks the progression of the virus and promotes active elimination of the problem at the initial stage. | Apply up to 5 times a day. |
Oxolinic ointment | Allowed for use even during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Does not provoke allergies or other side effects. Relieves inflammation and suppresses the development of the virus. | Apply three times a day to the infected area. |
Fenistil Pencivir | The effect on viral infection is similar to Acyclovir. Penetrates into the affected cells and stops the development of herpes. | Use about 4 times a day. |
Validol | Relieves itching and temporarily relieves pain. The inflammation goes away after a few days. | Grind the pill into powder and sprinkle them with a cold on the lips. Put the second tablet under the tongue. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day. |
Panavir-Gel | A preparation based on potato stem extract. Quickly relieves pain, itching and burning. | Lubricate the affected area every 4 hours. |
Important! It is strictly forbidden to treat herpes rash with iodine or brilliant green. The drugs penetrate deeply into the skin and injure it even more.
Traditional methods
You can cauterize a cold on the lip using proven folk methods.
The most common folk remedies for herpes are:
- Aloe. The leaf of the plant is cut, the skin is cleaned and applied to the vesicles. Such a compress dries out the rash well.
- Baking soda. In half a glass of water, dilute 1 tbsp. l. soda, after which the resulting solution is boiled. A piece of cotton wool is impregnated with a hot composition and applied to the affected area. It is impossible to wash off the solution.
- Essential oils tea tree, camphor, fir or sea buckthorn. Well suited for adults and children to relieve irritation (at the bubble stage). For moxibustion, a cotton pad is moistened with oil and applied to the infection zone.
- Toothpaste. It is advisable to use herbal formulations without dyes, menthol and the whitening effect. For a positive result, herpes sores are lubricated three times a day for up to 20 minutes.
- Garlic. The tooth is cleaned, cut and rubbed several times a day. The method is effective only in the prodromal phase, at the initial stage - before the bubbles of herpes appeared on the lips, let alone burst.
- Whipped egg white. Apply to herpes blisters and leave to dry completely. After a few days, the skin heals.
Important! In no case should vesicles be squeezed out. This will lead to infection of healthy skin areas.
Contraindications to moxibustion
An absolute contraindication to the use of most of the described folk remedies and pharmaceutical preparations is:
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- childhood.
To solve the problem in such cases, it is better to consult a doctor.
Herpes is an unpleasant disease that can appear in almost everyone. But if you follow the rules of hygiene and adhere to a healthy lifestyle, the risk of developing pathology is significantly reduced.
The site is for informational purposes only. Do not under any circumstances self-medicate. If you find you have any symptoms of illness, contact your doctor.