How to get rid of herpes: the most effective ointments.
June 30, 2022
22519
4.1
3
Content
- Which ointment for herpes to choose
- Herpes symptoms
- How to treat herpes
- The best ointments for herpes
- Oksolin
- Herpferon
- Zovirax
- Fenistil Pencivir
- Panavir-gel
- Erazaban
- Herperax
- Alpizarin
We are sure that everyone has had herpes (popularly known as a cold on the lips) at least once in their life. Moreover, almost 100% of the world's population has the herpes virus in their bodies. But for the majority, it seems to be “dormant,” and as soon as the immune system weakens, the body becomes hypothermic, or the time comes for seasonal ARVI, herpes becomes more active. Moreover, sores on the lips are the most harmless version of herpes.
Based on the recommendations of doctors, we have compiled a list of effective and safe ointments for the quick treatment of herpes on the lips. But you need to understand that any remedy for herpes has contraindications, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before treatment.
Antiviral drugs
Their goal is to suppress the pathogen, shorten the duration of the exacerbation, and reduce the intensity of symptoms. The most popular products are Acyclovir and Zovirax in the form of tablets and creams. Using cream in the mouth is difficult, so tablets are optimal. They drink them in a course.
It is better to start treatment at the first signs of the disease. In some cases it can be stopped. Interferon nasal drops have also shown their effectiveness in the initial stages of herpes. At the very least, they prevent the spread of infection into the respiratory tract.
We have already found out that the main reason for the manifestation of herpes is weakened immunity. Conclusion: to avoid relapses, it is necessary to increase the body's defenses. To do this, you should contact an immunologist, who will refer you for diagnostics and prescribe individual treatment. Sometimes it includes immunomodulators - drugs that can increase immunity (Immunal, Imudon and others), folk remedies (for example, echinacea tincture), vitamin and mineral complexes. You can also take specialized complexes of vitamins and minerals, for example, ASEPTA® Parodontal to strengthen teeth and gums: its active components help not only reduce bleeding and inflammation in the oral cavity, but also maintain general immunity.
General recommendations on how to strengthen the body and increase its protection:
- avoid stress, improve sleep;
- include as many fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in your diet as possible;
- to drink a lot of water;
- exercise or swimming.
In case of exacerbation of herpes on the gums, it is recommended to adhere to a diet: remove spicy, fatty, too hot foods from the diet, exclude hot and alcoholic drinks. To avoid irritating the mucous membranes, avoid smoking.
The difficulty of using creams and ointments is not a reason to refuse local treatment for herpes. Rinsing and irrigating the oral mucosa will help relieve symptoms and prevent the spread of infection. Good products: Hexoral, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide solution, furatsilin, as well as anesthetic sprays, rinsing solutions, gels with anesthetics (for example, Lidoxor gel, which relieves burning and irritation). Adhesive gum balm ASEPTA® is an effective combined antimicrobial agent that has a wide spectrum of action against gum disease pathogens, thanks to the combination of metronidazole + chlorhexidine, and guarantees long-term fixation on the gums.
Which ointment for herpes to choose
There are many drugs for herpes in the pharmacy, although they all have the same active ingredient - acyclovir (or its more modern analogues). But it is worth considering that ointments for herpes, even with the same active substance, can act on the body differently, because a lot depends on the quality of purification of this substance. If you have herpes on your lips and are planning to buy ointment, consider the following parameters:
- Age.
Each active substance has its own parameters according to the age from which it is allowed to be used. Acyclovir, for example, is contraindicated under 18 years of age. Penciclovir can be used from the age of 16; a doctor can prescribe valacyclovir from the age of 12. - Tendency to allergies.
In addition to the main active ingredient, auxiliary agents (preservatives, dyes, flavors) are also added to the preparations. These components can cause allergic reactions with unpredictable manifestations. Before using ointment for herpes (especially on the face or intimate area), do a skin test on your wrist and see how it reacts.
Do not forget that many drugs are prohibited for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But there is one drug for herpes that can be used during these periods - Gevisosh .
, the active substance of which is epervudine.
Gevisosh
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Germany
An antiviral agent that is active against the Herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus.
5.0 1 review
278
- Like
- Write a review
When to use Oxolinic ointment
Traditionally, the medicine is used during respiratory epidemics and when communicating with possible carriers of influenza viruses. The list of indications for use of the drug includes:
- influenza and other respiratory viral pathologies;
- blepharitis;
- inflammation of the conjunctiva;
- lichen lesions;
- molluscum contagiosum;
- dermatitis;
- herpes stomatitis;
- skin warts of viral origin.
The use of medicine for preventive purposes and at an early stage of pathologies is more effective than for advanced infections. To achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect, this drug must be combined with other drugs.
Herpes symptoms
The herpes virus has several types. The most common type 1 herpes virus occurs - it usually appears on the upper half of the body (face, hands). The second type of herpes virus is genital. How does the herpes virus manifest itself:
- burning and tingling in those places where bubbles with liquid will later appear;
- wounds form in place of the bubbles;
- Sometimes with herpes, fever, swollen lymph nodes or sore throat are possible.
Well, since the virus does not disappear from the body, you need to be prepared for relapses as soon as the immune system weakens.
How to treat herpes
Herpes can go away on its own, without any treatment, but if the wounds do not go away for a long time or they are large, you will have to use some medications.
- Antiviral agents.
Similar drugs against herpes come in tablets and ointments with an analgesic effect. The active ingredient in herpes medications is acyclovir and its analogues, which block the DNA of the virus and stop its reproduction. But medications for herpes are still unable to cure it completely. - Ointments for wound healing.
The most popular wound healing ointments today are based on panthenol (vitamin B5). Such ointments for herpes are used as soon as the blisters have opened to speed up the healing process of wounds. - Drying agents.
Among the most famous and accessible ointments with a drying effect is zinc ointment, which, among other things, relieves inflammation and is a good antiseptic. By the way, for herpes you can use several remedies from these three groups at once, but before that you need to consult a doctor.
Composition and dosage forms
The ointment is a homogeneous viscous substance of yellowish or white color. Contains the active substance - oxolin. Its concentration in 1 g of the drug, depending on the purpose, is 0.25 or 3%.
The medicine is produced by the medical industry in two forms:
- in plastic or metal tubes weighing 10 and 30 g containing a 3% drug: for the treatment of skin;
- in tubes of 10 g containing ointment at a concentration of 0.25%: for the treatment of mucous membranes.
The ointment base contains petroleum jelly or paraffin. During long-term storage, the product may acquire a pink tint, which does not affect its pharmacological properties.
The best ointments for herpes
Our rating includes the most effective ointments for herpes, which are often prescribed by doctors. From accessible, cheap to more expensive, but equally helpful. Choose any one after consulting with your doctor, and remember this important advice: the sooner you start treatment, at the very first symptoms, the faster the herpes will go away.
Read also Review of popular drugs against thrush The most popular drugs against thrush for internal and external use
Oksolin
This antiviral non-hormonal inexpensive ointment is recommended for chickenpox, rashes and herpes of the first and second types. A white ointment with a uniform consistency and specific odor is indicated for external use only. The active ingredient in ointment for herpes, oxolin, perfectly fights viruses, penetrating inside viral cells and destroying them. Oxolinic ointment acts on the DNA of the virus, stopping its reproduction. You need to smear wounds from herpes with “Oxolin” several times a day until complete recovery.
Oksolin
OJSC "Lubnyfarm", Ukraine
The active ingredient of Oxolinic ointment is oxolin, which has antiviral activity against the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus.
from 8
5.0 1 review
741
- Like
- Write a review
Herpferon
The active ingredients of this herpes ointment are interferon alpha-2b and acyclovir. In addition, "Gerpferon", unlike other similar products, contains lidocaine, which perfectly anesthetizes the area affected by herpes. By the way, “Gerpferon” is suitable for treating herpes on the oral mucosa. As for the use of this ointment for herpes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is no data on this, so it is better to consult a doctor. Reviews about Gerpferon ointment are positive, but many patients note its high cost.
Herpferon
Firn M, Russia
primary and recurrent herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
genital herpes; herpes zoster. from 213
631
- Like
- Write a review
Herpes in the intimate area in women: symptoms and routes of transmission
Having entered the body through the skin or mucous membranes, the virus moves to the nerve ganglia - a collection of nerve cells - where it remains for life. Strong immunity prevents the manifestation of GG activity. But as soon as a person is exposed to stress in the form of the appearance of various concomitant diseases (ARVI and others), hypothermia or overheating, overwork, intoxication from alcoholic drinks and smoking, excessive ultraviolet radiation, exhaustion due to poor nutrition, psycho-emotional stress and any other reasons that weaken immune system, the virus immediately makes itself felt.
Among the most common symptoms of herpes in the intimate area in women:
- hyperemia and swelling of the skin and mucous membranes in the affected area - the vulva, clitoris, vagina, cervix, pubis, perineum, perianal area; sometimes the inner thighs are involved in the process;
- the appearance of small yellowish bubbles with transparent contents located on the genitals;
- the development of erosive and ulcerative elements at the site of the vesicles, which leads to the appearance of symptoms such as pain, itching and burning in the area where the rash is localized.
In addition to dermatological manifestations, GG may be accompanied by the appearance and development of symptoms of intoxication caused by viremia: low-grade body temperature, general weakness, and malaise. The inguinal lymph nodes may also become enlarged and painful.
In men, HS manifests itself in the form of rashes in the penis, scrotum, pubis, perineum and perianal area. However, it must be remembered that in both men and women, genital herpes infection can be asymptomatic. Atypical forms of HS can only lead to almost imperceptible redness of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as slight swelling, which can be ignored. But even in the complete absence of complaints, the infected partner spreads the virus, often without knowing it. This once again indicates the need to regularly visit a gynecologist, urologist and get tested. A blood serum test will help detect antibodies to the virus even in the absence of any symptoms.
Barrier contraceptives such as a condom reduce the risk of HG infection, especially during casual sexual contact, but do not reduce it to zero. On mucous membranes and skin not protected by a condom, there may be visually invisible microcracks and tissue damage, through which the virus can still penetrate inside. Treating the skin and mucous membranes with antiseptic solutions somewhat reduces the likelihood of infection.
Zovirax
Zovirax is perhaps the most popular ointment for herpes. The active ingredient in Zovirax is acyclovir. And to make the product more gentle on the skin and mucous membranes, propylene glycol, glycerin and other components are also added to the composition. Despite the higher price than regular Acyclovir, patients often choose Zovirax as an effective remedy for herpes that quickly gets rid of the problem.
Zovirax
GlaxoSmithKline, France
Antiviral agent for the treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, incl.
herpes lips from 162
5.0 1 review
1025
- Like
- Write a review
Fenistil Pencivir
One of the most effective remedies against herpes. The active ingredient in Fenistil Pencivir cream is penciclovir, which is considered safer than acyclovir. Penciclovir is an analogue of acyclovir, but more modern, with virtually no side effects. Fenistil Pencivir can be used by pregnant women (but only if the prescription is approved by the doctor!). You need to apply the herpes cream about eight times a day. Fenistil Pencivir does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, like many similar herpes remedies. This cream is odorless, does not leave marks on clothes and is suitable for children over 12 years of age. But they cannot be used to treat the mucous membranes and skin around the eyes.
Fenistil pencivir
Novartis Pharma Services AG (Novartis Pharma), Switzerland
- recurrent herpes simplex localized on the lips (herpes labialis).
from 237
5.0 1 review
908
- Like
- Write a review
Panavir-gel
This herpes remedy is the only one on our list that comes in gel form rather than ointment form. The main advantage of Panavir Gel is that it is created on a plant basis; it is a homeopathic drug. Its active ingredient is not acyclovir, as in other herpes remedies, but an extract of potato shoots. Therefore, if you are allergic to acyclovir and its analogues and are looking for a gentle remedy for herpes, Panavir-gel is just such a medicine.
Panavir-gel
Zelenaya oakbrava JSC, Russia
Panavir-gel is an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, the indications for which are: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus types I and II, incl.
genital herpes. from 121
5.0 2 reviews
560
- Like
- Write a review
Herpes in women during pregnancy: how to avoid complications
For a pregnant woman, HS poses the greatest danger if it is primary, i.e. had not been detected in the body before. The virus can be transmitted through the placenta and mainly affects the nervous tissue of the fetus. The degree of harm to the fetus from this virus depends on the duration of infection and the dose. With primary HS, infection of up to 80% of fetuses is observed. If the viral disease is recurrent, approximately 7-10% of the fetuses become infected. HH at its primary manifestation increases the incidence of miscarriage in the first trimester in more than 50% of cases, in the second – by 30%, and in the third – by 10-15%.i
In approximately 50% of cases, infection of the expectant mother with the herpes virus leads to the birth of a premature baby. Unfortunately, in some cases, severe damage to newborns by this virus is observed, which manifests itself in the form of herpetic meningoencephalitis and sepsis, as well as organic and dysfunctional disorders such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, heart defects, deafness and retinal pathologies.
Given the high prevalence of HH and the high risks for newborns, early and accurate diagnosis of the disease is necessary for all pregnant women. For these purposes, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and DIF (direct immunofluorescence method) are used.
Erazaban
Herpes ointment "Erazaban" perfectly treats and heals herpetic rashes. The active ingredient in herpes ointment, docosanol, effectively fights the herpes simplex virus. The good thing is that Erazaban ointment, when applied externally, does not penetrate the bloodstream and does not affect the functioning of the body. This ointment is prescribed at the first manifestations of herpes on the skin and mucous membranes. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of herpes, which often recurs in patients with reduced immunity.
Erazaban
Bausch & Lomb, Germany
Infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1, including herpes labialis.
from 146
776
- Like
- Write a review
Side effects of the ointment
When first applied, a slight burning sensation, increased runny nose, and irritation of the integument are likely to occur. With prolonged daily use, the nasal mucosa may feel dry. The risk of drying out is especially high during simultaneous treatment with vasoconstrictor drops. With proper use of the product, the discomfort gradually goes away on its own. If symptoms increase over time, the ointment should be discarded, as an allergic reaction is possible.
Oxolinic ointment does not affect the speed of psychomotor reactions and the activity of the central nervous system; it is allowed when driving vehicles and operating complex equipment.
Herperax
This herpes ointment for external use is also not absorbed into the blood and does not have a systemic effect on the body. The active ingredient in Herperax ointment is acyclovir, which successfully fights the herpes simplex virus. The product affects only those cells that are affected by herpes. "Herperax" is a very effective drug, therefore it is often prescribed by doctors. It is noteworthy that this ointment for herpes can be used in children from birth.
Herperax
Micro Labs Limited, India
Herperax is an antiviral drug whose active substance is acyclovir.
Thymidine kinase in virus-infected cells actively converts acyclovir through a series of sequential reactions into acyclovir mono-, di- and triphosphate. The latter interacts with viral DNA polymerase and is integrated into the DNA that is synthesized for new viruses. Thus, defective viral DNA is formed, which leads to suppression of the replication of new generations of viruses. Acyclovir is active against Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Bar virus and cytomegalovirus. from 51
339
- Like
- Write a review
How to choose a medicine for herpes in intimate places and what interferons have to do with it
As mentioned above, the HH virus, which can remain “dormant” in the body, can become active when the immune system is weakened. Activation of viruses gives a signal to the body that it is necessary to “turn on” the natural antiviral defense system - interferons (IFNs), which are protein molecules with nonspecific activity. They are able to act on a wide range of pathogens. We can say that interferons act as a universal “security service” of the body, which is activated before other parts of the immune system begin to operate.
However, the body's own interferons may not be enough. Immunological studies show that recurrent HH can lead to a decrease in IFN production.ii Under these conditions, the fight against viruses is significantly more difficult. The spread of the virus increases and the capture of neighboring cells becomes more frequent. Thus, the disease develops more and more actively. In this situation, the use of external interferons is justified. Such therapy will help compensate for the lack of one’s own interferon, as well as bring immunity levels back to normal.
Alpizarin
Anti-herpes ointment for external use has virtually no side effects and is not addictive. "Alpizarin" is prescribed to children from 1 year old, because it is non-toxic. In addition to herpes, this ointment is effective against cytomegalovirus and paramyxoviruses. “Alpizarin” not only inhibits the virus itself, but also stimulates the production of interferon gamma in the body, thus increasing the resistance of the immune system to viral diseases. Thanks to this complex action, Alpizarin is prescribed to adults and children not only for herpes, but also for any viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as for herpes zoster.
Alpizarin ointment
How does Oxolinic ointment work?
The drug disrupts the integrity of the cell membranes of pathogens, causing their death. When applied to the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, the ointment mechanically prevents their infection, softens, and reduces the symptoms of inflammation. Oxolin affects pathogens of influenza, molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex, adenoviruses, and rhinoviruses.
The use of ointment does not lead to a systemic effect on the body. The amount of oxoline that penetrates through the capillaries into the blood is insignificant. The product does not accumulate in tissues and has no cumulative effect. Particles that get inside are completely metabolized.