Herpes: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Why do scars appear after herpes?

The virus does not always pass without a trace for humans. Unpleasant scars and spots on the skin form for several reasons:

• when herpes appears in one place over and over again;
• if a person has diabetes;
• when bubbles were squeezed out or punctured;
• if the immune system is severely weakened;
• after a long stay in the sun;
• after improper treatment.

But even in these cases, you can make the scar less noticeable or get rid of it completely.

Medicines for spots after herpes

All dosage forms for the treatment of scars and spots after herpes that are currently used are divided into two main groups:

1. Ointments and creams that stimulate the process of regeneration of tissues damaged by the virus. Such drugs are used both to prevent the appearance of any unaesthetic formations at the site of a healing rash, and to treat already formed defects.
2. Pharmacy ready-made products to enhance the processes of healing and tissue restoration, as well as the resorption of existing scars. These drugs are used more often in the presence of long-formed formations as a result of many exacerbations of herpes or after a severe course after the primary infection.

Ointment for external use Viferon

Includes a powerful therapeutic component - tocopherol acetate, as well as ascorbic acid, recombinant interferon (human) and additional indifferent ingredients.

Taken together, the ointment helps eliminate spots and minor scars of any origin, including the consequences of herpes.

Thanks to the following effects:

• immunomodulatory;
• anti-inflammatory;
• regenerating;
• membrane stabilizing.

Interferon cannot completely destroy herpes viruses, but helps prevent their reproduction during all periods of the disease. In addition, interferon stops the reproduction of attached pathogenic microflora.

Ascorbic acid and tocopherol have clinically proven antioxidant properties.

Gel (ointment) Dermatix

A gentle and easily absorbed dosage form is a gel that dries instantly and penetrates deep into damaged tissues due to its texture. The gel is able to maintain optimal water balance in the skin, which is extremely important for herpetic lesions and complications after them.

Dermatix has been proven to have a corrective effect on scars and scar tissue.

The gel has the following effects:

• softening;
• kelloidolytic;
• painkillers;
• antipruritic;
• anti-pigment.

This drug is considered to be the so-called first line of therapy, specifically designed for patients with scar tissue. To date, this gel, which contains silicone, has been approved by the FDA and has received recommendations from international experts.

Dermatix is ​​approved for widespread use for this group of patients. Intended for both the treatment of scars, keloids and hypertrophic scars, and for their prevention.

Salicylic-zinc ointment (Lassara paste)

Contains zinc oxide, which is included in a huge number of different medicinal and cosmetic preparations (sunscreen lotions, day creams, many foundations, products for protecting against ultraviolet radiation, baby powders, etc.)

Basic properties:

• antiseptic (antimicrobial);
• astringent (anti-inflammatory, astringent);
• skin whitening;
• regenerating effect.

The salicylic acid (aspirin) contained in the paste helps stop the inflammatory process and slightly whitens the skin. It is a naturally occurring beta hydroxy acid that was first obtained from willow bark.

Aspirin is a keratolytic, a substance that stimulates the process of cell exfoliation, which is very important in the presence of age spots and scars after herpes. After herpetic eruptions, which leave unsightly marks, such dead cells cannot exfoliate on their own and form significant accumulations.

This leads to blockage of the skin pores, and the inflammatory process is further aggravated.

As a result of regular use of the paste, spots on the skin become less noticeable and scars are reduced. Lassara paste can be successfully used in the treatment of the consequences of herpes, but only after consultation with a doctor.

The ointment is prescribed when it is necessary to dry the skin at the site of damage. The course of treatment is no more than 8-10 days.

Gel and ointment Solcoseryl

Gel and ointment have the following properties:

• accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues;
• increases reparative processes;
• activates aerobic metabolic reactions;
• accelerates oxidative phosphorylation;
• increases oxygen consumption by tissues;
• accelerates collagen protein synthesis;
• influences the stimulation of cell proliferation in damaged tissues.

The gel has the most delicate texture and does not contain fat, so it is instantly absorbed without leaving a greasy sheen. The ability of the drug to form granulation tissue and eliminate exudate has been clinically proven.

Pharmacist advice. Pharmacies stock Solcoseryl both gel and ointment. In the initial period of treatment (fresh rashes and residual traces of herpes, which are difficult to heal), it is recommended to use a more gentle gel. Fats in dosage forms for external use are not indicated during this period of treatment. From the moment fresh granulations begin to appear and existing undried wounds and lesions become drier, you should switch to ointment. In this case, the fatty component is necessary for the skin, as it forms a thin protective film and protects the skin from adverse environmental conditions. It should be understood that herpes spots and scars can only appear as a result of illiterate treatment of the rash at all stages of the disease.

Actovegin ointment

The ointment has no contraindications, is well tolerated and practically does not cause allergies.

Properties:

• acceleration of metabolism at the cellular level;
• activation of intracellular utilization;
• acceleration of the transport function, due to which tissues are saturated with oxygen and glucose;
• increased metabolism of adenosine triphosphoric acids;
• increasing the total cellular energy resource.

Result:

• accelerated skin regeneration;
• rapid healing of damaged tissues;
• elimination of scar tissue;
• restoration of the natural shade of damaged skin.

The ointment is allowed to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The course of treatment is about a month. Treat damaged areas twice a day.

Ointment (cream) D-Panthenol

The product accelerates regeneration and improves carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Includes pantothenic acid, which supports the normal function of epithelial cells. In the case of skin lesions, including the consequences of herpes, there is a deficiency of pantothenic acid in the body.

Properties:

• activation of the regeneration process;
• normalization of cellular metabolism;
• increasing the strength of collagen fibers;
• slight anti-inflammatory effect;
• nourishing and softening the skin.

The ointment can be used by pregnant and lactating women, and is approved for children starting from infancy.

How to prevent scar formation?

Before the appearance of herpes, we feel itching and burning at the site of manifestation. If at this moment you use antiviral drugs that stop the spread of herpes, you can avoid the formation of a scar. Start using medications as soon as the first signs of the disease appear. You will help your body and significantly speed up the regeneration of the skin.

How and with what to treat scars from herpes?

If a scar has already appeared, then you can get rid of it in several ways:

• medications;
• cosmetic procedures;
• folk remedies;
• masks and applications;
• innovative Fermenkol gel.

Benefits of ointments and gels

To eliminate scars and crusts from herpes, special products are used. They stimulate skin regeneration and have a number of advantages:

• the highest concentration of active substances is achieved at the site of the lesion;
• the virus does not spread to adjacent areas of the skin;
• you can combine several gels and ointments for scars after herpes, which differ in the principle of action;
• most products do not cause allergic reactions and are easily tolerated by the body;
• you can use healing gels even on old scars;
• there is no need to monitor the dosage.

For example, the innovative product Fermenkol gel has a complex effect on the scar area. Quickly destroys scar marks and gives the skin a natural healthy color. The active components of the gel destroy the basis of the scar - deformed collagen fibers - and restore a healthy skin frame. Fermenkol does not contain hormones and consists of enzymes of natural origin, so it can be safely used on the body and face, including on the scar on the lip after herpes.

After the wounds have healed, use soft cleansing scrubs for the face and body. Cosmetics quickly restore the epidermis. But it is better to use exfoliating creams no more than once a week, so as not to injure the skin.

Why do spots form after herpes on the lips and skin?

The formation of unaesthetic spots of various shades that differ from the main color of the skin, as well as scars and scar tissue, is usually associated either with illiterate treatment, or with mechanical herbs of rashes or deliberate peeling off of blisters and crusts during the course of the disease.

Attention! It is forbidden to peel or puncture blisters and crusts at any stage of herpes development.

You should not wet the rash with water, use decorative cosmetics (especially of dubious quality) in an acute process for the purpose of masking, or any cosmetic creams not intended for the treatment of herpes.

The ingredients contained in such products can cause significant harm to the appearance of the skin and lips and aggravate the natural process of regeneration of damaged tissues and mucous membranes.

Some consequences of herpes need to be dealt with only after complete recovery (for example, visiting a beauty salon). The task during this period is proper treatment and preventive measures.

Treatment should be carried out only with the help of special means and medications for internal and external use, prescribed by the doctor.

You can properly remove stains and rashes using home methods or using special creams and ointments that speed up the regeneration process.

Pharmacist advice. In order to prevent the formation of any unaesthetic manifestations on the skin after an infection, you should try to eliminate pain, itching and burning during the disease itself.

Therefore, we recommend five rules:

1. Use calendula in the form of oil or alcohol lotions, if it is well tolerated.

1. Make compresses with herbal decoctions, for example, from celandine herb and chamomile flowers.
2. Prepare an infusion of tansy, which has proven antiviral properties. Such infusions are used both for oral administration and for wiping the skin of the face and lips.
3. Apply aloe or Kalanchoe juice, which should be used to carefully treat rashes and scabs. If you don’t have time to squeeze out the juice, you can apply a freshly cut leaf to the wounds, after washing it and removing the skin.
4. Do cold therapy using ice cubes made from infusions of medicinal herbs and black tea, which have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Such actions, together with general therapy, will help prevent the appearance of spots and scars in the future.

To prevent spots and scars, it is necessary to activate the processes of regeneration of damaged tissues

How does the healing process work?

The use of various means (for external use) solves the following problems:

1. Prevents possible complications.
2. Promotes rapid filling of damage with granulation tissue.
3. Accelerates recovery processes in general.

At the same time, the initial period of treatment requires the use of gels that have a delicate texture, as well as traditional methods adapted for this stage. Then, when granular tissue appears, thicker ointments with a heavier texture are used, creating reliable protection.

Each period of the disease and the characteristics of its course in a particular patient require the use of its own remedy.

Features of the tissue regeneration phase

“Grandma’s” methods for combating herpes spots

At home, it is quite possible to use home methods. If the process of destruction after herpes has gone too far, you should consult a cosmetologist in a specialized clinic or a beauty salon with a good reputation.

However, it is prohibited immediately after suffering from the disease to visit salons for a number of procedures that are not directly related to therapeutic measures for herpes.

These include:

• face cleaning;
• decorative makeup to disguise marks of herpes;
• any type of peeling.

How to get rid of a herpes scar with the help of a cosmetologist?

If you want to eliminate a scar or trace of herpes in visible places, you can use the services of a cosmetologist. You will not get the desired effect in one procedure, but if you complete a full course of manipulations, you can achieve very good results. The following procedures will help eliminate scars after herpes:

• ozone therapy;
• laser therapy;
• deep peeling;
• dermabrasion;
• mesotherapy.

The procedures described above perfectly eliminate fine wrinkles and marks from herpes and acne. Combining several of them at the same time is not recommended. All cosmetic procedures must be carried out under the close supervision of a specialist. Each manipulation has its own contraindications and is allowed only after consulting a doctor. Remember that the procedures are quite painful and require a recovery period.

Scars after herpes. Home method - paraffin

After herpes, not only spots can form, but also scars, which require more radical methods to eliminate them. In some cases, you have to consult a cosmetologist and undergo hardware treatment. However, there are also home treatments that can improve your skin condition.

Paraffin . Pharmacy special paraffin is used for applications; paraffin from candles is not suitable for procedures. The paraffin is slowly dissolved in a water bath until it becomes liquid. Cool to a pleasantly warm temperature (to avoid burns). The mass is applied to the affected areas and left until it hardens.

Then it is removed and used for the next procedure. It has contraindications – dilated blood vessels. Before use, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

How to get rid of a herpes scar on the lip at home?

To eliminate scars, products that we use in everyday life are suitable. They are rich in vitamins and affect not only the scar, but also the skin in general. It is important to use them as additional agents and not as monotherapy. For example, after cosmetic procedures you can additionally use:

• Lemon juice. Brightens the skin and works as a mild acid peel.
• Parsley decoction. A good lightening agent. After preparation, the infusion is poured into an ice tray and placed in the freezer. In the future, cubes are used as pigmentation appears.
• Cucumber juice. Apply a slice to the damaged area to help prevent the skin from drying out.

Herbal infusions

Traditional medicine is rich in recipes that will help get rid of scars. The disappearance of wounds and spots from herpes is accelerated by herbal decoctions:

• chamomile and celandine - heal;
• St. John's wort - starts the regeneration process;
• calendula - helps relieve itching and soothe the skin.

Herbs help lighten the skin and partially eliminate pigmentation formed after herpes.

TOP - 10 home recipes

White natural clay

Homemade masks must be made according to the instructions on the package. The course of such masks is a month, two to three times a week. The break is about a month and a half, then the course should be repeated.

Clay for masks can be purchased at pharmacies, cosmetic stores or in supermarket departments. Clay helps whiten spots, has an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect, and exfoliates the stratum corneum of the skin.

Natural honey with cinnamon

A mask made from these ingredients promotes rapid healing of the skin, eliminating its various defects, including spots and scars from herpes. It is used only in the absence of allergic reactions to bee products, as well as cinnamon.

A tablespoon of honey is thoroughly mixed with a teaspoon of fine cinnamon and applied to clean skin for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and apply nourishing cream.

Fresh cucumber

For red spots that have not disappeared after suffering from herpes, homemade lotion made from fresh cucumber helps well. Cucumber whitens the skin naturally due to its natural ingredients and practically does not cause allergies.

However, you should be patient; a certain amount of time and regularity of procedures are required to get a good effect. If you don’t have time, you can wipe your clean face with a slice of cucumber every day.

But the best effect comes from homemade lotion, which is prepared like this: grate a medium-sized cucumber on a fine grater, put it in a dark glass bottle with a tight stopper and fill it with vodka (250 ml). Leave for half a month at room temperature.

Strain and use as a rubbing lotion.

Lemon

It has similar properties to cucumber, but since it somewhat dries out the skin, it is good to use lemon juice if you have oily facial skin.

You can gently wipe especially problem areas with dry and normal skin types. After applying lemon juice, the areas should be treated with a rich cream. Freshly prepared juice is used, which must be diluted with warm boiled water in a one to one ratio.

Parsley

Both a decoction of parsley leaves and ice from the infusion are used. Preparation of the decoction: boil 20 grams of herbs and two glasses of water over low heat for no more than three minutes.

Cool completely, strain. Store the decoction in the refrigerator for no more than four days or prepare ice, which is much more convenient and effective. If you decide to make cosmetic ice, the dose of raw materials and water can be doubled. The broth is poured into molds and placed in the freezer.

You can wipe your skin with ice several times a day. In addition to lightening spots, such ice and rubbing with a decoction gives an excellent rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory and lifting effect.

Baking soda

A simple, yet effective result is obtained by making a paste of ordinary baking soda and warm water. The mixture is applied to clean skin until completely dry, then gently washed off with water and a moisturizing or nourishing cream is applied.

St. John's wort herb

An infusion that is prepared at home: two tablespoons of raw materials are steamed in a glass of boiling water. Leave for about an hour. Strain and wipe the problem areas several times a day with a cotton pad soaked generously in the infusion. The result can be seen in about half a month.

Oatmeal and kefir

Homemade oatmeal mask with fresh kefir. Has whitening properties, removes redness and blemishes. A spoonful of oatmeal is diluted with kefir to a semi-liquid pulp and left for an hour and a half until it swells.

Then the mass is mixed and applied to clean skin until completely dry (about half an hour). Wash off with warm water and apply a suitable cream. The mask can be done every other day for a long period of time.

Essential natural oils

Such oils are used both independently and in combination with each other. Tea tree oil, geranium, rosemary, rosewood, and mint have a good effect.

Oils are used in homemade creams or in ready-made day and night face creams (no more than one or two drops at a time). Essential oils can only be used if there is no allergy.

Recipe No. 1. Mix a teaspoon of olive oil, two drops of rosemary oil, a drop each of clove, lavender and peppermint oils. Apply the mixture to problem areas twice a day - morning and evening.

Recipe No. 2. Frankincense – two drops, neroli oil (orange tree, Rutov family) – five drops, lavender oil – six drops. Apply once daily.

Badyaga

A fairly effective remedy, however, in some people it causes allergies or severe redness of the skin. Moderate hyperemia in the absence of an allergic reaction and discomfort after the mask does not serve as a reason to cancel the procedures. Badyaga powder is sold in pharmacy chains.

The powder should be diluted according to the instructions for the drug and applied to clean skin. The mask has a powerful wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and skin cleansing effect. The main condition for successful application is the exact exposure time, which should not be exceeded.

If slight redness appears, we recommend using masks at night or on weekends. A good therapeutic effect of the drug has been proven, but in the presence of significant scar tissue, Badyaga will not be able to cope with the problem and serves only as a good additional method to the main treatment.

Therefore, we recommend masks not for complete elimination, for example, of scars after herpes, but as a means that has a positive effect on the general condition of the skin and to some extent eliminates spots after rashes. If there is damage to the skin prior to wounds, badyagi masks are prohibited.

Treatment with innovative gel

Traditional recipes are good, but, unfortunately, they do not guarantee results. If you want to achieve a wow effect, we recommend paying attention to Fermencol anti-scar gel. It is effective for all types of scars, including scars from boils and cosmetic procedures. They can even treat old scars. Unlike other anti-scar agents, Fermenkol does not contain hormones, is safe for children and pregnant women, and can be used during lactation.

To eliminate old scars, it is most effective to use Fermenkol with physiotherapy: electrophoresis or phonophoresis. The active components of the gel and the physical impact of the procedures give a double effect, and the scars resolve much faster. The gel is also used during the rehabilitation period after surgery, surgical procedures and cosmetology.

After just 2 weeks of regular use, you will notice the result: the scars will turn pale, decrease in size, and become less dense. Upon completion of the course, the skin will be restored by 90%.

You can purchase the drug on our website or in pharmacies in your city. Sign up for an online consultation with our specialist. A qualified doctor will answer you within a few days. And it will help you choose a method for getting rid of the scar, taking into account your individual characteristics.

How can you speed up healing after a “cold on the lips” appears?

Try Allomedine® skin care product. Eliminates traces of colds on the lips, returns the skin to a healthy appearance, and protects against disruption of its normal functioning.

The positive effect of Allomedin® gel on the skin is due to its constituent components:

• allostatin
  ® is a peptide, in the presence of which protective cells more effectively recognize and remove damaged skin cells [2].
• allantoin
  - removes redness, replenishes moisture deficiency, improves skin tone;
• carbopol
  - forms a protective film on the surface of the skin, creates a microenvironment favorable for the restoration of the epithelium.

Why do scars remain?

To avoid the need to get rid of traces of herpes, it is better to understand why scars occur and what not to do.

The main causes of spots after herpes are:

• wrong treatment
• causing mechanical damage to bubbles, puncturing them,
• ingress of water, cream during the acute period of the disease,
• spots are one of the final phases of regeneration.

To understand the mechanism of formation of herpetic scars, you need to consider the sequence of the underlying disease.

The first sign indicating impending herpes is itching and burning at the site of formation (the most typical place is the nasolabial triangle). At this stage, abrasions may form when intensively scratching the itchy area, which can lead to leaving marks. After this, from 1 to several dozen bubbles of various sizes are formed, filled with a transparent liquid. At this time, a person is a carrier and infects others through contact and through common objects. After they burst, a yellowish crust forms, which falls off over time.

Causes

The herpes virus, which causes cell damage, leads to inflammation and tissue death. Under the resulting crust, the process of regeneration of the epidermis occurs. When the crust comes off, healthy pink tissue is revealed. Such a stain does not need treatment, because... disappears on its own. But if you wish, you can speed up healing.

Traces of herpes, which do not go away for a long time, appear as a result of deep damage to the epidermis by a severe form of the disease.

The cause of the complication may be an infection that penetrates the wound. Infection often occurs if the patient begins to scratch the rash or tries to remove the dry crust prematurely.