Many people are familiar with the unpleasant manifestations of herpes. This is not surprising, because according to WHO, more than 78% of the world's population is infected with the most common types of the virus: 67% are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1, and another 11% with herpes simplex virus type 2.
What is herpes, what causes it, why is it dangerous, and how should it be treated? Having knowledge about the disease, you can minimize the risk of its exacerbation, and most importantly, avoid complications.
Herpes on the lips
Herpes is a virus
The source of the disease is the so-called herpes viruses. These are DNA-containing microorganisms that are causative agents of various types of infections.
The initial entry of the virus into the body usually occurs through the mucous membranes (although entry through damaged skin is not excluded). Having overcome tissue barriers, harmful microorganisms enter the blood and lymph and spread throughout the body. They are able to penetrate the cells of internal organs and nerve endings. The peculiarity and danger of herpes is that it is genetically introduced into the nucleus of nerve cells, after which it remains in the body forever.
Many people do not even realize that they are carriers of the virus, since the pathology in most cases is asymptomatic, not showing itself in any way (this is called a latent state).
The human immune system is capable of suppressing the development of the virus, but if it is weakened, the infection “awakens.”
Herpes Virus
Symptoms of different types of herpes
A “sleeping” virus may not bother its host for years. But if for some reason the virus enters the active phase, it is easy to recognize - by its characteristic rashes. The “classic” visual sign of herpes is itchy, watery blisters that can appear in different places - on the face and on the body.
There are several types of herpes virus - they differ in their manifestations. Most often in medical practice, diagnoses such as HSV-1 and HSV-2 are encountered - this is the abbreviated name for herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2.
Cold sores and chicken pox are related diseases caused by herpes. Several types of the virus can “coexist” in one person.
| Many people call this pathology a “cold on the lips,” although the “classic” cold and herpes are different things. We are talking about the herpes simplex virus type 1, which usually “attacks” the lips and nasolabial triangle. Externally, the disease manifests itself in the form of rashes. They represent one or a whole cluster of bubbles with liquid contents. When asked whether there can be a fever with herpes, the answer is positive: many patients complain of fever, headaches and general weakness. Among doctors, there is another name for pathology: when you see a diagnosis such as oral or labial herpes in your medical record, know that we are talking about the herpes simplex virus type 1. Herpes on the lip is usually very itchy |
| The second type of herpes simplex is accompanied by the development of genital (genital) infections. The disease in most cases is asymptomatic or, as with labial herpes, is accompanied by the appearance of blisters (ulcers), but only in the area of the external genitalia. Other signs of HSV-2 are fever, body aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in the genitals. Most often, the disease is transmitted sexually, but infection can also occur from a person with labial herpes. |
| Virus type 3, also known as the herpes zoster virus, is the culprit of chickenpox. To become infected, it is enough to enter into a conversation with a sick person (transmission occurs through airborne droplets). Having had chickenpox, a person remains a carrier of this virus for the rest of his life. In case of relapse, there is a risk of developing herpes zoster. This disease is characterized by the appearance of itchy rashes throughout the body, as well as fever. Chicken pox |
| Herpes type 4 causes such a serious infectious disease as mononucleosis. This disease is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes and fever; the patient complains of a sore throat and general weakness. The liver and spleen are also affected. |
| Herpes type 5 provokes the development of cytomegalovirus. The disease manifests itself differently, depending on which organ is affected. A runny nose, disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs - all this can be a sign of pathology. |
| In addition to those described above, there are also types 6, 7 and 8 herpes. Scientists are now studying these viruses. |
Herpes simplex - a winter problem
Winter, along with snow, sleds, ice skates and Santa Claus, also brings specific winter problems. For example, it is at this time of year that small, nasty, very painful blisters most often appear on the lips. Colds on the lips, or, in medical terms, labial herpes, are considered to be an unpleasant but “harmless sore”, although this is not at all the case...
What does it look like?
At first the itching bothers you, then a spot appears on the red border of the lips, with blisters on it. When the blisters burst, an ulcer forms, crusts over, and then gradually heals. This is the typical course of this disease.
What is the reason?
The cause is most often herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It causes herpes labialis in 80% of cases. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), also known as the genital herpes virus, is to blame for 20%. I will tell you about it in detail in the next article. Here I will just note that HSV-2 is transmitted not only through orogenital (higher love - lower kissing) contacts, but you can be “lucky” without them.
You can either become infected with the herpes virus, or it wakes up from a latent, i.e. hidden, state.
Herpes viruses adore nervous tissue and “hide” (persist) in nerve ganglia. When conditions that are favorable for them and unfavorable for our body occur, viruses come out to rob.
What provokes it?
Herpes on the lips appears during acute respiratory infections (ARI), flu, bronchitis, etc. Dry, cracked, chapped lips are an excellent landing site for viruses. Herpes most often appears (and is more severe) in weakened people, with some general diseases, for example, diabetes or oncology.
Why is it dangerous?
Herpes is contagious. During the period of manifestations of the virus, you can easily infect another person, and their infection may be much more severe than yours.
Herpes viruses affect the peripheral nerves and central nervous system, eyes, genitals and even internal organs.
For children, especially infants, infection can be fatal. It happens that a sick person transmits the virus to himself to different places (eyes, genitals). In this case, for example, ophthalmoherpes can lead to blindness.
What is not necessary to treat?
Earwax and hydrogen peroxide, herbal tinctures and Corvalol - traditional medicine offers everything to treat herpes. Dermatologists are especially pleased with attempts to cauterize the problem with a variety of caustic agents. Unlike most skin diseases, we know the etiology (causes) of herpes labialis. There are proven etiotropic (acting on the cause) drugs, so why not use them?
What should be treated?
It was not without reason that the creators of the antiviral drug acyclovir received the Nobel Prize. This drug stops the herpes virus from multiplying and stops the infection.
The principle of action of acyclovir is simple. Scientists took one nucleoside (these are the building blocks of DNA) and remade it so that, when integrated into the DNA of the virus, it did not allow other nucleosides to integrate behind it. All! Imagine a defective brick, uneven on one side.
A special enzyme, viral thymidine kinase, puts the drug on alert. Thus, the drug does not affect healthy cells without viruses.
Is it possible to treat yourself?
I am a long-time and sworn enemy of self-medication, but if the disease manifests itself typically, as described in the first lines of this article, herpes does not extend beyond the red border of the lips, does not spread to other areas of the skin or mucous membranes (mouth, nose and eyes), proceeds without severe pain at the site of the lesion or somewhere else, without an increase in temperature, i.e., there are no other symptoms related or unrelated to the process - you don’t have to go to the doctor, but use creams containing acyclovir on your own. Moreover, in my personal experience, for uncomplicated labial herpes, not very expensive ointments with acyclovir work well.
In all other cases when systemic treatment (pills) may be needed, a visit to the doctor is necessary. You should definitely visit a doctor if the rashes recur more than 5-6 times a year, even if the manifestations themselves occur normally.
When to get Acyclovir?
As soon as possible. As I already wrote, the drug does not destroy the virus, but only stops its reproduction, stopping the replication of viral DNA. Therefore, the sooner we start treatment, the fewer viral copies we get. This way, the disease will pass faster and there will be fewer complications.
I recommend that people who often have herpes breakouts on their lips carry a tube of antiviral ointment with them so that they can use it even at the itching stage. It is necessary to lubricate the area affected by herpes at least 5 times a day. It is best to do this with a finger in a fingertip, gloves or a cotton swab. As a last resort, just wash your hands well before and after lubrication.
How to behave during rashes?
Lovers, of course, cannot be stopped, but kissing at such a time is not a good idea. And any kind: both on the forehead and cheek, and not on the forehead and cheek. You should also not use shared hygiene items and utensils - cups, glasses, glasses, etc.
Good health!
Leonid Shchebotansky
Photo thinkstockphotos.com
Product by topic: [product](acyclovir), [product](valacyclovir)
Herpes - what causes it?
The risk of contracting an infection arises from a very early age, because there are a huge number of adults around a small child, most of whom are carriers of herpes. Infection can also occur in the womb of an infected mother.
So, what can cause herpes on the lips? Children (and adults) often become infected through kissing, as well as through sharing utensils. If you are near a person with herpes who coughs or sneezes, there is a high risk of infection through airborne droplets. In addition, the virus is transmitted sexually (primarily this concerns HSV-2). People who receive blood transfusions are also at risk.
Fortunately, most people infected with the herpes virus (about 80%) have an inactive form of the infection. However, there are factors that provoke a relapse - then the “sleeping” virus begins to actively multiply. So, some people regularly suffer from sores on their lips - the hated “cold” can appear 5-10 times a year. The cause of recurrence of the disease may be:
- diseases – endocrine, viral and bacterial;
- hypothermia;
- stress;
- exhaustion of the body;
- overwork;
- injuries;
- metabolic disorders.
In women, another provoking factor is menstruation.
Are herpes on the lips and genitals the same thing?
Sometimes yes and sometimes no.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV 1 and HSV 2. Conventionally, it is believed that the first type affects the lips and skin around the mouth, and the second type affects the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. In fact, HSV 1 can appear on the genitals and anal area, and HSV type 2 can appear on the lips. Therefore, doctors prefer not to divide the herpes simplex virus into types, but to determine the disease by the location of the lesion.
The main thing is not to confuse the herpes simplex virus with its other relatives. Because there are 8 types of herpes viruses in total. The first two types cause the very herpes we are talking about, the others are called differently. For example, type 3 virus causes chickenpox, type 4 virus causes mononucleosis, type 5 causes cytomegalovirus infection, and the other three types have not yet been sufficiently studied and it is unknown how exactly they affect the body.
