Briefly about herpes: what causes rashes and how to deal with them?

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

Herpes - prevention and treatment

15.Nov.2021

People with immunodeficiency may experience generalized forms of infection involving other organs and tissues. Among the eight types of herpes known to science, the most common is the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus is quite unstable in the external environment. At room temperature it lasts up to 24 hours, on metal - up to 2 hours. When exposed to temperatures above 50°C, it dies within 30 minutes, under the influence of alcohol and chlorine-containing substances - within a few minutes, and when frozen it persists for up to five days.

The source of infection is always a person. It is contagious during any phase of the disease or carriage, but mainly during exacerbation. The pathogen can be transmitted by airborne droplets, household contact or sexual contact, as well as from mother to fetus through the placenta, during childbirth or breastfeeding. All people are susceptible to the virus, although many have asymptomatic forms of the disease. Entering the human body through the mucous membrane of the mouth, genitals or respiratory tract, the herpes infection remains in it forever. The virus, hidden inside the host cell, is not accessible to immune cells that destroy pathogens. The virus is activated when the immune system is weakened as a result of hypothermia, overheating, colds, lack of vitamins, overwork, stress, lack of sleep. Recurrence of infection can be caused by injuries, surgical interventions, as well as sexual contact if the mucous membrane is damaged. The use of medications and cosmetics containing steroid hormones also contributes to the manifestation of the herpes virus.

Herpes can change a person’s life, sometimes slightly, and sometimes dramatically. Currently, diagnostic capabilities are expanding, and effective methods for treating this disease have been developed. Globally, an estimated 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 (67% of the population) are infected with HSV-1. It is estimated that approximately 417 million people aged 15 to 49 years (11%) are infected with the HSV-2 virus worldwide.

Science now knows more than 100 herpes viruses, but the causative agents of the disease are the following:

• herpes simplex virus type 1 causes herpes labialis, that is, herpes on the lips (HSV-1); • herpes simplex virus type 2 is the cause of genital herpes (HSV-2); • shingles or chickenpox virus (Herpes zoster); • cytomegalovirus (CMV); • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

The latent state of the virus can persist throughout life. The interferon link of the immune system is responsible for the manifestation of the disease, i.e. the intensity of the manifestation of herpetic infection depends on its condition. The mildest manifestations are barely noticeable blisters on the skin, but herpes can also manifest as severe damage to the nervous system. HSV (herpes simplex virus) can infect any organ. It is characterized by a chronic course and various forms of clinical manifestation. The herpes simplex virus affects the central nervous system and causes encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, and myelitis. When affecting the eyes, herpes causes uveitis, keratoconjunctivitis and keratitis. In the liver, the herpes virus can cause hepatitis in newborns and adults. Herpes also affects mucous membranes and skin. This is the most common manifestation.

The herpes simplex virus spreads through airborne droplets, sexual contact, contact, transfusion, and also through organ transplantation. A pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through the placenta or while the fetus is passing through the birth canal. Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should inform their doctors. Preventing new cases of genital herpes virus infection is especially important in late pregnancy, since during this period the risk of developing neonatal herpes is greatest. The herpes virus enters the human nervous system through nerve endings. It multiplies in nerve cells and enters a latent stage. In the last phase, the virus manifests itself through its replication and migration along nerve cells to the site of herpetic manifestation, rash. Herpes can be activated as a result of mental and physical overload, hypothermia, taking corticosteroid hormones, menstruation, mechanical damage or friction of the skin, or previous colds.

• The manifestation of genital herpes occurs by the appearance of redness and burning of the skin, rashes of single or grouped painful blisters on the external or internal genital organs. • The blisters are uncomfortable, but after some time they crust over and heal. • The first symptoms of herpes are usually accompanied by high fever, general malaise and headache. • Isolation of viruses from infected tissues occurs within 10-12 days. • Herpes becomes recurrent in approximately 30-50% of people infected with the infection. However, the timing of recurrence may vary, but usually it is up to 6 months.

The most effective medications for people infected with HSV are antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. They help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms; however, they do not cure the infection. Complications of herpes can cause very bad consequences. First of all, this is intrauterine infection of the fetus. Herpes in the cervix can cause infertility. There are also cases of the development of herpes viruses in the nervous structures of the pelvis, which lead to persistent pain syndromes.

Several rules that must be followed if you have herpes rashes: Since herpes rashes are very contagious, try not to touch them too much, or if you do touch them, for example, by applying medicinal ointment to them, then immediately Wash your hands thoroughly with soap to avoid spreading the herpes virus to other areas of the skin.

• Accordingly, do not try to “pick off” the bubbles or the resulting crust with your hands, otherwise there is a risk of spreading this infection even further. • To avoid the herpes virus affecting the eye area, be careful when applying makeup. It is advisable to avoid eye makeup altogether during the period when herpes appears on the lips, but if this is not at all acceptable for you, make sure that your hands are well washed and that your brushes and other makeup accessories are disinfected. And most importantly, under no circumstances touch the mucous membrane of the eyes with anything. Well, if you use contact lenses, naturally do not wet them with your saliva. • To avoid infecting your family members or other people with the herpes virus, use only separate containers for eating and drinking that only you will use. The same applies to towels, toothbrushes, cosmetics and other things that, as described above, can interact with touching the resulting cold on the lips. After the cold sore on the lips goes away, it is recommended to thoroughly disinfect all these accessories, or, even better, replace them with new ones. • Try not to expose areas affected by herpes to the sun, this can further spread the infection and also increase the itching and burning sensations.

BU "Surgut City Clinical Clinic No. 3"

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.

Main

• In addition to the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals, the Herpes simplex virus can also cause skin lesions.
• Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and recurrence of rashes with the same localization.
• Herpetic infection of the periorbital area requires immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist.
• Antiviral drugs are used to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease; the virus cannot be completely eliminated.
• With frequent recurrence of herpes infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed for prophylactic purposes.

Etiology

• The Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) causes skin infections. HSV-1 most often affects the skin, HSV-2 - the genital area.
• Primary infection with HSV-1 usually occurs during childhood. A low-symptomatic or asymptomatic course leads to the fact that the primary infection often goes undetected. HSV-2 infection usually occurs in adulthood.
• In some people, primary infection is accompanied by severe symptoms (eg, gingivostomatitis, pharyngitis, genital herpes).
• Primary skin infection is rare.
• The virus lies latent in the nervous system and is activated from time to time under the influence of environmental factors.

Prevalence

• Carriage of the herpes virus is widespread among the adult population: 50 - 60% and 15 - 20% of HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Most carriers are asymptomatic.

Symptoms

• Symptoms and clinical picture of the disease are often typical, and diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations.
• Before the rash appears, there is usually soreness, burning, and tingling in the affected area.
• First, focal erythema with clear boundaries is formed, later grouped vesicles with transparent contents appear.
• Individual vesicles can transform into pustules or vesicles with hemorrhagic contents.
• Grouped vesicles may also appear in nearby areas of the skin. After opening the vesicles, small erosions of irregular shape remain on the skin.
• The disease usually lasts 1-2 weeks, but in some cases the course is longer.
• Typical affected areas are the skin of the perioral area, face, genital area, buttocks, perianal area, hands and fingers.
• Skin manifestations of herpes usually indicate reactivation of a latent infection.
• Factors that provoke such reactivation are colds or flu, mechanical trauma, medical or dental procedures, injury, stress, insolation, menstruation, secondary infection through the fingers, for example, lips or genital area (self-infection).
• Generalization of infection (disseminated disease) is possible in persons with immunodeficiency (for example, HIV infection) and/or receiving immunosuppressive therapy (for example, antirheumatic drugs, cytostatics).
• The infection can also spread in patients with atopic eczema, predominantly affecting the face (Kaposi's eczema herpeticum). This does not indicate the presence of immunodeficiency.

Survey

• In typical cases, there is no need for additional examination; the clinical picture is sufficient.
• The virus can be typed by identifying its antigen or by culture.
• It is best to obtain a sample for culture by puncturing the vesicle and running a cotton swab over the exposed eroded surface.
• A negative culture result is possible, especially if the specimen is taken long after the onset of symptoms.
• Antibody tests confirm carriage of the virus, but do not provide information about the timing or area of ​​infection. The level of antibodies during an isolated skin infection (reactivation) is usually not increased; a slight increase is possible during primary infection. It is useless to assess antibody levels in herpetic skin lesions.
• To diagnose HSV infection of the central nervous system and neonatal herpes, if necessary, PCR (in cerebrospinal fluid) and determination of antibody levels are used.
• In unclear cases or in the absence of response to empirical therapy, samples should be taken for bacteriological and/or mycological examination from the surface of the affected skin area.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed using skin tests.
• With pronounced clinical manifestations and low effectiveness of therapy, one should not forget about the possibility of immunodeficiency (for example, HIV infection, hematological malignancies, other malignant diseases).

Treatment

• Local lesions due to herpetic infection do not require mandatory drug therapy.
• In the treatment of herpetic infections of the skin, mucous membranes and genital area, the effectiveness of antiviral drugs has been proven.
• The earlier treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness.
• The patient must learn to recognize the first signs of the disease and begin therapy on their own.
• In patients with immunodeficiency, systemic use of antiviral drugs (orally or intravenously, depending on the clinical picture) is started even with mild symptoms or suspicion of herpes infection in order to avoid its possible generalization and/or progression to the development of necrotizing lesions.
• Systemic therapy Duration of treatment is 5 days; in patients with severe manifestations, it is possible to extend the treatment period to 7–10 days.
• Higher doses are recommended for immunocompromised patients (eg Valacyclovirum 500 mg, 2 tablets twice daily).
• Local treatment There is no convincing evidence of the effectiveness of local therapy for herpetic skin infections, but for mild cases it may be sufficient.
• For mild cases, it is possible to use antiviral drugs (Acyclovirum (acyclovir) or Pencyclovirum (penciclovir)) topically in the form of a cream or ointment every 2-4 hours during the day for 5-10 days.
• At the stage of blistering, lotions are used to dry the skin, for example, for 15 minutes 2-3 times a day, then zinc paste or lotion is applied
• Some patients require analgesics.

Recurrent herpetic infection

• For rare relapses, a course of treatment with the above-mentioned antiviral drugs is used. A prescription should be written in advance so that the patient can quickly begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear.
• In case of frequent relapses of the disease (to reduce their frequency), antiviral drugs are prescribed for prophylactic purposes for a period of 6-12 months. Treatment should be selected individually, depending on the severity of the manifestations. If possible, pauses between courses of treatment and assessment of indications for further preventive therapy are necessary.
• In case of initially severe clinical manifestations or recurrence of infection during preventive therapy, higher starting doses are recommended, for example, Valacyclovirum (valacyclovir) 500 mg twice a day.
• During the prophylactic use of antiviral drugs in patients with immunodeficiency, resistance to therapy often develops. Therefore, in this group of patients, the use of higher daily doses is recommended (for example, Valacyclovirum (valacyclovir) 500 mg twice a day).
• Short-term prophylaxis is a short course of treatment for 1 - 2 weeks, for example, during holidays, menstruation, etc.

Specialist consultation

• In case of immunodeficiency, the presence of even a mild form of herpetic infection or suspicion of it requires the fastest possible initiation of systemic therapy, preferably at the stage of primary care.
• For patients with severe generalized forms, especially those with immunodeficiency (cancer patients, patients receiving immunosuppressants), parenteral use of Acyclovirum (acyclovir) is indicated, most often as emergency therapy in a hospital. Specialist consultation is required.
• Localization of a herpetic infection in the eye area, even with minor manifestations, is an indication for emergency consultation with an ophthalmologist.

SOURCE:

Quantity

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.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HERPES SIMPLE

Key Facts

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-I) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-II).

HSV-I herpes on the lips and facial area

transmitted primarily through oral contact and causes oral herpes (symptoms of which may include a “fever sore”), but can also cause genital herpes.

HSV-II herpes in the genital area

is one of the sexually transmitted infections and causes genital herpes.

More than 90% of the world's population are carriers of the herpes virus. Infection with both HSV-I and HSV-II lasts for life.

The frequency of herpes on the lips varies from person to person and can recur from 2 to 12 times a year. Most cases of herpes are oral and genital.

Typically, the virus settles in the body at 3-5 years of age, but does not appear until puberty.

Transmission routes:

1. Autoinfection.

The virus is transmitted from infected areas of the body to uninfected areas. For example, contact lens wearers can transfer the herpes virus to the eye area by wetting the lenses with infected saliva instead of a solution.

1. When contacting another person through a kiss

For infection to occur through a kiss, the virus needs 2 conditions:

so that the carrier has an active phase of herpes (moreover, it can be asymptomatic)

so that the partner has a predisposition to infection: an abundance of saliva, small wounds.

1. Upon contact with a contaminated surface

The virus is able to survive for some time outside its host: in a humid environment, at a temperature of 37°. That is, it is possible to become infected by drinking from the same glass or using the same lipstick. It is theoretically possible, but rare, to become infected with genital herpes when sitting on plastic surfaces (toilet, locker room bench), because On plastic surfaces under favorable conditions, the virus survives for about 4 hours.

Stages of herpes

Precursor stage

It usually begins with a tingling, itching and burning sensation on the lips. Duration from several hours to 1 day.

Hyperemia stage

Literally on the same day as the tingling sensation, swelling and redness of the lip occurs. The condition is usually accompanied by itching and lasts on average 1-2 days.

Bubble stage

A group of several bubbles is formed, which merge with each other into one painful bubble filled with lymph. This usually happens on the second day and is accompanied by very painful sensations.

Stage of erosion formation

On day 3, the blisters transform into ulcers and pustules, which then form a sore. Usually it is gray in color with a bright red ring around it. The liquid released from the sore contains virus particles in a concentration of 1 million per 1 ml. and is highly contagious

Crust formation stage

From days 4 to 9, the sore dries out and crusts over. In this case, the pain becomes less, but severe itching appears. The sore may fall off in parts and bleed. Herpes begins to heal from the inside, the sore becomes smaller.

Healing stage

On days 9-11, the wound heals and heals. However, redness may persist for another two days. During this period, the virus returns to a dormant state, in which it can remain until it is activated again by risk factors.

Treatment

The most effective medications for people infected with HSV are antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. They help relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of their occurrence, but do not lead to a complete cure.

Prevention

HSV-I herpes on the lips and facial area

HSV-I is most contagious during the onset of oral herpes symptoms, but it can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or observed. Individuals with active symptoms of oral herpes should avoid oral contact with others and sharing objects that have come into contact with saliva. They should also abstain from oral sex to prevent herpes from spreading to their partner's genitals. People with symptoms of genital herpes should avoid sexual intercourse while they are experiencing symptoms.

Consistent and correct use of condoms can help prevent the spread of genital herpes. However, condoms can only reduce the risk of infection, since symptoms of genital herpes can appear in areas not protected by a condom.

Individuals already infected with HSV-I cannot become infected again, but they remain at risk of infection with HSV-2, which affects the genital area.

Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should inform health care providers. Preventing new infections with genital herpes virus is especially important for women in late pregnancy, since this is the period when the risk of developing neonatal herpes is highest.

HSV-II herpes in the genital area

People with a genital infection caused by HSV should abstain from sexual activity while symptoms of genital herpes appear. HSV-II is most contagious when lesions appear, but it can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or observed.

Systematic and correct use of condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes. However, condoms provide only partial protection because HSV can be found in areas not protected by a condom. Medical male circumcision can provide men with lifelong partial protection against HSV-II, as well as HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Individuals with symptoms suggestive of genital HSV infection should be tested for HIV infection, and those living in areas with high HIV prevalence should be offered more focused HIV prevention interventions, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should inform health care providers. Preventing new infections with genital herpes virus is especially important for women in late pregnancy, since this is the period when the risk of developing neonatal herpes is highest.

Is there any prevention against herpes?

To resist the virus, you need a strong immune system. Therefore, those who suffer from frequent colds on the lips need to pay attention to their immune system. Take care of a healthy, balanced diet, do not forget about sports, maintain a normal daily schedule (first of all, ensure that you get adequate sleep) and try to get rid of bad habits (smoking, etc.).

It is important to practice basic hygiene, including regular hand washing. It is recommended to use personal hygiene products. During infectious epidemics, it is advisable to avoid staying in crowded places if possible.

To reduce the risk of genital herpes, you should use condoms.

How to find out if there is a virus?

Already during the initial examination of the patient, the doctor can determine the presence of herpes (often people who have visual manifestations of the disease seek medical help). But in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the degree of development of the infection, laboratory tests are prescribed.

Tests are important when planning pregnancy, since the virus is dangerous to the fetus. Tests are also required for patients preparing for transplantation.

There are several diagnostic methods - which one will be optimal in a particular case, the doctor will tell you. The presence of the herpes virus and its type can be determined by blood tests (enzyme immunoassay, PCR analysis, immunofluorescence reaction) and scrapings (culture method, immunofluorescence reaction). The most accurate, but also the most time-consuming and expensive method is the cultural method, which involves “growing” a virus obtained from a patient’s biomaterial in laboratory conditions.

Diagnosis of herpes

How does herpes simplex develop?

1. It all starts with itching and/or tingling in the place where herpes develops - as we have already found out, most often this is the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle. The skin turns red and begins to itch.
2. Next, the stage of inflammation begins. Swelling appears in the affected area and a small, painful pimple appears - a blister containing clear liquid. Over time, this liquid becomes cloudy. A small pimple(s) gradually increases in size.
3. The blisters burst 3–5 days after the onset of the disease. A liquid flows from them, containing an uncountable number of viral particles. During this period, contact with a sick person should be stopped, since the risk of infection is very high. At the site of the rash, ulcers with a purulent crust (scabs) form. When the scab is damaged, bleeding begins.

A natural question for every patient is, how many days does it take for herpes to go away? This usually takes about 10 days. If symptoms do not disappear during this time, you should see a doctor, since herpes can signal the presence of other diseases.

Herpes ointment

How to relieve pain from shingles

The main symptom of herpes zoster, which distinguishes it from other infectious diseases with skin manifestations, is pain, which can occur both before the rash appears and after it has healed. For pain relief, the doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

A common complication of herpes zoster is postherpetic neuralgia, a severe pain syndrome that lasts at least 120 days. Pain can bother a person for several months and even years after recovery. Postherpetic neuralgia develops mainly in older people - for example, about 50% of cases are recorded in patients over 60 years of age.

Possible complications

The herpes virus should not be perceived as an unpleasant but harmless “sore.” This is a rather insidious disease that poses a particular danger to pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems (patients with cancer, people with HIV and AIDS).

The virus is not limited to superficial tissues - it easily penetrates into internal ones. The main targets of herpes are the mucous membranes, skin, eyes (conjunctivitis can also be a consequence of herpes), as well as the central nervous system and brain. Lymph nodes and internal organs can be affected by the virus. Due to the fault of the pathogenic microorganism, the functioning of the liver, lungs, intestines and kidneys can be disrupted.

The consequences of herpes can be stomatitis, infertility, miscarriage, congenital deformities in children, encephalitis, inflammation in the joints, prostatitis, benign and malignant tumors. Scientists, based on research, associate the development of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease with herpes.

If a person’s immune system is weakened, other infections, both viral and bacterial, can “join” herpes, and this, in turn, puts an increased burden on the heart.

How is shingles transmitted?

Herpes zoster (syn. - herpes zoster) is a secondary infection that develops only in people who have previously had chickenpox. Activation of the virus usually occurs against the background of a weakening of the cellular component of immunity and exposure to unfavorable factors, such as:

• Hypovitaminosis
• Taking hormonal medications
• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Blood diseases, diabetes, oncology

Women are more susceptible to relapses of herpes zoster, as well as carriers of the interleukin gene mutation and older people - for example, among adults aged 85 years, 50% of people have suffered at least one episode of the disease. And in patients with immunodeficiencies, in particular with HIV, the risk of reactivation of herpes type 3 increases 20 times compared to people with normal immune status.

Which doctor's help might be needed for herpes?

With the questions “what causes herpes to constantly appear on the lips” and “I’m tormented by herpes - what to do?” You can contact your therapist first. He will subsequently refer you to an infectious disease specialist or dermatologist (if we are talking about an oral virus). Patients with a genital infection should see a gynecologist (women) or a urologist (men). Since the pathology may be associated with diseases of the internal organs, you may need to consult a gastroenterologist, hepatologist or pulmonologist.

How to treat herpes?

It is impossible to completely destroy a virus that has entered the body. But it is quite possible to suppress its activity so much that it does not bother you. In modern medicine, an integrated approach is used for this. The best results are obtained by combination therapy, which involves the use of antiviral drugs (they are available in the form of drugs for internal use and in the form of external agents), as well as drugs that strengthen the immune system. In some cases, the patient is additionally prescribed local analgesics and physiotherapeutic procedures.

Many people are interested in whether it is possible to burn herpes with alcohol? Alas, this method does not affect the virus, but only damages the mucous membranes, so it is better to use special ointments.

What remedies are usually prescribed for herpes on the lips? The table shows a list of the most common medications used to treat the virus.

The presented list of drugs is far from complete - the doctor, depending on the characteristics of a particular patient, may recommend other drugs. For example, in some cases antibiotics cannot be avoided (if there is a risk of contracting other infections).

Treatment

For local treatment, the doctor can use desiccant agents, disinfectants, zinc preparations, drugs acting on the DNA of the virus, and prophylactic drugs that protect against sunlight.

Treatment of herpes

Medicines - zoovirax cream up to 5 times a day, iodoxide, neomycin aerosol, vratizoline.

General treatment with acyclovir or famciclovir is indicated for patients with reduced cellular immunity, pregnant women, newborns, and in cases of recurrent infections, especially HSV2, but also HSV1. This treatment is more effective than topical treatment. This may reduce the relapse rate.

Drugs - Acyclovir (Zoovirax), Herpesin, Heviran, are prescribed in doses of 5 x 200 mg orally for 5 days. In case of complications, the drug is administered intravenously. Treatment should be started within the first 2 days of the first skin changes.

For recurrent herpes HSV1 or HSV2, acyclovir can be prophylactically prolonged at a dose of 200-400 mg per day in a chronic manner.