Herpes simplex on lips

Herpes simplex labialis is one of the most common oral diseases. In the early stages of the disease, there will be a burning sensation, itching, or even flushing in the mouth, lips, and other parts of the body. In addition, blisters of varying sizes will develop on the tongue, lips, and other places. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to heal, gradually drying and forming a scab. How to prevent and treat herpes simplex on the lips?

In fact, herpes simplex on the lips is not scary. As long as we pay more attention to the small details in life and take various preventive measures, we can greatly reduce and avoid the occurrence of such diseases. Here I will introduce to you the disease of herpes simplex labialis.

Herpes simplex on lips

Herpes labialis, also known as herpes facialis, is the most common type of herpes simplex. The cause of sexually transmitted diseases clinically is infection with the herpes simplex virus. The initial symptoms are often burning, itching and flushing, followed by dense groups or several groups of needle-sized blisters, which are smaller and more clustered than the primary blisters. After rupturing, they become eroded and exudate, and gradually dry and form scabs. The whole process takes about 1 to 2 weeks, and temporary pigmentation may remain in the local area after healing. The lesions often occur at the junction of the skin and mucous membranes, such as the corners of the mouth, the edges of the lips and near the nostrils, and can also occur on the face and lips.

Treatment options

1. Follow the general care routine of dermatology.

2. Antiviral drug treatment: Acyclovir ointment or penciclovir cream is commonly used. The latter is more effective and has fewer adverse reactions than the former.

3. Recurrent herpes simplex can be treated with 2% gentian violet solution, neomycin ointment, phthalamide cream or 3% to 5% acyclovir ointment. Patients with low cellular immune function can use levamisole 50 mg, 3/d, take it for 3 days, stop taking it for 12 days, and continue using it for 2 to 3 months as above. Myoblastic cytokines, transfer factors, etc. can also be injected intramuscularly.

Home treatment measures for herpes labialis:

1. Relax: When symptoms appear, you should relieve stress by doing some relaxing exercises. For example, listening to music, taking a walk, swimming, etc.

2. Keep the affected area dry: If the cold sore is not too serious, you might as well ignore it. But make sure the cold sore is dry, and if an abscess develops, see a doctor to determine the extent of the bacterial infection.

3. Change your toothbrush: The herpes simplex virus can live on your toothbrush for a while, causing you to be infected again after recovery. Throw away your toothbrush when you notice that you have a viral infection again. If you still get cold sores, throw away your toothbrush after the blister forms. This can prevent multiple herpes outbreaks. Once the herpes has completely healed, change your toothbrush.

4. Keep your toothbrush dry: A damp toothbrush and a humid bathroom are exactly the comfortable environment that herpes simplex desires. This moisture helps extend the life of the virus in your toothbrush. Therefore, it is recommended to store your toothbrush in a dry place.

5. Use small doses of toothpaste: Toothpaste itself does not spread disease. But if you press the toothbrush that touches your mouth against the opening of the toothpaste, the disease will be spread due to contact. Using a small dose of toothpaste will allow you to change your toothpaste more often.

6. Ice compress: Ice compress can reduce inflammation.

7. Avoid some foods: Arginine is an essential amino acid for herpes simplex virus. Foods rich in arginine should be avoided, such as chocolate, choles, peas, cereals, peanuts, gelatin, cashews, and beer.

8. Eat more lettuce: Eat more lettuce, yogurt, and acidic foods. If you often get cold sores, you should be checked for hypothyroidism.

9. Increase exercise: Exercise does help strengthen the immune system. The stronger the immune system is, the more it can resist viral invasion. Exercise is also a great way to relax.

Regarding the treatment of herpes simplex labialis, in addition to keeping the oral cavity clean, you also need to maintain a happy and relaxed mood. You may wish to participate in some simple physical exercises, such as running, swimming, etc., which can help improve the body's immune ability. In addition, you should eat more lettuce and acidic foods, which can also prevent the formation of oral herpes.