Herpes virus on the lips

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

A common disease called herpes makes us worried if we find signs of it in ourselves. It is popularly called lip fever, which is most often inflamed during the cold season. But in fact, behind this name lies much more negative consequences than a rash on the lips.

Many people are tormented by the question of whether herpes is transmitted by airborne droplets and whether it is possible to get herpes through a kiss.

We will try to answer these and other questions in this article. First, you need to figure out what the disease is.

Herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. Bumpy ulcers in the mouth are called a relapse. The most common are herpes simplex viruses I and II, which cause disease in those parts of the body where it lives (lips, nose, mouth, genitals, etc.). Interestingly, 90% of the world's population is infected with this type of virus. However, it brings discomfort and manifests itself in 20-30% of those infected. During the life of one person, relapses can occur about 12 times per year.

Relapse can be provoked by:

• Weakened immunity
• Severe stress
• Colds
• Inflammation of the skin
• Hormonal changes
• Alcohol abuse and smoking
• Excess ultraviolet radiation
• Menstruation in women
• Great physical activity

How is herpes spread?

The virus is transmitted only from an infected person. The transmission itself occurs directly upon contact. On the surface of the patient's body, the virus enters from the mucous membranes of the body (mouth, eyes, nose).

The main ways of transmission in everyday life:

• Through shared utensils (spoons, glasses, plates)
• Through a towel, toothbrush
• Cosmetics (lipstick, lip pencil, makeup brushes)
• Through the bed (if sleeping with the infected on the same pillow)

Ways of transmission by personal contact:

• By airborne droplets
• With a kiss (even on the cheek)
• During sex
• During a handshake, hugs
• From mother to child during childbirth

Most often, we become infected even in preschool age. But the first visible signs appear during puberty.

The fact that herpes is not contagious is one of the biggest misconceptions. As we can see, it is transmitted both through contact with the things of the life of the infected and through direct contact.

How does the infection process take place?

During infection, viral DNA is inserted into the host's DNA and used to make new viral particles. Particle production continues until a healthy cell dies.

Is herpes spread by kissing?

If we talk about infection with a kiss, then everything is not so simple. For the infection to take place, several conditions are necessary.

The patient should have an active herpes phase. This does not mean only a relapse phase, with a pronounced rash.

The active phase can be completely asymptomatic. The partner should have micro wounds or an abundance of saliva in the mouth.

How does the disease develop on the lips?

The main stages of the disease:

1. The stage of harbingers. It is characterized by a feeling of slight tingling, pain and burning around the mouth.
2. Hyperemia stage. Redness and swelling occur at the site of the burning. Lasts for 1-2 days.
3. Several small bubbles appear, which combine to form one large bubble with lymph. At the same time, it causes very unpleasant pain in the infected person. It manifests itself 1-2 days after infection.
4. The next day, sores and pimples form on the lips. They are often grayish in color with a bright red outline. Liquid is released from the abscesses, which is especially dangerous, since it contains a large amount of the virus.
5. Over the next five days, you can watch the cold dry up. It gets smaller and crusts. May cause severe itching, bleeding when scratching. It begins to heal from the inside, the particles of the crust fall off and become smaller.
6. On day 10, the wound heals and heals. Redness around the lips persists for a while. This means that the virus goes into a passive stage again until the next possible risk factor.

The fourth stage is especially dangerous. Since during this period the maximum amount of viruses is concentrated on the lips. The stage of crust formation is safer, during which the virus is practically not transmitted.

During the illness, it is worth adhering to certain norms.

Since during the period of relapse, a person becomes especially contagious, so as not to infect their loved ones, a loved one and not make themselves worse, you need to remember a few rules:

• Use only individual dishes and a towel
• Do not touch the affected areas on the lips, if this happens, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Do not squeeze pustules or peel off crusts
• Refrain from kissing and sexual intercourse
• Apply ointments and creams only with disposable cotton swabs

If you are faced with the problem of herpes on the lips, do not let things go by themselves. For quick recovery and wound healing, use special products.

There are no drugs that can completely destroy the herpes virus in the body. Herpes medicines are designed to reduce the occurrence of herpes and reduce the risk of recurrence. For herpes, antiviral drugs are used, you should not choose them yourself; it is better to consult a doctor.

Usually he prescribes medicines in which the active ingredient is Acyclovir, you can still use Zovirax, Bonafton, Florenal.

Before applying an antiviral ointment, you need to treat the wound with an antiseptic without alcohol.

A good remedy is a German gel for external use - Tromantadine. It helps to reduce the unpleasant sensation of cold sores on the lips. Stops burning and itching, reduces the risk of further relapses.

Other means:

• Herperax
• Allomedin
• Chlorhexidine
• Alpizarin
• Balm "star"

Also proven folk remedies can come to the rescue for years. Only with their use you need to be very careful.

Means to help reduce inflammation on the lips:

• Toothpaste (is an antibacterial agent and dries well. It should be applied in the initial stages, before blistering).
• Fir oil. Lubricate the wound with a couple of drops of oil with a cotton swab.
• Propolis based spray. Cannot be used if you are allergic to bee products.
• Honey
• Fresh aloe juice or a piece of the plant itself. Take a small piece of scarlet, peeled from the skin, attach it to the wound and cover with a plaster
• Mix the juice from the calendula petals with a little petroleum jelly. Apply three times a day
• At night, you can rub the affected area with garlic.

Treatments like these can help blister heal faster and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

If you still doubted whether herpes on the lips is transmitted through a kiss, then yes. Unambiguously transmitted. During a relapse, a large amount of the virus is in the saliva of the infected person; the formed pustules on the lips are a special epicenter of the virus.

Therefore, if the partner has a tendency to become infected, 99% that the virus will be transmitted. In case of relapse, the quarantine period is 1, 5-2 weeks. Therefore, refrain at this time from close contacts, kissing and sexual intercourse in order to protect the health of your soul mate.