How to get rid of herpes - 5+ ways to deal with fever on the lips

Viruses are around us. Some of them suddenly appear and paralyze the normal life of the entire planet, others have been known for a long time, exist everywhere, often even are in the human body, but do not manifest themselves. The second option is the herpes virus.

Currently, 8 types are known, and the human body reacts differently to each of them. Some cause shingles or chickenpox, and only the first two appear less severely, most often just as “blisters” on the lips [1].

This disease was mentioned in literary works and historical documents 2000 years ago. But it was only in the 40s of the last century that the human herpes simplex virus was discovered, studied and described.

WHO indicates that in 2012, the number of people infected with the first type of virus alone was about 3.7 billion. At that time, 67% of the world's population was infected with it. The spread of this virus is trending to increase. Many people carry herpes and don't even know it [2].

Another problem is the high infection rate of the healthy population, mainly young, working age.
In the world, from 16 to 800 people are infected annually, and in Russia from 40 to 80 people per 100 thousand population “Features of herpes viruses” Ph.D. Peradze Kh. D., Ph.D. Sukhoruk A. A.

Types of herpes simplex virus and their features

If we talk about such a manifestation of herpes as a “cold” on the lips, then it is caused by the first two types of virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. They are very contagious and contribute to the appearance of small bubbles - vesicles - on the mucous membranes. The favorite site of manifestation of HSV-1 is the oral cavity, and HSV-2 usually affects areas in the genital area.

Herpes disease does not always appear only on the lips or genitals. Other areas of the body may also be affected: fingertips, cornea, skin, internal organs and systems, even the spinal cord and brain.

Transmission routes

How is the herpes virus transmitted? This is a rather insidious microorganism that can spread in various ways. This is why many people are asymptomatic carriers of the virus. However, you can only become infected from a person suffering from an acute form of herpes. Infection occurs in the following ways:

1. Through a kiss or oral-genital contact with the patient.
2. By airborne droplets. The patient can transmit the virus to others by coughing or sneezing.
3. The infection is transmitted through personal objects, such as a towel, toothbrush or lipstick.
4. Infection is possible when sharing utensils with a sick person.
5. A pregnant woman with acute herpes can infect her unborn child in utero.
6. In rare cases, a person can infect themselves. Inaccurate application of creams and ointments may spread the rash from affected areas to healthy ones.

It is important to remember that the herpes virus is quite stable and can live outside the body for about 4 hours. Therefore, healthy people easily become infected through objects and utensils that the sick person has come into contact with. Then this microorganism penetrates through the mucous membrane into the nerve endings and settles there forever.

Signs of the presence of herpes virus in the body

Anyone who has ever encountered such a problem knows how herpes manifests itself. Typically, herpes on the lips occurs in several stages and is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

1. Itching and tingling . A few days before the herpetic rash appears, itching, burning or tingling in the lips may occur.
2. Bubble formation . Small bubbles filled with clear liquid usually form at the border of the red border of the lips and the skin around the mouth. Herpes can also be located near the nose, ears or on the cheeks.
3. Crusts and weeping . The vesicles burst, the liquid pours out, and shallow open wounds remain on the mucous membrane of the lips, which eventually become covered with a crust.

Most often, this is how the body reacts to the reappearance of symptoms, when the immune system has already developed an algorithm for how to get rid of herpes. The first manifestation of herpes on the lips can be more complicated and be accompanied by additional symptoms:

• fever;
• ulcers on the gums;
• sore throat;
• headache;
• muscle pain;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

Laboratory diagnosis of herpes

The insidiousness of this virus is that there are no signs of herpes for a long time. A person may not be aware of his infection until the first vesicle appears on the lips.

But it is quite easy to detect it in a laboratory. For this, the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method is used, which detects even a small amount of viral particles in biological material. It is suitable for early diagnosis, as it allows diagnosing the disease regardless of the timing of infection, even when the body has not developed an immune response [3].

If you examine antibodies, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is considered the most reliable. The body of the infected person begins to produce protective immunoglobulins G and M. IgM antibodies appear immediately after infection, and IgG antibodies are formed only after the first relapse.

Tests establish the presence of the virus and determine which of the two types it belongs to [4, 5].

Rating of the top 10 tablets for herpes according to KP

We discussed with experts the most widely used and best pills for herpes in adults. However, it is important to remember that the information described below is not a guide to action; all treatment measures must first be discussed with a doctor.

Favirox

Favirox. Photo: Specifar Pharmaceuticals

Tablets are available in different dosages and are sold with a doctor's prescription. The main active ingredient, famciclovir, has a pronounced viricidal effect against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2; it has a worse effect on other forms of herpes, although it is applicable in the treatment of herpes zoster. Indicated for people over 18 years of age, the regimen is selected individually; at the initial stage of infection, it can prevent the appearance of rashes.

The antiviral effect lasts up to 12 hours, so it is taken twice a day. Compatible with other medications. Particularly effective for preventing relapses with frequent rashes.

It has a number of side effects - it provokes headaches with nausea and diarrhea, possible skin rash, abdominal pain. Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in children. Cannot be used for liver and kidney problems.

Valtrex

Valtrex. Photo: GLAXO WELLCOME, SA

Available in tablets, sold by prescription. The main active ingredient is valacyclovir. It has an active effect on various types of herpes viruses. Effective against oral and genital herpes, eye lesions caused by a virus and shingles. The drug is taken in a course twice a day.

Side effects include nausea and headache, and allergies to components. Prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with kidney damage to the liver, and against the background of HIV infection.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir. Photo: Belmedpreparaty

The drug is available in tablets, including “forte” form, and is available without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient is acyclovir, which has a virusicidal effect against herpes types 1 and 2. For other types of herpes, the effectiveness is less.

Take up to 4 times a day immediately after meals; use caution in older people. While taking Acyclovir, you need to take a lot of fluids.

For kidney problems, the dose is selected individually, usually it is 2 times lower. It should be used with caution in people with neurological pathologies. Use with caution in pregnant and lactating women. Side effects include headaches and dizziness, allergies, shortness of breath, swelling and vision problems. The drug is incompatible with alcohol.

Isoprinosine

Isoprinosine. Photo: Luzomedicamenta-Technical Pharmaceutical Society

Tablets with the active ingredient inosine pranobex are available with a doctor's prescription. They have antiviral activity, stimulate the activation of lymphocytes, increase the synthesis of protective immunoglobulins, which strengthens the body's immune defense. Increases the activity of acyclovir, which makes it possible to use it in the treatment of severe forms of herpes.

You need to take the drug up to 4 times a day; in severe forms, the dose is doubled. The course of treatment lasts up to 10 days. Prophylactic use is possible.

Contraindicated in the presence of urolithiasis and arrhythmia, gout, kidney failure. Side effects - digestive disorders, headache, joint discomfort, exacerbation of gout.

Minaker

Minaker.
Photo: Apotex A drug with antiviral activity, available by prescription, sold in tablets. The main active ingredient is famciclovir. The drug is indicated for any stage of herpes of the first and second types, as well as for herpes zoster. After entering the body, it is converted into penciclovir and acts for up to 12 hours, suppressing the reproduction of viral particles inside the cell and DNA replication.

The drug is effective for herpetic neuralgia, recurrent forms of infection for treatment and prevention.

Prohibited during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and kidney and liver problems. Digestive disorders and headaches may occur while taking it.

Amiksin

Amiksin. Photo: Pharmstandard-Leksredstva

Amiksin is an over-the-counter antiviral drug in tablet form. The drug is suitable for the treatment of herpetic infections, including relapses. Contains tilorone, which acts as an immunostimulant - an inducer of interferon formation.

Do not use during pregnancy, lactation or if there is an allergic reaction to the components of Amiksin. For use by persons over 18 years of age. Allergic reactions are possible, and therefore treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.

show more

Zovirax

Zovirax. Photo: GLAXO WELLCOME, SA

Another drug containing acyclovir for the treatment of herpes simplex virus. It is most often used in the form of an ointment for topical use; there is also a tablet form.

Can be used during pregnancy under medical supervision. The drug passes into breast milk, so it is prescribed with extreme caution during lactation.

Zovirax is contraindicated for kidney pathologies. In tablet form, it is allowed only for children over 3 years of age.

Normomed

Normomed. Photo: Obninsk Chemical and Pharmaceutical Company

Medicine in the form of syrup and tablets for the treatment of herpes in children and adults. Contains a synthetic purine derivative - Inosine Pranobex. It is a stimulator of the body's defenses and a nonspecific antiviral drug, available from the pharmacy with a prescription.

The effect of the drug on pregnant and lactating women has not been studied, so they should avoid using the drug. Contraindications also include:

• gout;
• urolithiasis disease;
• arrhythmia;
• chronic renal failure;
• children under 3 years of age;
• body weight less than 20 kg.

Arpeflu

Arpeflu. Photo: Lekpharm

Arpeflu tablets are taken for recurrent herpetic infections. The active component is umifenovir hydrochloride with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties.

Do not use in children under three years of age or with galactose intolerance. A prescription is not required for purchase, but it is better to determine the dosage and duration of treatment with your doctor.

show more

Lipster

Lipster. Photo: Farmak

Antiviral drug against herpes virus types 1 and 2. Contains acyclovir triphosphate, which prevents viral DNA synthesis. There are two forms of release: topical cream and oral tablets.

Contraindications include hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. The safety and effectiveness of use in children under 12 years of age have not been sufficiently studied.

The course of treatment is at least 4 days; the exact dosage and treatment plan are selected by the doctor.

Methods of infection

There are several main ways of contracting a herpes infection.

Straight way

The virus passes to a healthy person from a sick person through direct contact. A prerequisite for transmission is the active skin manifestation of the herpes virus on the lips or other parts of the body. This route of transmission is possible through kissing (herpes on the lips), sexual contact (genital herpes), through hands, when the virus is actively released from herpetic vesicles.

Indirect transmission route

In this case, infection occurs through personal hygiene items, dishes, and cosmetics from a person with herpes at the stage of spreading the virus. For prevention, it is enough to use individual personal hygiene items - a toothbrush, comb, cosmetics - lipstick, creams, cosmetic pencils [2, 6].

Prevention

Since the herpes virus is very common throughout the world, it is almost impossible to avoid infection, but we can make sure that the immune system successfully resists it:

1. Always practice good personal hygiene
2. Use personal hygiene products: towels, linen, dishes
3. Try to touch your face less
4. Strengthen your immune system - drink decoctions of rose hips, St. John's wort, mint tea, eat more fruits and vegetables, take vitamin complexes in winter and spring
5. If you have a small child and you catch a fever, do not kiss him, wear a cotton-gauze bandage and do not touch the baby without gloves
6. Walk a lot, but avoid hypothermia and overheating
7. Try to avoid stress and don't take things too seriously
8. Get rid of bad habits, as they greatly weaken the body.
9. If you are sick or have a cold, get treatment and help your immune system

This is usually enough to minimize the risk of relapse. I hope these tips will help you prevent the appearance of “fever” on your lips, which so spoils your beauty and, accordingly, your mood. Be healthy!

Risk factors for colds on the lips

Once infected, the virus remains in the human body forever. An effective treatment for herpes has not yet been invented to help eliminate it from the body. However, you can try to reduce the frequency of herpes on the lips if you avoid the causes of virus activation. Frequent herpes on the lips can be caused by:

• stress;
• fatigue;
• systemic diseases, ARVI;
• hormonal changes;
• allergies;
• exposure to the sun or local hypothermia [7].

Treatment methods for herpes

Currently, doctors' recommendations on how to treat herpes are limited to a regimen that helps to quickly get rid of the manifestations of herpes on the lip, other part of the body, or helps prevent the onset of the active phase of the disease.

Sometimes local antiviral drugs are sufficient for therapy. Ointments and creams that help against herpes contain one of the following components:

• acyclovir;
• valacyclovir;
• pharmaciclovir;
• penciclovir.

These active ingredients are produced under different brands, and all are aimed at effectively treating the manifestations of herpes.

If local treatment of herpes on the lips is ineffective, it is recommended to take tablet medications that suppress the replication of viruses in cells. They are believed to be more effective. In special cases, with large affected areas, when internal organs and systems are affected, complex treatment in a hospital is possible [3, 4, 8].

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for fighting the virus are considered the most accessible and easiest to use, but in each case their effectiveness can be different - it always helps one person quickly, while on another it acts “like a poultice on a dead person.” It should be noted that natural folk remedies do not cause side effects, and therefore can be used to treat pregnant women and children.

Natural oils - fir, sea buckthorn, rosehip, tea tree. As soon as the first symptoms of “fever” on the lips begin to appear, you should immediately lubricate the area with oil and repeat the procedure every hour or two. This way you can avoid bubbles altogether. Of course, Siberian fir oil does not taste very pleasant and burns a little, but it is better to endure it right away than to walk around with a wound on your lip for a week, or even two. Apply oils in a circular motion, moving from the outer boundaries of the inflammation to the center.

Sea buckthorn oil is considered one of the relatively effective folk remedies.

Also, at the first signs, use Kalanchoe and aloe juices. Simply break off a leaf and gently brush the juice onto your lip.

Garlic, the most famous natural antiviral agent, significantly reduces the symptoms of colds. Having crushed the clove well, add a coffee spoon of honey and a dessert spoon of rich sour cream so as not to get burned when you apply the mixture to the inflamed area.

The affected part of the skin can be gently wiped with chamomile or celandine decoctions.

Prevention of infection and manifestations of the disease

It is not always possible to quickly get rid of herpes on the lips if it has entered the active stage, but you can strive to prevent the spread of the virus and minimize its manifestation.

Prevention of herpes consists of following basic sanitary and hygienic recommendations:

• keep your hands clean;
• use personal hygiene items;
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people with active disease.

If exacerbations occur frequently, this is a signal that the immune system needs help: it may be necessary to take a long-term antiviral drug as prescribed by a doctor [2, 9]. If the onset of the disease is provoked by sunlight or low temperatures, it is advisable to use special protective creams on the lip area and the skin around them.

Only a qualified doctor knows how to cure herpes in each specific case. But on your own, you can prevent further spread of the viral infection and reduce the number of relapses.

Medical expert: Oleg Sergeevich Shchekin

Last updated: July 21, 2022

List of sources

1. Peradze Kh. D., Sukhoruk A. A. Features of herpes viruses. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/osobennosti-gerpes-virusov (date of access: 04/09/2020).
2. WHO fact sheet. Herpes simplex virus. // URL: https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus (access date: 04/09/2020).
3. Vasiliev A. N., Fedorova N. E., Klimova R. R., Adieva A. A. Improving the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovershenstvovanie-diagnostiki-gerpes-virusnyh-infektsiy (date of access: 04/09/2020).
4. Kazmirchuk V. E. Clinic, diagnosis and treatment of human herpesvirus infections: monograph / V. E. Kazmirchuk, D. V. Maltsev - K.: Phoenix, 2009 - 248 p.
5. Kharlamova F. S., Egorova N. Yu., Guseva L. N., Guseva N. A., Novosad E. V. Viruses of the herpes family and immunity. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/virusy-semeystva-gerpesa-i-immunitet (date of access: 04/09/2020).
6. Isakov V. A., Arkhipova E. I., Isakov D. V. Human herpesvirus infections: a guide for doctors. – St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2013 – 670 p.
7. Lutsenko M. T., Gorikov I. N. Some information about the morphology of herpes viruses and their properties. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/nekotorye-svedeniya-o-morfologii-gerpes-virusov-i-ih-svoystvah (date of access: 04/09/2020).
8. Zuikova I. N., Shulzhenko A. E., Kuzmin V. N. Recurrent herpes. A new approach to treatment. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/retsidiviruyuschiy-gerpes-novyy-podhod-k-lecheniyu (date of access: 04/09/2020).
9. Kalinina N. M., Davydova N. I. The role of immunotropic therapy in increasing the effectiveness of treatment of herpesvirus infections. // Terra Medica. – 2009 – No. 1(56). – P.17-22.