Coxsackievirus in children: herpangina and hand-foot-mouth disease

What diseases cause a rash on the lips?

Pimples, redness and other signs of irritation on the lips appear for various reasons. Most often, their appearance is associated with a weakened immune system, which cannot cope with bacteria and viruses.

Rashes appear due to vitamin deficiency, frequent hypothermia and overheating, improper installation of veneers and braces. The cause may be the spread of fungus.

A rash on the lips may indicate the development of:

• Herpes - the disease is provoked by a virus, usually type 1. With this pathology, the rashes become regular and look like groups of small bubbles filled with liquid. Their appearance is accompanied by itching and pain;
• Allergies to cosmetic products, toothpaste, substances contained in food. A feature of rashes of allergic origin is swelling, and at the same time redness appears on the skin;
• Oral dermatitis - the rash is quite profuse, accompanied by peeling and sometimes a decrease in skin sensitivity. The cause of the pathology is disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system, the use of low-quality cosmetics, skin hypersensitivity, prolonged exposure to a solarium or exposure to the sun;
• Fordyce's disease - the disease manifests itself in connection with the expansion of the sebaceous glands against the background of hormonal imbalance and manifests itself as white granules or nodules.

When the rash is accompanied by cracks, peeling, and yellow crusts are visible on the lips, this may indicate cheilitis. The disease progresses due to genetic predisposition, frequent stress, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and hypovitaminosis. Neoplasms in the form of ulcers with bleeding may turn out to be malignant.

Acute herpetic stomatitis

It occurs most often, and mainly affects children from 10 months to 3 years.3 The appearance of rashes is preceded by inflammation of the lymph nodes.

With a mild form

In acute herpetic stomatitis, the temperature rises to 37-37.5°C, the general condition is satisfactory, slight swelling and redness may occur on the gums, then up to six blisters appear, which burst with the formation of painful aphthae surrounded by a red rim.
Afta is a round-shaped erosion. Aphthae may merge together. The rash appears once, and after 1-2 days the erosion gradually heals.

Moderate form

Acute herpetic stomatitis is characterized by deterioration of the child’s well-being, weakness, and headache. The child is capricious, has no appetite, the lymph nodes are enlarged and painful, the temperature rises to 38-39°C, the symptoms resemble ARVI. The oral mucosa is swollen, reddened, rashes appear (bubbles, then erosions) of 10-15 pieces, and often there are rashes on the face. Salivation increases, and gingivitis appears (inflammation of the gums, accompanied by bleeding). The rash may appear several times, i.e. after the old ones heal, new ones appear. Healing of erosions takes up to 4-5 days. Bleeding gums and swollen lymph nodes persist for some time after the erosions have healed.

Severe form

It begins as an acute respiratory viral infection, there is pain in the muscles, joints, tachycardia and bradycardia (increased and slow heartbeat), and nosebleeds may even be observed. In this form, the temperature is high up to 40°C, gingivitis is pronounced, the mucous membrane is bright red, swollen, the child’s lips are dry, the mucous membrane of the eyes is swollen, reddened. The rashes constantly appear again, their number can reach 100. Rashes often appear around the mouth, on the eyelids, on the mucous membranes of the eyes, between the fingers, on the earlobes. Simple gingivitis turns into ulcerative (a more severe form of gum inflammation, with the formation of ulcers), salivation increases, and bad breath appears. Recovery is long and hospitalization is often required.

Is a rash on the lips contagious?

The cause of the rash on the lips determines whether the disease can be transmitted to others. Herpes is transmitted through contact with body fluids or damaged tissue of an infected person. With noticeable lesions, the virus is especially dangerous, but its transmission is also possible in the asymptomatic stage. You can become infected through a kiss or utensils used by the carrier of the virus.

Allergies and oral dermatitis cannot be transmitted from one person to another. The same applies to Fordyce's disease, cheilitis.

Common symptoms and manipulations in dermatology:

• Skin rashes
• Calling a dermatologist to your home
• Itching in the urethra
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Prevention of casual sex
• Skin neoplasms
• Pyoderma
• Pityriasis rosea
• Streptoderma
• Scabies
• Peeling skin
• Fungal infections
• Skin infection
• Pus on the skin
• Blisters on the skin
• Papillomas on the foreskin
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Skin structure

Enteroviral vesicular stomatitis (arm - leg - mouth)

Caused by enteroviruses. It also occurs in adults, but in 95.7% of cases children are affected.6 It is characterized by seasonal occurrence (summer - autumn) and group incidence.4 It is observed mainly in children under 10 years of age. Vesicular stomatitis is contagious, so it is recommended to use separate utensils and hygiene products. Characteristics for this disease: temperature 37.5-38, weakness, headache, muscle pain, rash on the palms, soles, as well as blisters on the hard palate and pharynx, which then turn into erosions that are almost not painful.

Which doctor treats a rash on the lips

A rash near the lips can be a dangerous symptom. If such manifestations occur, you should definitely visit a doctor, undergo prescribed tests and, if necessary, a course of treatment. First, you should visit a dermatologist, who will prescribe diagnostic procedures to identify the disease.

Even if the test for herpes is positive, many more parameters are taken into account when prescribing therapy: the number of antibodies, the stage of the disease, the individual characteristics of the body. This disease has 8 varieties, and appropriate treatment is selected for each.

If a reaction to certain substances and products develops, consultation with an allergist is required. There is often a need to visit an immunologist, since most diseases associated with a rash on the lips progress against a background of weakened immunity. But you should not visit the dentist if you have such symptoms. During dental treatment, the vesicles can become damaged and become infected, which causes inflammation and complications.

Danger of boils

Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner can lead to dire consequences, since this pathology belongs to the category of dangerous diseases:

• a boil on a child’s head can cause meningitis;
• a boil on a child’s lip can cause inflammation of the nerves of the nasolabial triangle;
• a boil on the child’s bottom makes it difficult to sit;
• a boil on a child’s face can lead to meningitis;
• a boil in a child’s nose can cause inflammation of the respiratory system;
• a boil in a child’s ear can cause inflammation of the hearing organ;
• A boil on a child’s neck can lead to inflammation of the lymph nodes and severe intoxication.

In the absence of timely medical care, a carbuncle, which is a collection of boils, may develop. Possible consequences are also:

• infection of the deep layers of skin tissue;
• scar formation after healing;
• sepsis.

The appearance of multiple boils causes discomfort in the child, increased temperature, and deterioration of well-being.

The consequences of the formation of a boil can be prevented if you promptly contact the pediatric department of JSC "Medicine" (clinic of Academician Roitberg), which offers the services of qualified experienced specialists in various fields of medicine.

Our clinic is located in the center of Moscow at the address: 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskaya lane, 10, a five-minute walk from the Mayakovskaya metro station.

Ointments that are used for rashes on the lips

A qualified doctor should select medications to treat rashes. Attempting to get rid of unpleasant symptoms on your own will, at best, relieve the symptoms without eliminating the cause of the problem. At worst, the situation will worsen.

A rash on the lips caused by the herpes virus is treated with antiviral drugs - for external use or for oral administration. The following ointments are used:

• Acyclovir (Virolex, Zovirax, Acyclostad, Herperax, Gerpevir, Provirsan) is an antiviral agent that penetrates the DNA chain of the virus and stops its replication. However, over time, the effectiveness of the drug decreases, so its use requires justification;
• Penciclovir (Vectavir, Fenistil Pencivir) - enters infected cells without affecting healthy ones. Prevents viral DNA synthesis;
• Docosanol (Gerpanit, Erabazan, Priora) - prevents the connection of the virus with the cell membrane, is prescribed in the initial stages of the pathology.

For Fordyce's disease, ointments with retinol are used. For cheilitis, you need to use corticosteroid ointments - Prednisolone, Flucinar. The treatment regimen for oral dermatitis usually includes the use of metronidazole cream or gels, clindacimine, erythromycin, azelaic acid products, and pimecrolimus cream.

Answers to frequently asked questions about skin rashes:

• Which doctor should you contact for a skin rash?
• Is the skin rash contagious?
• What diet is necessary for skin rashes?
• What diagnosis is needed for a skin rash?
• Why is a skin rash dangerous?
• Why is it necessary to get tested for a skin rash?
• What diseases does a skin rash indicate?
• What examination is necessary for a skin rash?
• Which skin rash is dangerous?
• How to distinguish an allergic rash from an infectious one
• How to get rid of skin rashes?
• How to get rid of itching skin rash?
• What organs are affected by a skin rash?
• How to prepare for an appointment with a dermatologist?
• How to get checked for skin diseases?
• What diseases does a dermatologist treat?
• What tests should be taken by a dermatologist?
• What diagnostics can a dermatologist perform in the clinic?
• Where to go with a skin disease?

How to make an appointment with a doctor

The pediatric department of JSC "Medicine" (clinic of academician Roitberg) in Moscow offers European-level services for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of boils in children. To receive highly qualified medical care, you must make an appointment with a pediatrician who will conduct an examination and comprehensive medical examination of the child. If necessary, the pediatrician will consult with or refer other specialists.

To make an appointment with a specialist in the pediatric department of JSC "Medicine" (clinic of academician Roitberg), use one of the following methods:

• quick registration form on the website;
• by telephone 24/7;
• using a mobile application.

Our clinic is located in the center of Moscow at the address: 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskaya lane, 10, a five-minute walk from the Mayakovskaya metro station, as well as not far from the Belorusskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya and Novoslobodskaya metro stations.

Types of rashes on the lips

Rash on the lips can be of various origins, and externally such skin lesions differ in character, color and other characteristics. The rash can be classified as:

• Blisters are small formations with hemorrhagic or serous contents, their size is 4-5 mm;
• Bubbles - formations with a diameter of 5 mm to several centimeters, usually indicate a long course of the disease;
• Pustules are red or pale pink, filled with pus. They can be located not only on the surface, but also deep under the skin;
• Spots – redness of small areas of the skin;
• Nodules and nodules that can leave scars;
• Erosion and ulcers are neoplasms that violate the integrity of the skin and have transparent or cloudy contents.

Allergic reactions lead to the appearance of small bright pimples, swelling, and edema.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum

The incubation period of the disease ranges from two weeks to several months, but most often the rash appears on the 14-15th day.

At first, single rashes appear, then there are more of them. Molluscum contagiosum can affect any area of ​​the skin except the palms and soles. In children, exposed areas of the arms and legs, as well as the face and neck are most often affected. In adults, the genital area and the inner thighs are most often affected.

In the typical form of the disease, the rashes are located only in one anatomical area; in the generalized form, they spread throughout the body.

Rash

The elements of the rash look like protrusions (papules), firm and painless to the touch, pink or flesh-colored, with a pearlescent top. In the center of the papule there is a small depression, from which, when pressed, a white pasty mass is squeezed out. Papules have a round or oval shape, the size usually varies in the range of 2-5 mm, but sometimes the nodules merge, and then such formations can reach a diameter of 1 cm or more.

More about the symptom

Itching

In some cases, the rash is accompanied by itching, which intensifies when scratching. Under no circumstances should papules be scratched, as this can lead to a bacterial infection. The presence of a bacterial infection is indicated by redness of the skin around the papules, swelling, and suppuration.

More about the symptom

Rash on lips in pregnant women

During pregnancy, certain prerequisites arise for the activation of the herpes virus. The body perceives the fetus as something foreign, and to prevent its rejection, maternal immunity is automatically reduced. The main symptom of the disease is a rash on the lips.

The disease can be primary or recurrent, the effect of the virus on the unborn baby depends on this. If a woman has previously had herpetic manifestations, the probability of danger to the fetus is estimated at approximately 5%. This is explained by the presence of specific antibodies in the blood. If the body has not previously been infected, the risk of fetal pathologies increases markedly.

But a rash on the lips of a pregnant woman is often a sign of hormonal changes in the body, especially in the early stages. The main reason is an increase in progesterone production. Such conditions are not dangerous for either the mother or the child.

Allergies also do not pose any risks to the fetus: the placenta provides reliable protection against allergens and antigens, as well as antibodies that are produced to suppress them. All these substances do not get inside the fertilized egg.

How is this treated?

Traditional drug treatment includes the use of topical ointments as prescribed by a doctor, along with oral antibiotic therapy or internal medications.

External therapy most often involves the use of retinoid ointments, which reduce inflammation and help exfoliate the top layer of skin. Topical ointments can be used without a prescription. These drugs contain a small amount of active substance and are therefore safe.

In addition to medical attention, it is important to remember that acne develops in moist areas of the skin, so maintaining proper hygiene is important. Timely and thorough cleansing of the skin can significantly reduce inflammatory processes. It is important to give preference to the prescribed care products and not to rub or scratch the wounds, as this will cause additional irritation and worsen the inflammatory process.

You can use drugs with antibacterial action that will help eliminate the inflammatory reaction. You should never squeeze the blackheads because this will spread the bacterial infection and may also cause scarring on the skin.

Extra hydration and protection

Many people make the mistake of thinking that acne-prone skin does not need additional moisturizing. The truth is that adjusting your moisturizing emulsion can help balance sebum production throughout the day. Moisturizing emulsions are easily absorbed, helping to balance moisture levels and prevent aggravation or irritation.

Skin affected by acne needs constant protection from solar radiation, since exposure to direct ultraviolet rays promotes the secretion of sebum. You need to choose sunscreen according to your age and skin type. It is recommended to give preference to products that do not contain parabens.

Nutrition and lifestyle

Lifestyle also influences acne. Diet, stress and hours of sleep also negatively affect the condition of the skin. It used to be that certain foods contributed to acne. Today, a personalized diet is being promoted:

• It is recommended to reduce the consumption of sweet or spicy foods;
• reducing foods that are not beneficial mitigates damage.

In addition to dietary recommendations, you should also use Omega-3 supplements. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own, and they are found in sea fish oil or plant products. Their presence will help mitigate inflammatory processes in the body, which means it will have a beneficial effect on all skin diseases and acne in particular.

Prevention of lip rashes

In order to prevent rashes on the lips, it is necessary to maintain the immune system in a normal state: eat well, give up bad habits, engage in physical activity, harden, minimize the influence of stress and hypothermia. As recommended by your doctor, you should take multivitamin complexes or individual vitamins to prevent their deficiency in the body.

To prevent herpes you need:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with affected skin areas;
• Do not use other people’s hygiene items and store your own items separately;
• Use individual dishes;
• Avoid kissing your partner while the virus is active.

The use of high-quality cosmetics and careful diet control will help prevent allergic manifestations. If the diagnosis reveals the body’s reaction to certain foods, it is necessary to stop consuming them. During periods of exposure to the sun or visiting a solarium, you should use special protective creams.

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing candidiasis in children

• prematurity
• long-term use of antibacterial drugs
• intestinal infections
• diabetes
• violation of the child's feeding schedule
• allergies
• dysbacteriosis
• acute infectious diseases
• enterocolitis (inflammatory bowel disease)
• multiple caries
• poor oral hygiene
• mucosal injury
• excessive carbohydrate intake

Children can become infected during childbirth from the mother, also through hands, nipples and other objects. Children's immune system is immature, the mucous membranes are thinner - all this can contribute to the development of candidiasis.

Why is a rash on the lips dangerous?

The degree of danger of a rash on the lips and the likely consequences are determined by the causes of this manifestation. For example, the herpes virus is integrated into the genetic apparatus of cells, rashes appear not only on the face, but also in any places where there are nerve endings. This leads to disruption of the functioning of internal organs. If left untreated, a secondary bacterial infection develops and the wound begins to fester. With a serious decrease in immune defense, herpes can cause dangerous diseases, such as encephalitis.

Allergic reactions also pose certain health risks. With allergies, the body produces antibodies to specific proteins that the allergen contains. Due to the formation of biologically active substances, the heart rate may increase, smooth muscle spasms may occur, and edema may develop. The most dangerous manifestation of the pathology is anaphylactic shock - swelling of the larynx, which can even lead to death.

It is easier to treat any disease at the initial stage, while the pathology has not yet caused significant harm to the body. That is why, if a rash occurs on the lips, you should not try to disguise it or cure it yourself. The best solution would be to visit a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.

Causes of stomatitis

In children, as in adults, stomatitis can be caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria, allergies and injuries. About six months after birth, the child loses the immunity received from the mother, the protective power of the immune system changes, and the child’s body becomes more susceptible to infections. The oral mucosa in children is more delicate and easier to injure; children also more often “bite” their cheeks after dental treatment due to a temporary loss of sensitivity after anesthesia, which causes traumatic stomatitis.

Children are not always motivated to brush their teeth, so poor hygiene can also cause stomatitis.

With the following diseases, stomatitis is observed in children much more often: chronic tonsillitis, diabetes mellitus, heart defects, chronic hepatitis.

Treatment of rash on lips

Whatever the reason for the appearance of a rash on the lips, not only the help of a doctor is necessary, but also the establishment of normal skin care, the elimination of external irritants (if it is an allergy), and correction of the nutritional diet. In general, you probably can’t do without contacting a medical specialist.

It is he who must determine the current condition of the skin, choose the right method of therapy and subsequent skin care. If you follow the doctor's instructions, you will probably soon get rid of problems associated with skin diseases and rashes.

After the initial diagnosis, additional tests are prescribed to confirm the diagnosis and the immediate therapeutic course. All this must be done on time, without ignoring the occurrence of a rash on the lips ,

like most people do. In this case, you will protect yourself from possible complications and the development of dangerous diseases. Chronic diseases can be expressed by severe peeling, cracking, extreme dryness and the fact that the skin may become thicker.

Therefore, it’s time to think about how important it is to follow the correct regime, a normal diet and monitor the condition of every part of your body, including your lips.

Updated: 2019-12-20

Methods for diagnosing skin diseases:

• Diagnosis of skin diseases
• Diagnosis of skin diseases at home
• Diagnosis of allergic skin diseases
• Diagnosis of bacterial skin diseases
• Diagnosis of viral skin diseases
• Diagnosis of hair diseases
• Diagnosis of nail diseases
• Diagnosis of skin tumors
• Skin scraping
• Blisters on the skin
• Dermatoscopy
• Demodex tests
• Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections
• Mushroom tests
• Skin scraping

Methods for diagnosing molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum can be confused with manifestations of other diseases, including serious ones such as syphilis or cancer. Also, the activity of the molluscum contagiosum virus increases with a decrease in immunity, so in 20% of cases molluscum contagiosum accompanies HIV infection. This means that when rashes appear that correspond to the description of molluscum contagiosum, a medical examination is required to rule out such options.

When contacting a dermatologist, the doctor will examine the patient, make a diagnosis and suggest a treatment method.

Inspection

In most cases, the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is made by a dermatologist based on the results of an examination of the patient.

PCR diagnostics

Since HIV often accompanies molluscum contagiosum, PCR diagnostics for HIV can be prescribed.

More information about the diagnostic method

Serological blood test

When molluscum contagiosum is detected in adults, a serological blood test is prescribed to identify sexually transmitted infections (hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, etc.).

More information about the diagnostic method

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