Herpes labial is considered to be one of the mostcommon viral diseases. About him wrote the ancient Greek eskulapy. The people often call it a cold on the lips and try to fight in all possible ways. More than half of the world's population is infected with the herpes virus, but only 7% have clinical manifestations. What else is remarkable about this pathology?

Features of the disease

Herpes labialis an acute infectiousa disease that manifests itself in the form of inflammatory formations. Its main localization - the lips and the closest to them zones on the face. Sometimes the symptoms of the pathology appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose. In the role of causative agent of the virus is a simple herpes simplex. Getting into the body, it stays in it forever. Penetration occurs airborne, as well as contact-household way.

The main causes of infection

Most of the cases of infection with the herpes virusfalls to the younger age. By 3-4 years the antibodies received from the mother are already terminating their action, and their own do not cope with the assigned functions. After penetration, the virus gradually accumulates in the body. The infection itself is primary (in transmission from a sick person) or secondary (activation of existing pathogens) form. In any case, the main cause of the development of an ailment is the creation of favorable conditions for the vital activity of the virus due to a decrease in immunity.

Herpes labial is triggered by awakeninglatent infection or newly infectious viruses, if conditions exist for their pathogenic activity. The following factors can lead to the development of the inflammatory process:

• frequent hypothermia;
• prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• severe stress or psychological stress;
• colds;
• alcohol abuse;
• complicated pregnancy;
• immunodeficiency.

Against the background of suppression of the body's defenses, the virus gradually rises through the nerve channels, provoking multiple foci of inflammation on the skin.

How to recognize the disease yourself?

Herpes labial does not carry a threat to herhuman life. However, the disease delivers aesthetic discomfort, knocking out of the usual rut for a few days. Usually the initial stage of the inflammatory process develops asymptomatically. Some people have fever, pain when swallowing and irritability. About the next day the main symptoms of infection begin to manifest. The course of the disease is divided into several stages:

1. First there is itching, the skin in the lesions swells, there is a feeling of tightness. Symptoms of general intoxication of the body are also characteristic for this period.
2. In the second stage, small bubbles appear on the lips with the liquid inside. Their diameter varies from 1 to 3 mm. If the herpes is not treated for a long time, the vesicles can spread to the face or neck.
3. After about three days, the vesicles burst, theirthe contents go out. It is important to prevent further spread of the liquid on the skin, in each drop of which contains a whole bunch of herpes viruses. In the place of the vesicle, a sore is formed. On the lip, the wounds quickly dry out, are covered with a brown crust. The fight against the symptoms of the disease usually lasts about two weeks. All this time, new bubbles may appear.
4. Recovery comes after the crusts dry and fall off. Herpes affects only the dermis, therefore scars after it do not remain.

Relapses of the disease are very common (up to10 times a year). If you do not engage in treatment and neglect the measures of prevention, the probability of complications increases. Among them, the most dangerous are immune deficiency and neoplasms of various etiologies.

Medication

At the initial stage of the development of the disease, it is advisableuse special antiherpetic drugs. Among them, the most effective are "Acyclovir", "Panavir", "Zovirax". They are available in the form of ointments and creams. On the affected area of ​​the skin is recommended to apply a few times a day until the symptoms disappear completely.

With the diagnosis of "labial herpes" treatment shouldappoint a doctor, taking into account the overall clinical picture of the patient. It is impossible to completely overcome the disease, so it is important to engage in periodic prevention and strengthening of immunity. For these purposes, vitamin complexes and restorative drugs are prescribed.

The help of traditional medicine

The life of many people poisons the cold on the lips. Treatment at home with labial herpes can reduce puffiness and discomfort. The most accessible method of all known is to apply ice to the lesion focus. If you start the procedures for the first symptoms, the sores will not be so painful. Reduce the inflammation help moist tea bags. They contain a large amount of tannins, which remove irritation and fight infection. Apply this packet is recommended every two hours for several minutes.

Crusts come off much faster if the placedamage lubricate with petroleum jelly or any nourishing cream. You can also use olive oil. Many herbal infusions have an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Especially they are useful for labial herpes, also known as cold on the lips. Treatment at home implies the use of compresses. For example, a decoction of chamomile or calendula promotes rapid regeneration of the skin in the affected area.

Labial herpesvirus and pregnancy

To some extent the child is foreignbody for the female body. To reduce the probability of rejection of the fetus, nature suppresses the immunity of the future mother. Therefore, in women during pregnancy, it is often possible to meet the symptoms of labial herpes. Ulcer on the lip, fever and skin itching are frequent companions of the fair sex in anticipation of the baby. Sometimes the disease is transformed into genital herpes.

What is dangerous for the fetus? If a woman was infected before conception, she managed to develop immunity, so the child is under his protection. When a pregnant woman is infected with herpes during pregnancy, the virus can spread through the body and penetrate the baby through the placenta. However, this condition is not mandatory. A child can appear absolutely healthy. In case of infection in the third trimester, the probability of stillbirth is high enough. That is why before conception all women are recommended to undergo a full examination, and if necessary, a course of treatment.

Preventive measures

How to prevent labial herpes? Symptoms of this disease interfere with the habitual way of life of a person, because the bubbles and sores on the lips create an aesthetic discomfort. The main role in the prevention of pathology belongs to the strengthening of immunity. It is necessary to adhere to an active lifestyle and eat right, do not forget about moderate physical exertion. During the epidemic of acute respiratory viral infection and influenza, it is better to avoid crowded places.

Herpes disease does not lend itself to complete cure. However, the number of relapses can be minimized if elementary prevention rules are followed. Each person has only one life, and the state of health depends only on caring for his own body.