Modern pharmaceutical consulting is not only a test of professional knowledge, but also a real test of the character of the leader. Many buyers are confident that they have a good understanding of medications, and from this position they communicate with a pharmacist or pharmacist. At the same time, they can take antibiotics “to prevent ARVI” or retell the most sophisticated advice from popular TV presenters. In such a situation, the chief administrator should, on the one hand, dispense the required over-the-counter drugs, on the other hand, warn the person about the danger of his misconceptions regarding drugs, and on the third, not take on the role of a doctor and not make a diagnosis based on symptoms. Confusion and misunderstanding can arise even over something as simple as a seasonal problem like orolabial herpes. Our “cheat sheets” are intended to help the pharmacist communicate with the client on this topic. With the season of winter infectious exacerbations on the rise, let’s remember once again what most often worries customers with requests for remedies for “colds on the lips.”
Give me some kind of alcohol tincture for colds on the lips - maybe calendula or boric alcohol
Applying alcohol solutions to lesions is a very controversial method. On the one hand, they, of course, dry and have an antiseptic effect. However, not a single tincture, as well as boric or salicylic alcohols, are active against the causative agents of “colds on the lips” - herpes simplex viruses. Moreover: these drugs contain ethyl alcohol in a fairly high concentration - up to 70%. When applied to damaged skin, irritation and even burns may occur, which will only worsen the situation. The pharmacy's assortment today includes products that act directly on herpes viral particles, preventing their reproduction and accelerating recovery. It is these drugs that are considered the “first line” for the treatment of herpes on the lips.
All medicines against herpes on the lips are the same, give me something cheaper
Indeed, many drugs intended for the treatment of orolabial herpes contain the same active substance. Most often this antiviral drug is acyclovir, less often - penciclovir. However, there are means that have characteristic differences. For example, one of the creams, along with acyclovir, contains hydrocortisone. This remedy, unlike single drugs, simultaneously prevents the formation of new rash components and shortens the healing time of existing rashes, reducing the severity of the inflammatory reaction and itching [2].
I heard that there are some very effective pills against herpes on the lips. This is true?
Indeed, there are antiviral drugs for the treatment of herpes intended for oral administration. Today, three oral drugs in this group are used - acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. Penetrating inside a cell infected with the herpes virus, they block DNA synthesis and stop the reproduction of the pathogen. All oral antiviral drugs are available only with a doctor's prescription.
Local forms remain over-the-counter: ointments, gels or creams. For recurrent colds on the lips, it is advisable to use these drugs, since they are practically not absorbed into the bloodstream and do not have a systemic effect.
Drugs against herpes on the lips in tablets can be prescribed in cases where relapses occur very often. This happens, for example, when the immune system is malfunctioning. If you keep having recurrent cold sores, you'd better see a doctor. He will find out why your immune system is not doing its job and may prescribe an oral antiviral medication for herpes.
Recommendations after lip augmentation
When the procedure is completed, the main period of care begins. Initially, severe redness and swelling may appear. The process is considered natural. Over time, such phenomena disappear.
Injection marks may also be visible. They are especially pronounced in the first two days. Then the swelling and inflammation go away. Lips acquire the desired shape.
There is no need for long-term rehabilitation after lip augmentation using injections. However, it is necessary to understand that the sensitivity of the skin in the affected area will increase. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to touch or rub it in the first few days. Additionally, massage is prohibited. If the patient is hypersensitive, an anesthetic ointment can be used. The doctor will prescribe a suitable drug.
You can massage the lip area only 4 weeks after the injections, unless the cosmetologist says otherwise. In this case, exposure is permissible only after the swelling has subsided. To speed up healing, you can use Panthenol. Additionally, the following recommendations must be observed:
- during the first week it is better not to use decorative cosmetics;
- you must stop drinking alcohol;
- on the first day, the consumption of hot foods is prohibited;
- until the lips have healed, it is better not to smoke;
- During the recovery period, you cannot do permanent makeup or use peeling.
Excessive physical activity is prohibited. They can be resumed after 7 days if the patient feels well. Despite the fact that the lips themselves are not involved during physical activity, the temperature rises. This can slow down the healing process. Additionally, sunbathing and tanning in a solarium are prohibited. Sauna and steaming procedures are generally prohibited. It is better not to swim in the pool or sea temporarily, as this can lead to allergies or irritation, as well as infections.
I caught a cold, and lo and behold, my lips were covered. Give me some tea for colds
You are confusing two completely different infections - respiratory and herpes. A cold, or ARVI, develops when the body is infected with respiratory viruses. But a “cold on the lips,” or a relapse of orolabial herpes, appears when the herpes simplex viruses, which live in the body constantly, are activated. Therefore, when itching or rash appears on the lips, traditional cold remedies are not effective: they only act on the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections or respiratory viruses. In the case of “cold lips,” it is advisable to use antiviral drugs that are active against herpes simplex pathogens.
Diagnosis of genital herpes
Which doctor should I see for genital herpes?
At the Yauza Clinical Hospital, this disease begins with a clinical examination by a specialized specialist (gynecologist or urologist), and is confirmed by laboratory tests. If necessary, consultation with related specialists (immunologist) is carried out.
What tests should be taken for genital herpes?
Laboratory diagnostics solves 2 problems:
- determine the presence of the herpes simplex virus or contact with it: to do this, study the blood, vaginal discharge, urethra, sperm, urine of the patient for the presence of antibodies to the herpes simplex virus, or particles of the virus itself;
- to prove the “involvement” of these rashes with genital herpes: material taken directly from blisters or ulcers is examined.
Also, to select effective therapy, it is necessary to accurately determine the type of pathogen - this question is answered by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Make an appointment
Recommend some remedy for cold sore lips for a pregnant woman
Unfortunately, first-line drugs for the treatment of exacerbations of orolabial herpes are indicated for use during pregnancy only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus and child [2]. Expectant mothers can be encouraged to use a lip balm or cream with a UV filter - it protects the skin of the lips from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, which is considered one of the triggers for relapses of herpes. Additionally, I would recommend lip moisturizers to prevent dry skin.
Complications of GG
People with genital herpes face an increased risk of contracting and passing on other STDs. This is because the ulceration that occurs as a result of a herpes infection makes the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections. Patients with symptomatic HH face a 2-4 times higher risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection.
Complications are rare:
- In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver and eyes, even to the lining around the brain, causing meningitis.
- 1% of patients with primary HH develop autonomic dysfunction with urinary retention, erectile dysfunction, constipation, and sensory loss. Sometimes (intermittent) catheterization is necessary over several weeks.
- Mild meningitis is relatively common in primary herpes (13-20%). Herpetic encephalitis occurs less frequently and has a mortality rate of about 70%.
- Neonatal herpes simplex may develop after vaginal delivery and may be accompanied by local infection (skin, eyes, or mouth), disseminated manifestation (visceral organs), or central manifestation (CNS).
Symptoms may be especially severe in people with weakened immune systems due to existing HIV infection or immunodeficiency. An infection that affects the eyes can lead to blindness. This occurs mainly in people with weak immune systems who have had the virus for a long time. With a weak immune system, herpes increases the risk of bacterial infections, which can lead to further complications.
Another possible complication affects pregnant women. During childbirth, women can pass the virus to their newborn. Women at risk for STIs often get tested in the early weeks of pregnancy to prevent complications. A pregnant woman with symptomatic genital herpes is at risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
The infection can be transmitted to the fetus, and the baby may develop neonatal herpes. The risk of complications is especially high if a woman contracts the infection in the last trimester of pregnancy. If she has active genital ulcers near the time of delivery, a cesarean section is usually recommended to avoid exposing the newborn to the virus.
Recommend something effective to get rid of this herpes once and for all
Unfortunately this is not possible. Once entering the body - most often this happens in childhood - herpes simplex viruses never leave it. They penetrate the nerve ganglia of the trigeminal nerve and migrate from them only during relapses, and then return again to the zone of permanent “dislocation”. Activation of the infection occurs against the background of a number of risk factors, or triggers. They can be: fever, stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, respiratory infections, etc. By the way, with age, the frequency of relapses of orolabial herpes decreases.
There is no remedy that would allow you to get rid of herpes infection at once. However, there are drugs that alleviate the condition during the activation of the disease and speed up recovery. These are primarily acyclovir-based products that block the proliferation of herpes viruses. Acyclovir ointments and creams are the drugs of choice for recurrent colds on the lips, having an optimal balance of effectiveness and safety.
I always bought ointment with acyclovir for herpes on the lips. Maybe there is something more modern now?
Acyclovir is truly a drug with “experience”: it was synthesized back in 1977 [4]. In those years, it was an innovative drug that offered a unique opportunity to control herpes infection. Today it remains one of the most popular remedies against herpes, although, of course, it has competitors. However, it cannot be said that they have any significant advantages compared to acyclovir.
Thus, the only alternative to local forms of acyclovir, penciclovir, which is also available in the form of an ointment, has a structure and mechanism of action similar to the parent of the group. Research results indicate that 1% penciclovir is as effective for cold sores as 3% acyclovir [5]. However, if acyclovir is applied 5 times a day, then penciclovir should be used a little more often - every 2 hours. Whether it makes sense to change the drug is up to you to decide.
Mechanism of action for herpesvirus
The mechanism of action of chlorhexidine on pathogenic cells lies in the ability of the chemicals in its composition to bind to phosphorus-containing groups on the surface of bacterial particles.
Useful: Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy
As a result, the balance of water and salt in the cell changes, and the membrane actively allows fluid to pass through. The latter causes the death of all components inside the structure, and the wall itself ruptures under the pressure of the liquid. This principle of influence of chlorhexidine is observed in a wide range of pathogens.
Which of them are susceptible to the effects of the drug?
- Treponema.
- Chlamydia.
- Ureaplasmosis.
- Gonorrhea.
- Gardenellosis.
- Bacteroides.
- Trichomoniasis.
- Herpes.
