Reasons for the appearance of herpes on the face and other places. Symptoms, treatment

Herpes

is a viral disease. One of the most well-known manifestations of a herpes infection is small, clear, painful blisters on the lips. Previously, in such a case they said “a cold on the lip popped up”, now they more often talk about “herpes on the lip”.

However, the family of herpes viruses is quite large. There are several types of herpes virus that can infect the human body. The most studied types are:

• herpes simplex virus type 1
  (HSV-1). It is he who is responsible for pimples on the lip. HSV-1 primarily affects the mucous membranes of the lips, oral cavity and nasopharynx. Herpetic rashes can also appear within the nasolabial triangle (in particular, on the wings of the nose), less often on the cheeks and other parts of the face. Recently, HSV-1 quite often becomes the cause of herpetic lesions of the genital area, where it is introduced through oral sex;
• herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) – genital herpes
  . Main manifestations: redness, the appearance in the area of ​​redness of bubbles filled with liquid, tending to merge, the appearance of erosions and crusts at the site of the bubbles, itching, headache and muscle pain, increased urination;
• chickenpox virus
  (varicella) is a type 3 herpes virus. In people who have already had chickenpox, this type of virus causes herpes zoster. Therefore, this type of herpes is also called Varicella-Zoster;
• Epstein-Barr virus
  (Epstein-Barr viral infection - EBVI) is a type 4 herpes virus. It is the causative agent of mononucleosis, causes malignant diseases of lymphoid tissue, and is considered the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome;
• cytomegalovirus
  – herpes virus type 5. The virus poses a threat to children during fetal development. May affect internal organs.

Symptoms of herpes

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the type of pathogen and the location of the affected area. Infection with all strains of herpesvirus is characterized by redness of the skin or mucous membranes and the appearance of blisters. Pain and burning may be felt in the inflamed area. But you can’t puncture the blisters, as this will worsen the course of the disease.

After two or three days, the bubbles begin to burst. In their place, ulcers form. The affected area on the lips is covered with a crust, and on the mucous membranes it is filled with fibrinous tissue. If antiviral treatment is not carried out, the disease will reappear when immunity decreases.

Often, when the disease occurs, the body temperature rises to 37–38 degrees. Therefore, in everyday life it is often called a cold. But herpesvirus is not the cause of acute respiratory diseases. Treatment of labial herpes with cold remedies is ineffective. It is necessary to determine the type of herpes virus and undergo a treatment regimen prescribed by a doctor.

Herpes lips

Infection with herpesvirus type 1 often results in blisters on one or both lips. A day before their formation, the patient may feel general weakness. The bubbles burst on their own on the second or third day. Instead, a crust appears that cannot be peeled off. It disappears on its own after seven or ten days.

In the eye area

The herpes virus can cause inflammation of one or both eyes, as well as the eyelids. Touching this area with unwashed hands often causes damage to this area. Symptoms of the disease are:

• pain or stinging in the eyes;
• increased photosensitivity;
• redness of the mucous membranes;
• formation of blisters on the eyelids.

Advanced herpes in this case is dangerous. Complications of the disease can cause complete loss of vision and the formation of scars on the eyelids. When the first symptoms of eye damage appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Herpes face

Lesions may occur on the forehead, chin, both cheeks, the back and tip of the nose, and on the ears. Often the affected area appears where there have already been microtraumas on the skin.

In the oral cavity

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity is called “herpetic stomatitis”. This disease in children is accompanied by gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). When the bubbles with liquid burst, erosions are formed, covered with a whitish coating. Redness is observed around the erosion zone. A person experiences pain while eating and brushing his teeth.

Genital herpes

The disease affects the pubis, buttocks, genitals and anus. Clusters of bubbles with liquid inside appear on the skin. The area around them turns red, pain, itching, and irritation appear. Genital herpes is transmitted through barrier-free sexual intercourse. The cause of infection can be touching the groin area with unwashed hands.

How does herpes manifest?

In medicine, it is customary to distinguish 5 stages of the development of herpes simplex: 1. The first stage occurs when blisters appear. It manifests itself as burning and itching in the lip area, and its swelling. 2. The second stage begins with the appearance of bubbles. At first small, they grow and fill with clear liquid. After a couple of days the liquid becomes cloudy. 3. The third stage of the disease is characterized by rupture of the vesicles. In place of the burst blisters, ulcers with swelling form. This stage is dangerous due to the development of complications. The person at this moment is very contagious. 4. In the fourth stage, the ulcers become covered with a dense crust. 5. At the fifth stage, the crusts dry out and fall off. The symptoms go away. The person becomes no longer contagious.

Classification of herpes viruses

Researchers have identified 8 strains of herpesvirus that can infect humans:

• First. Causes inflammation of the lips and mouth (labial herpes). In rare cases, it can cause genital rashes.
• Second. Affects the genitals and groin area. Causes genital or vaginal herpes. Less commonly, it is the causative agent of oral herpes.
• Third. Causes chickenpox and shingles.
• Fourth. Known as Epstein-Barr virus. Causes mononucleosis, lymphomas and carcinomas.
• Fifth. Cytomegalovirus. Causes mononucleosis, hepatitis, herpetic retinitis.
• Sixth and seventh. Roseoloviruses. They cause roseola, exanthema. May be one of the causes of chronic fatigue.
• Eighth. Causes lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Castleman's disease.

The causative agent of herpes simplex is herpesvirus type I or II. There is a misconception that the disease cannot be cured. In fact, herpes is curable. Although modern medicine cannot completely remove the virus from the body, it is possible to suppress its vital activity so much that it stops causing inconvenience.

Factors causing the disease

The herpes virus may be present in our body, but not manifest itself. The disease begins to develop under certain factors - the virus is activated. The reasons for the appearance of herpes on the face are the same as the reasons for the appearance of herpetic blisters on other areas of the skin:

• hypothermia;
• violation of work and rest schedules;
• hypovitaminosis (regardless of the time of year);
• fatigue;
• chronic disorders of the immune system.

For relapses, it is also important that a periodically ill person does not attach importance to herpes and lets everything take its course, each time expecting that “it will go away on its own.”

Causes of exacerbation of herpes

When self-treating herpes, there is a chance of relapse. Incorrect selection of a course of therapy suppresses the virus temporarily. The occurrence of relapses is provoked by the following factors:

1. Re-infection after interaction with a sick person.
2. Reduced immunity.
3. Prolonged hypothermia of the body.
4. Exposure to direct sunlight.
5. Microtraumas of the skin and mucous membranes.
6. Physical fatigue, lack of sleep.
7. Nervous overstrain.
8. Women have menstruation.

Most people infected experience relapses once or twice a year. With weak immunity, relapses are possible 5–20 times a year. This is how recurrent herpes type 1 manifests itself, treatment of which is possible only under the supervision of a doctor.

Provocateurs of herpes infection

Colds on the lips rarely have an acute form; a chronic course of the disease is much more common. According to WHO, approximately 70% of people around the world are infected with the herpes simplex virus and about 10-20% of patients experience various symptoms of herpes infection. Exacerbations of chronic herpes occur for a number of reasons. The main factors that lead to relapse are emotional and physical stress, hypothermia, sexual intercourse, menstruation in women, concomitant diseases (ARVI, including influenza), ultraviolet radiation and others.

Diagnosis of the disease

The presence of herpesvirus in the body can be detected using various methods. We list the effective methods that are used in our modern laboratory:

1. Polymerase chain reaction. Allows you to determine the DNA of the virus in the taken material.
2. Linked immunosorbent assay. Detects the presence of antibodies that are formed in the body when infected with a virus. The stage of the disease can be determined by the concentration of antibodies.
3. Immunofluorescence reaction. The biomaterial is treated with an active substance that makes the antigens glow.
4. Cultural technique. Sowing biomaterial on a nutrient medium. Studying the development of the virus under a microscope.
5. Serological analysis. Detects class G and M antibodies and their avidity. Often used to diagnose genital herpes. The biomaterial is blood taken from a vein.

With any diagnosis there is a chance of getting a false positive result. An accurate diagnosis is made after several studies.

Treatment methods

There is no single way to quickly cure the virus: herpes occurs differently in different people. The treatment method depends on the strain, location of the affected area and other factors. At Polyclinic +1, doctors select a suitable herpes treatment regimen for each patient. Comprehensive treatment of infection with drugs prescribed by a doctor gives quick results.

Creams and ointments

The most popular drug is Acyclovir. It is available in the form of a cream or ointment with an active ingredient content of 5%: Acyclovir-Sandoz, Zovirax, Acyclovir-hexal. For treatment, it is better to use creams rather than ointments. Creams are better absorbed into the affected areas. The drugs must be applied to the affected area five times a day for seven days.

Despite its prevalence, acyclovir is considered an obsolete drug. It copes poorly with relapses of the disease, eliminates symptoms, but does not suppress the virus inside the body. In 30% of patients, treatment with acyclovir does not produce results.

A more modern drug is penciclovir. Fenistil Pentsivir is manufactured on its basis. This cream contains propylene glycol + cetomacrogol. They accelerate the penetration of the active substance into the skin. Only 0.2% of strains are resistant to Fenistil Penciclovir. The reproduction of the herpes virus stops on the second day after applying the cream, making the healing process faster. But the drug has a drawback: it is not suitable for children under twelve years of age.

Pills

When a treatment regimen for herpes in adults is drawn up, drugs can be prescribed in tablet form. The use of potent tablets is permitted for the treatment of adolescents over twelve years of age. When treating young children, parents should use the Viferon ointments and suppositories listed above.

The action of acyclovir in tablets is similar to the action of the ointment of the same name. The tableted drug is inexpensive and available in almost every pharmacy. It is approved for use in the treatment of children under twelve years of age.

Valaciclovir is used to synthesize acyclovir. It is contained in the drug Valtrex. When the tablet enters the body, valacyclovir is converted to acyclovir. This technique increases the concentration of the drug in the body. The effect of taking valacyclovir can be compared with intravenous administration of acyclovir. It is suitable for people with normal immunity.

Famciclovir is the most effective medicine for herpes. After administration, famciclovir is almost completely absorbed and quickly turns into active penciclovir, which allows you to get rid of symptoms and suppress the activity of the herpes virus. Famciclovir is contained in the drugs Famvir and Favirox. A single dose of three tablets is allowed to quickly stop inflammation. Famciclovir is suitable for adults with weak immune systems.

Folk recipes

Traditional recipes help eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but do not fight the herpes virus as the cause. Here are examples of common recipes:

• Apply lemon balm essential oil to the affected area every two hours.
• Lubricate the area of ​​inflammation with Kalanchoe juice three times a day.
• The affected area can be lubricated with crushed garlic cloves three times a day. If garlic causes a burning sensation, you should choose a different recipe.
• A mixture of bee honey and apple cider vinegar, taken in a ratio of 1 to 1, can be applied to the inflamed area. Treat the skin three times a day.

We do not recommend treatment solely according to traditional recipes. To eliminate symptoms and suppress the activity of the herpes virus, use medications prescribed by an experienced doctor.

Suspect No. 2 – acne

• Cause. Acne is a multifactorial disease. The main links in its pathogenesis are hyperkeratosis, excessive sebum production, colonization of propionibacteria, and inflammation. For example, if a small whitehead appears on the lip, a blockage of the sebaceous gland could occur, leading to the formation of a closed comedon.
• Emergence. Acne usually appears suddenly.
• Localization. With acne, pimples rarely appear on the lip, since there are few sebaceous glands in this area. Most of them are in the so-called seborrheic zone - the nose, forehead, chin, this is where acne occurs most often.
• Spring view. A slight swelling of red color; if a purulent pimple has formed on the lip, then a white head can be seen inside, the acne takes a cone-shaped shape.
• Quantity. Most often they pop out one at a time. In severe cases of acne, they may merge.
• Feel. Papules and pustules may be painful, especially when palpated.

After opening, the acne fades, so many people think that this is a great way to get rid of them, but this approach can lead to aggravation of the problem, an even greater spread of the rash.

Treatment of herpes virus by a specialist

The symptoms of herpes can be similar to those of other diseases. For example, genital herpes can be confused with other sexually transmitted diseases. The cause of inflammation in the mouth is not only herpetic stomatitis, but also aphthous stomatitis. In this regard, when the first signs appear, you should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of all forms of herpetic infection in our clinic “Polyclinic +1” is carried out by highly qualified dermatologists, venereologists, and gynecologists. They will conduct a thorough diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy with modern antiviral drugs. An integrated approach helps not only to suppress the activity of the herpes virus, but also to increase the body's defenses and achieve stable remission. When treating herpes during pregnancy, our doctors always take into account the possible risks to the fetus.

Attention! Self-administration of medications can be harmful if the diagnosis is made incorrectly. If you self-medicate incorrectly, you can harm your health by starting the course of the disease. To avoid relapses and complications, you should take medications under the supervision of a doctor.

Cost of treatment at Polyclinic +1

Why is the herpes virus dangerous?

The herpes simplex virus affects many organs and systems. Herpetic blisters can appear on the mucous membranes of the vagina, cervix, urethra, mouth and skin, and with an extensive process they can appear in the liver and brain. Herpes can cause dysfunction of both the autonomic and central nervous systems. In addition, the herpes virus is associated with cancer, unfavorable pregnancy, childbirth, as well as pathologies in the fetus and newborns. According to the World Health Organization, the mortality rate from severe forms of the herpes simplex virus is 15.8% compared to other viral infections and ranks second after deaths from influenza (35.8%). In our country, the number of patients diagnosed with herpes infection every year exceeds 2.5 million. Patients with chronic herpetic lesions of the skin and genitals make up more than 10% of the total population of Russia.

Prevention methods

What is herpes - it is a viral disease. It is transmitted by using other people's things, kissing, and unprotected contact. Preventive measures are aimed at preventing infection with the virus:

• Wash dishes thoroughly after other people.
• Do not take other people's towels, combs, toothbrushes and other personal hygiene items.
• Women should not use other people's lipsticks, glosses, or balms.
• Avoid touching your face and groin area with unwashed hands.
• Damage to the skin must be treated with disinfectants.
• Take vitamins regularly to strengthen your immune system.
• Avoid unprotected sexual contact with strangers.

When in contact with people who have visible symptoms of herpes, the risk of becoming infected is higher. But even if a person is a hidden carrier of the infection, he can become infected. Therefore, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene.

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, 2021

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.

Advantages of "Polyclinic +1"

• The consultation is conducted by experienced dermatologists and venereologists.
• Receive test results and make a diagnosis within 1 day.
• Official license to provide paid medical services.
• Possibility to take tests and undergo treatment anonymously.
• Convenient location in the center of Moscow, 5 minutes from Novokuznetskaya and Tretyakovskaya metro stations.
• Doctors are available daily from 9:00 to 21:00, including on weekends.
• Free parking is available for visitors (notify the administrator in advance).

conclusions

Only an experienced doctor can select an effective treatment regimen for herpesvirus. When deciding how to treat herpes on your own, you risk not getting the desired result, and sometimes even causing complications. Make an appointment with a doctor at the phone number indicated on the page to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and forget about relapses.

The article was checked for compliance with medical standards by a leading specialist at the Polyclinic+1 clinic, a dermatovenerologist, urologist, and mycologist.

Malashenko Vladimir Alexandrovich

What to do first if herpes appears

First of all, you need to carefully monitor your personal hygiene - constantly wash your hands with soap or other means. Also, do not put your hands near your eyes, much less touch the cornea. Insert lenses only after first washing your hands or wearing sterile medical gloves. The fact is that the virus can spread to the mucous membrane of the eyes.

Also, you should not touch the swellings themselves or touch them with your fingers. You can use lipstick and other products, but only without sharing them with other people. You should not remove blisters or crusts yourself - then the virus can spread to other areas of the skin. During the period of illness, you should avoid oral sex.

Important! If a young mother has herpes, she should take care of the safety of the child. Before picking him up or feeding him, you must wash your hands thoroughly with soap.