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.”
How to get rid of herpes: the most effective ointments.
June 30, 2021
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Content
- Which ointment for herpes to choose
- Herpes symptoms
- How to treat herpes
- The best ointments for herpes
- Oksolin
- Herpferon
- Zovirax
- Fenistil Pencivir
- Panavir-gel
- Erazaban
- Herperax
- Alpizarin
We are sure that everyone has had herpes (popularly known as a cold on the lips) at least once in their life. Moreover, almost 100% of the world's population has the herpes virus in their bodies. But for the majority, it seems to be “dormant,” and as soon as the immune system weakens, the body becomes hypothermic, or the time comes for seasonal ARVI, herpes becomes more active. Moreover, sores on the lips are the most harmless version of herpes.
Based on the recommendations of doctors, we have compiled a list of effective and safe ointments for the quick treatment of herpes on the lips. But you need to understand that any remedy for herpes has contraindications, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before treatment.
Genital herpes in men
In men, the second type of virus is most common. When engaging in oral sex, approximately 24 percent have type 1 herpes. More often it is a combination of two types of herpes simplex.
The disease in men is characterized by rashes in the penis, testicles, and anus.
During the period of weakening of the body, the virus manifests itself in rashes. And in a latent form it occurs as a chronic pathology. It gradually affects the autonomic and central nervous system, the mucous membranes of the urethra. And when the process is generalized - the liver, brain and other organs.
Herpes appears 2-4 days after infection. It could be:
- slight increase in temperature;
- general malaise, weakness;
- pain and aches in the joints and muscles may be observed;
- there may be tingling and burning of the skin in the groin area;
- painful urination;
- the appearance of a pimple or group of pimples on the head of the penis or scrotum.
If no other infection occurs, the symptoms disappear on their own.
The virus is transmitted to a partner through sexual contact - oral, anal or classical. Infection can occur not necessarily when there is a rash on the skin, but also during the asymptomatic period of the disease.
A man also becomes infected from a sick woman, even if she has no symptoms of the disease. The virus is present in vaginal secretions and urine, as well as in saliva. If a woman has herpes on her lips (type 1), it can be transmitted to a man through oral sex, and the rash will appear on the penis.
Answers to frequently asked questions on venereology:
- How to prepare for an appointment with a venereologist?
- How to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases?
- What tests can be done by a venereologist at the clinic?
- What symptoms should you consult a venereologist for?
- What diseases does a venereologist treat?
- What diagnostics can a venereologist perform in your clinic?
- How to call a venereologist at home?
- Venereological care at home
- Venereological care in the clinic
- What equipment does the venereologist use in our clinic?
- How to make an appointment with a venereologist?
Which ointment for herpes to choose
There are many drugs for herpes in the pharmacy, although they all have the same active ingredient - acyclovir (or its more modern analogues). But it is worth considering that ointments for herpes, even with the same active substance, can act on the body differently, because a lot depends on the quality of purification of this substance. If you have herpes on your lips and are planning to buy ointment, consider the following parameters:
- Age.
Each active substance has its own parameters according to the age from which it is allowed to be used. Acyclovir, for example, is contraindicated under 18 years of age. Penciclovir can be used from the age of 16; a doctor can prescribe valacyclovir from the age of 12. - Tendency to allergies.
In addition to the main active ingredient, auxiliary agents (preservatives, dyes, flavors) are also added to the preparations. These components can cause allergic reactions with unpredictable manifestations. Before using ointment for herpes (especially on the face or intimate area), do a skin test on your wrist and see how it reacts.
Do not forget that many drugs are prohibited for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But there is one drug for herpes that can be used during these periods - Gevisosh .
, the active substance of which is epervudine.
Gevisosh
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Germany
An antiviral agent that is active against the Herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus.
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Treatment with immunomodulators, prevention of herpes –
If you have a high frequency of relapses of herpes, or even rare, but severe outbreaks, it is very important for you to take up the prevention of outbreaks of herpes. And the point here is not only that the severe course of a herpetic infection and/or its frequent relapses themselves indicate problems with your immunity. The fact is that the herpes virus has an immunosuppressive effect on the entire immune system - both cellular and humoral immunity.
This means that the immune system under the influence of the herpes virus will continue to weaken, leading to a further increase in the frequency of relapses and the severity of outbreaks. At the moment, there are the following directions for preventing outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2), but you should choose one or another method only after consulting a doctor. All patients with a frequency of outbreaks of more than 6 during the year must be tested for the number of specific IgG and IgM antibodies to the herpes simplex virus, as well as consult an immunologist and have an immunogram (which evaluates the subpopulation composition of cells, NK activity, and also the levels of α- and γ-interferons).
Prevention methods:
- Prolonged use of antiviral drugs - in this case, Acyclovir tablets are prescribed 400 mg 2 times a day (but we do not recommend this option, since the use of acyclovir in patients with weakened immune systems very often leads to the development of resistance of the herpes virus to acyclovir ).
A preventive course of drugs from the list below should last about 9-12 months, and only on the recommendation of a doctor. The drug "Valacyclovir" - 500 mg 1 time per day (but for patients with a relapse rate of more than 9 times a year - 500 mg 2 times a day). The drug "Famciclovir" - 250 mg 2 times a day. Studies show that the preventive effect is more pronounced with Valacyclovir, but cross-resistance must also be taken into account (since if the herpes virus is resistant to acyclovir, it will also be resistant to valacyclovir). - Immunocorrective therapy – the immune system can be improved with special drugs “immunomodulators”. There are several drugs that have proven effective in preventing relapses of herpes, and for which this indication for use is directly stated in the instructions. The use of immunostimulating drugs allows - 1) to reduce the frequency of relapses by about 40-50%, 2) to reduce the duration of each outbreak, for example, complete healing will occur faster by about 2-3 days than usual.
Good drugs, the instructions for which specifically indicate “as part of the complex therapy of herpetic infection” are over-the-counter tablet drugs “Cycloferon”, “Polyoxidonium”, “Licopid” (you can look at the official instructions for treatment regimens). The first two drugs also have a release form as an injection solution, but this is only by prescription. By the way, Cycloferon, in addition to stimulating the immune system, also has its own antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus (24stoma).Accordingly, if the patient has active manifestations of herpes, and the immunomodulator is used as part of complex therapy for herpes infection (together with antiviral drugs), Cycloferon will be the optimal choice. And, by the way, it can be used from 4 years old. If you use an immunomodulator between herpes outbreaks, i.e. in the absence of clinical manifestations, it is better to choose “Likopid” or “Polyoxidonium” (they can be used from 3 years of age).
Likopid" can be in tablets of 1 and 10 mg (tablets of 10 mg can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor, and tablets of 1 mg are available over the counter). Recommended use of Likopid 1 mg for adults – 2 tablets 3 times a day (orally or sublingually), course of treatment is 10 days. Scheme of use of Likopid 10 mg tablet for adults - 1 tablet 1 time per day, course of treatment for 6 days. For children over 3 years old, Likopid 1 mg tablets can be prescribed, and the regimen is as follows - 1 tablet 3 times a day (orally or sublingually), for a total of 10 days.
Important: taking immunomodulators is indicated not only for the prevention of relapses of herpes infection - in patients who are often and/or seriously ill with herpes. Immunomodulators should be used as part of the basic therapy of herpes infections (in addition to therapy with antiviral drugs) in patients with weakened immune systems.
Moreover, if the immunomodulator is used during an exacerbation of herpes, then it is best to use Cycloferon, because it also has a direct antiviral effect on the herpes simplex virus. If we are talking about taking immunomodulators in the period between outbreaks, then you can use Lykopid or Polyoxidonium. In the next section we will talk about the Vitagerpavac vaccine, which is nothing more than a real herpes vaccine.
Herpes symptoms
The herpes virus has several types. The most common type 1 herpes virus occurs - it usually appears on the upper half of the body (face, hands). The second type of herpes virus is genital. How does the herpes virus manifest itself:
- burning and tingling in those places where bubbles with liquid will later appear;
- wounds form in place of the bubbles;
- Sometimes with herpes, fever, swollen lymph nodes or sore throat are possible.
Well, since the virus does not disappear from the body, you need to be prepared for relapses as soon as the immune system weakens.
Genital herpes in women
Infection occurs mainly through unprotected sexual contact with a sick man. Moreover, it is possible to get the virus through oral and anal sex. It is possible that the virus can be transferred by hands to the genitals.
If a woman has herpes, rashes are observed on:
- labia, groin area, buttocks;
- in the vestibule of the vagina;
- in the perineum;
- on the walls of the vagina, on the cervix;
- on the rectal mucosa.
Women become infected with herpes more often than men, since there are more accessible areas covered with mucous membrane. It is not necessary that the man have clinical manifestations of the disease in the form of rashes. The virus is found in semen and urine.
Herpes in women can cause early and late miscarriages and damage to the fetus during pregnancy.
Herpes of the bladder and urethral canal is also found. When the disease worsens, urination is very painful and bloody. May be accompanied by bladder pain and fever.
The pathological process may involve the mucous membrane of the rectum (cracks form), pain in the pelvis and in the area of the projection of the uterus, damage to the ovaries (symptoms of irritation of the pelvic nerve coupling). More often, such manifestations occur before or immediately after menstruation.
The nature of the disease is not always determined and recognized. Sometimes women are treated with antiviral and antibacterial drugs to no avail and for a long time.
How to treat herpes
Herpes can go away on its own, without any treatment, but if the wounds do not go away for a long time or they are large, you will have to use some medications.
- Antiviral agents.
Similar drugs against herpes come in tablets and ointments with an analgesic effect. The active ingredient in herpes medications is acyclovir and its analogues, which block the DNA of the virus and stop its reproduction. But medications for herpes are still unable to cure it completely. - Ointments for wound healing.
The most popular wound healing ointments today are based on panthenol (vitamin B5). Such ointments for herpes are used as soon as the blisters have opened to speed up the healing process of wounds. - Drying agents.
Among the most famous and accessible ointments with a drying effect is zinc ointment, which, among other things, relieves inflammation and is a good antiseptic. By the way, for herpes you can use several remedies from these three groups at once, but before that you need to consult a doctor.
Factors that provoke genital herpes
The virus does not manifest itself until the human body restrains it due to its protective forces - immunity. The trigger for the growth of the virus are factors such as:
- emotional and physical exhaustion;
- hypothermia;
- period;
- surgical interventions;
- infectious diseases.
There are cases where the provoking factor was ultraviolet exposure to sunlight.
With good immunity, the virus may not detect itself at all throughout life. In this case, the person acts as a virus carrier and is able to infect others.
The best ointments for herpes
Our rating includes the most effective ointments for herpes, which are often prescribed by doctors. From accessible, cheap to more expensive, but equally helpful. Choose any one after consulting with your doctor, and remember this important advice: the sooner you start treatment, at the very first symptoms, the faster the herpes will go away.
Read also Review of popular drugs against thrush The most popular drugs against thrush for internal and external use
Sex with genital herpes
If a person knows that he is infected with the genital herpes virus, he, due to moral requirements, should not infect sexual partners and warn about this in advance.
During sexual contact, the risk of infection is highest. If there is an oral form, then it is enough to transmit the virus even through kissing or oral sex. In the vaginal form, the virus is transmitted during sexual vaginal contact. If the patient has rashes in the anus and rectum, there is a high risk of infection during anal sex.
A condom does not always guarantee 100% protection, since the rash area includes areas not covered by latex.
If sexual partners decide to take risks consciously, they should first undergo treatment for the virus and discuss the risks with their doctor. During remission, suppression of the source of infection, infection is unlikely.
If sexual contact occurs without the use of protective equipment, it is recommended to use herpferon, a drug that destroys the virus, within the next 1-2 hours.
Oksolin
This antiviral non-hormonal inexpensive ointment is recommended for chickenpox, rashes and herpes of the first and second types. A white ointment with a uniform consistency and specific odor is indicated for external use only. The active ingredient in ointment for herpes, oxolin, perfectly fights viruses, penetrating inside viral cells and destroying them. Oxolinic ointment acts on the DNA of the virus, stopping its reproduction. You need to smear wounds from herpes with “Oxolin” several times a day until complete recovery.
Oksolin
OJSC "Lubnyfarm", Ukraine
The active ingredient of Oxolinic ointment is oxolin, which has antiviral activity against the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus.
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Herpferon
The active ingredients of this herpes ointment are interferon alpha-2b and acyclovir. In addition, "Gerpferon", unlike other similar products, contains lidocaine, which perfectly anesthetizes the area affected by herpes. By the way, “Gerpferon” is suitable for treating herpes on the oral mucosa. As for the use of this ointment for herpes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is no data on this, so it is better to consult a doctor. Reviews about Gerpferon ointment are positive, but many patients note its high cost.
Herpferon
Firn M, Russia
primary and recurrent herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
genital herpes; herpes zoster. from 213
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Where to go for genital herpes
It is necessary to seek diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes at a specialized medical institution. Advantages of seeking help from our clinic:
- We accept appointments any day, seven days a week, which is very convenient for working citizens;
- There is a service to call a doctor at home (diagnosis, treatment, monitoring of recovery);
- an individual approach to each client is carried out;
- comfortable and favorable conditions for patients have been created;
- has its own laboratory to conduct the necessary laboratory and instrumental studies;
- doctors and all medical personnel work in a single team and jointly manage the patient, any issues during treatment are resolved, and if necessary, a medical council is created;
- always friendly attitude;
- confidentiality.
All clinic services are certified. We are responsible and provide guarantees. Calling a dermatologist to your home for genital herpes
In some cases, the patient cannot visit the clinic in person. Or for some reason he doesn’t want to do this. Our clinic offers a doctor's home call. You can contact us on any convenient day and discuss the doctor’s arrival time.
The service is popular due to a number of advantages:
- a doctor’s visit to your home is very convenient for people with limited mobility – pensioners, frail people, disabled people, blind people, post-operative people;
- Complete anonymity of treatment is maintained;
- at home, the doctor provides the same services as within the walls of the medical institution;
- all types of tests can be taken at home, they will be sent to the laboratory in special containers;
- a doctor at home can conduct instrumental diagnostics if necessary (ECG, ultrasound, x-ray);
- the doctor will talk about prevention methods, recommend what to do to avoid infecting household members through contact, and how to prevent relapse of the disease.
A doctor can come to your home on the same day of treatment.
Zovirax
Zovirax is perhaps the most popular ointment for herpes. The active ingredient in Zovirax is acyclovir. And to make the product more gentle on the skin and mucous membranes, propylene glycol, glycerin and other components are also added to the composition. Despite the higher price than regular Acyclovir, patients often choose Zovirax as an effective remedy for herpes that quickly gets rid of the problem.
Zovirax
GlaxoSmithKline, France
Antiviral agent for the treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, incl.
herpes lips from 162
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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].
Fenistil Pencivir
One of the most effective remedies against herpes. The active ingredient in Fenistil Pencivir cream is penciclovir, which is considered safer than acyclovir. Penciclovir is an analogue of acyclovir, but more modern, with virtually no side effects. Fenistil Pencivir can be used by pregnant women (but only if the prescription is approved by the doctor!). You need to apply the herpes cream about eight times a day. Fenistil Pencivir does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, like many similar herpes remedies. This cream is odorless, does not leave marks on clothes and is suitable for children over 12 years of age. But they cannot be used to treat the mucous membranes and skin around the eyes.
Fenistil pencivir
Novartis Pharma Services AG (Novartis Pharma), Switzerland
- recurrent herpes simplex localized on the lips (herpes labialis).
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Panavir-gel
This herpes remedy is the only one on our list that comes in gel form rather than ointment form. The main advantage of Panavir Gel is that it is created on a plant basis; it is a homeopathic drug. Its active ingredient is not acyclovir, as in other herpes remedies, but an extract of potato shoots. Therefore, if you are allergic to acyclovir and its analogues and are looking for a gentle remedy for herpes, Panavir-gel is just such a medicine.
Panavir-gel
Zelenaya oakbrava JSC, Russia
Panavir-gel is an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, the indications for which are: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus types I and II, incl.
genital herpes. from 121
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Genital herpes in children
Children are very susceptible to herpes. A child born from a sick mother runs the risk of contracting herpes at birth. The child's eyes, mouth, and nose are most susceptible. Infection at birth occurs in 40 percent of cases.
Intrauterine infection of the fetus, which more often ends in the death of the child, cannot be ruled out.
The child is at risk of infection during kisses from adults, as well as when they lick the baby's pacifier.
A child is susceptible to the disease both in kindergarten and at school if there are sick children. It has been proven that the herpes virus can even be transmitted through airborne droplets.
Still, genital herpes spreads more often through sexual contact, and the household contact route is not very common. Although the virus easily tolerates low temperatures, it lives in the external environment, outside the human body, for no more than 6 hours.
Teenagers are at risk of becoming infected through unprotected sex.
If herpes is not treated, it causes damage to internal organs.
Herpes in a child manifests itself mainly as rashes on the nose, lips, and neck. But it can also become widespread during an exacerbation, causing myocarditis, meningitis, chronic bronchitis and other inflammatory pathologies of internal organs.
It is possible that herpetic rashes may appear on the genitals of children. In boys - on the penis and scrotum, in girls - on the labia and vagina.
In children under one year of age, herpes occurs in three forms:
- Generalized - the genitals are affected, rashes are observed on the genitals and in the area of the inguinal folds, body temperature rises. There is a high probability of death, urgent medical attention is required.
- Localized. Possible rash in a separate area, swelling of the affected area. Bubbles can be on the genitals, on the cornea of the eye. If the eye is affected, blindness may occur.
- Brain damage. During the first weeks of life, this form of the disease can cause body temperature up to 40 degrees, severe vomiting and convulsions. Next - loss of consciousness and coma. Up to 50 percent of babies die. If help is provided on time, treatment can take up to 6 months; the signs of genital herpes disappear.
Genital herpes in children often manifests itself as rashes in the nasolabial area, but also on the genitals.
Erazaban
Herpes ointment "Erazaban" perfectly treats and heals herpetic rashes. The active ingredient in herpes ointment, docosanol, effectively fights the herpes simplex virus. The good thing is that Erazaban ointment, when applied externally, does not penetrate the bloodstream and does not affect the functioning of the body. This ointment is prescribed at the first manifestations of herpes on the skin and mucous membranes. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of herpes, which often recurs in patients with reduced immunity.
Erazaban
Bausch & Lomb, Germany
Infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1, including herpes labialis.
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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.
Herperax
This herpes ointment for external use is also not absorbed into the blood and does not have a systemic effect on the body. The active ingredient in Herperax ointment is acyclovir, which successfully fights the herpes simplex virus. The product affects only those cells that are affected by herpes. "Herperax" is a very effective drug, therefore it is often prescribed by doctors. It is noteworthy that this ointment for herpes can be used in children from birth.
Herperax
Micro Labs Limited, India
Herperax is an antiviral drug whose active substance is acyclovir.
Thymidine kinase in virus-infected cells actively converts acyclovir through a series of sequential reactions into acyclovir mono-, di- and triphosphate. The latter interacts with viral DNA polymerase and is integrated into the DNA that is synthesized for new viruses. Thus, defective viral DNA is formed, which leads to suppression of the replication of new generations of viruses. Acyclovir is active against Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Bar virus and cytomegalovirus. from 51
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Alpizarin
Anti-herpes ointment for external use has virtually no side effects and is not addictive. "Alpizarin" is prescribed to children from 1 year old, because it is non-toxic. In addition to herpes, this ointment is effective against cytomegalovirus and paramyxoviruses. “Alpizarin” not only inhibits the virus itself, but also stimulates the production of interferon gamma in the body, thus increasing the resistance of the immune system to viral diseases. Thanks to this complex action, Alpizarin is prescribed to adults and children not only for herpes, but also for any viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as for herpes zoster.
