Where does a cold on the lips come from and what to do with it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This is a manifestation of an incurable virus from which there is no protection. But not everything is so scary.

What is a cold on the lips

A cold sore is a small blistering rash that is caused by the Cold sore / Mayo Clinic herpes simplex virus. Most adults are infected with Herpes Simplex Virus / WHO. Infection can occur through kissing, oral sex, and even at home - when using shared utensils, razors or towels.

See what a cold sore looks like Close

Usually herpes lives in the body, without affecting the human condition in any way. But during the period of exacerbation, rashes appear on the lips. At first, there is an unpleasant itching and tingling sensation - this means that bubbles with liquid inside will soon come out, which will hurt and itch. After a while, they will burst and become covered with a crust, and then disappear. The entire life cycle of the rash lasts 7-10 days, and complete healing occurs at Cold sore / Mayo Clinic in three weeks.

Why does a cold appear on the lips

Several factors lead to exacerbations of the Cold sore / Mayo Clinic:

• Injuries and other diseases, such as ARVI, recurrence of chronic infections.
• Strong stress.
• Hormonal changes. Suppose in women before menstruation.
• Overwork.
• Exposure to sunlight and wind.
• Changes in the immune system.

Why is herpes on the lips dangerous?

There are many herpes viruses. They cause Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in Emergency Medicine / Medscape chickenpox and shingles, baby roseola, and in some cases even cancer.

As we said, from time to time, herpes simplex reminds of its existence with rashes. But it can also lead to complications of the Cold sore / Mayo Clinic. Among them:

• Finger infection. This usually occurs in children who put their hands in their mouths.
• Eye damage. Repeated infections can cause scarring that impairs vision.
• Spread to the skin. This is possible if a person suffers from dermatological diseases, such as atopic dermatitis.

The sores themselves are unpleasant, they interfere with eating. And another infection can get on the bursting bubbles, then it will be more difficult to recover. In severe cases, when the body is weakened, herpes simplex can lead to Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) Imaging / Medscape.

How are colds on the lips treated?

The therapist can suggest the Cold sore / Mayo Clinic:

• Antiviral pills and ointments. They will not destroy the virus permanently, but they will help to quickly remove sores.
• OTC pain relievers. They reduce discomfort.
• Anesthetic cream or ointment. Also for pain relief.

In order not to irritate the inflamed areas, during an exacerbation, you should not eat spicy, sour and salty, use lipstick and aggressive cleansers. You can moisturize your lips with cream, make cooling compresses.

How not to get herpes

There is little chance of that. According to the WHO Herpes Simplex Virus / WHO, most often infection occurs in childhood.

The most contagious period is when the bubbles are already large and can burst at any time. Then their contents, along with the virus, are outside. But even if there are no visible manifestations of herpes, the infection can be in the body. Although you can reduce the risk of infection if you do not contact a person during the acute period of the disease, do not use Herpes - oral / U. S. National Library of Medicine shared dishes, towels and bed linen.

How to avoid exacerbating cold sores

If cold sores appear on the lips more than nine times a year, the doctor will prescribe Cold sore / Mayo Clinic antiviral pills, which will have to be taken regularly.

If it seems that sunlight is causing the relapse, then you need to apply a product to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation before going outside. Also, experts recommend Herpes - oral / U. S. National Library of Medicine to use moisturizing lip balms or creams with zinc oxide.

Can cold sores appear not only on the lips?

Maybe there are two types of herpes simplex virus. The first one just causes a cold on the lips. The second is the cause of Genital herpes / U. S. National Library of Medicine for genital herpes, in which the same ulcers and blisters appear on the genitals.

Sometimes the first type of virus also leads to Patient education: Genital herpes / Uptodate in intimate rashes.

In general, Herpes Simplex / Medscape lives in the nervous tissue, therefore it can appear wherever there are nerves. It is easiest for him on the mucous membranes, so internal organs and the oral cavity may suffer. So, if you have activated the virus, it is better to temporarily abandon contact lenses or carefully observe hygiene when you put them on and take them off.

How to deal with herpes on the lips so as not to pass it on to others

Experts from the reputable medical organization Mayo Clinic advise those who have an aggravated disease to observe the following Cold sore / Mayo Clinic rules:

• Do not kiss other people until the rash has passed.
• Avoid oral sex.
• Eat from separate dishes.
• Don't share your medicated ointments.
• Wash hands after touching the inflamed area.

This material was first published in September 2017. In September 2021, we updated the text.