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HERPES ON LIPS

Herpes is a condition that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus results in some painful and problematic symptoms that include cold sores and blisters in regions of the face including the mouth, lips and gums and genital areas like the vagina, penis and anus. Herpes lips sores are commonly caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus.

These herpes lip sores and lesions are also called cold sores or fever blisters. These sores are caused when the herpes virus rests in some nerve cells and travels through the nerve paths to appear on the surface of the skin. In some cases the virus may become active without any obvious signs of an outbreak in the form of lesions.

A person may get herpes on lips around three to seven days after the exposure occurs while in other individuals the sores may erupt up to 20 days after the exposure. The first outbreak of this virus is often quite severe and following outbreaks may resolve relatively quickly and the symptoms in these outbreaks may also be less serious as compared to those in the first outbreak.

The first outbreak of herpes lips sores and lesions may be accompanied with other symptoms that include fever and general feeling of weakness and malaise. The subsequent outbreaks are less severe quite simply because the body produces the antibodies of herpes and this helps in fighting the outbreaks. The outbreak may also be accompanied with tenderness of lymph nodes and headaches.

A herpes lip sore outbreak may not be a serious condition but it can be transmitted to other parts of the body. Direct contact with the affected region can result in transmission of the virus to other body areas like the eye or the fingers. When the herpes is transmitted to the eyes it is called ocular herpes.

The herpes virus needs warm and moist conditions for easy transmission. It is therefore easily transferred due to close contact between individuals. The virus can be transmitted through kissing and direct skin contact. The development of herpes lips sores starts with an itching or tingling sensation which is followed by the eruption of the sores or blisters.

With time the blisters turn into open sores and finally they scab over and then heal. This healing of the herpes lips sores takes place in around two weeks. Recurrences of the herpes outbreak occur due to some triggering factors such as menstruation, exposure to sun, illness or a compromised immune system.

Those suffering from herpes lip sores should avoid touching the sores. It is also advisable to wash hands if the affected area is touched. Sharing of cups, cigarettes and lipsticks should also be avoided. Sexual contact during the outbreak should be avoided. Treatment of herpes includes taking antiviral medication. It may include antiviral ointments as well as other medicines.

In some cases the antiviral medication can be take at the time of outbreaks while in other cases if a person experiences frequent outbreaks then the medicines may be taken on a continuous basis. When the medicines are taken continuously it is called suppressive therapy.