Herpes labialis is a lesion on the skin of the lips caused by the infection of a virus, the Herpes Simplex HSV-1 virus.
It is characterised by the appearance of small blisters filled with fluid that are usually grouped in circles on or around the lips. Once they are cured, they dry, although sometimes they become infected and ulcerate. These lesions heal spontaneously in several days, but they can last 3 to 4 weeks. They are normally recurrent lesions.
Why do herpes labialis appear?
People who have weakened their immune system are at greater risk of suffering from this type of infection and its increased recurrence. Once the infection is suffered, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells of the skin and trigger for any reason and may reappear in the same place. As precipitating causes:
- Fever.
- Viral infections.
- Stress and fatigue.
- Solar and wind exposure.
- Hormonal changes.
- Alterations in the immune system.
How to treat herpes labialis?
There are antiviral medications that accelerate their healing and decrease their aggressiveness and frequency, such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir or Valacyclovir, among others. There are also certain substances and elements that promote healing: drying substances such as alcohol, lip balm creams, analgesic ointments, propolis and sage.
