- Lip herpes is either "lifelong" or does not appear at all
- Almost the entire human population carries the virus, but fewer than half have symptoms
- The cure is simple: creams, patches and even fruit can help you heal faster
Lip herpes is either "lifelong" or does not appear at all
Lip herpes is also known as the "disease of a lifetime", because once a person has contracted the infection and cured it, he or she usually has to fight it again after a while. Nevertheless, the virus that causes it can linger in the body and never appear for the rest of the person's life.
The virus, also known as herpes labialis, is transmitted through direct contact with the skin, mucous membranes or secretions of an infected person, such as kissing, sharing utensils, towels or other objects.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as many as 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 worldwide are infected with HSV-1.
When the virus becomes active, people experience unpleasant tingling, itching or burning in the area of the lips - the first signs that small blisters filled with clear fluid will soon appear[1].
The blisters cluster together and if they burst, they become painful sores that take about a week to heal. The virus is usually triggered by stress, fatigue, a weakened immune system, hormonal changes or environmental factors such as strong sunlight or cold.
Although herpes is usually not dangerous, it causes physical and emotional discomfort, especially due to visible lesions. If the infection recurs frequently, it is treated with antiviral creams such as acyclovir or tablets. The most effective way to prevent herpes is to strengthen the immune system and protect it from sun exposure or cold exposure.
Interestingly, although many people carry the virus, not everyone experiences visible symptoms, and for some, it may never manifest itself.
Almost the entire human population carries the virus, but fewer than half have symptoms
Interestingly, as many as 95% of people carry the virus. HSV-1 infection is so common that almost everyone in the world carries the virus, although only about 20-40% of those infected show symptoms.
The virus that causes oral herpes is a true master of survival. It remains dormant in the trigeminal ganglion, close to the brain, throughout its lifetime and only becomes active under favorable conditions. These can include contact with another infected person and sunlight, which is the main trigger for herpes in some people. In others, symptoms can be triggered by emotional stress, illness, or even intense singing.
In the Middle Ages, these lip blisters were considered a sign of sin, as people believed they resulted from unbridled passion. However, modern research shows that the virus is much more complex. It can "trick" the immune system by masquerading as harmless proteins and even being infectious before the first symptoms appear.
Interestingly, some people have genetic mutations that prevent HSV-1 from activating or entering cells.
There is also a theory that long-term carriage of the virus may be associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, although this link has not yet been definitively proven[2].
The cure is simple: creams, patches and even fruit can help you heal faster
Although, on reflection, a lifelong disease may seem like a terrible and incurable disease, it is actually not difficult to re-suppress this virus with modern means.
For example, the healing process of wounds in the oral cavity can be shortened by up to twice as much if special ointments, plasters or creams are used. In case of severe or recurrent symptoms, oral tablets containing acyclovir or its derivatives should be used.
Creams should also be chosen that contain antiviral agents such as acyclovir, denotivir or docosanol.
Creams containing hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory agent, may also be used.
Patches treat and discreetly cover blisters or scabs and prevent wound contamination.
Although drugs are medicine, the best remedy for cold sores is strengthening the immune system. This can be done by adjusting your daily diet a little - it is recommended to include citrus fruits, blackcurrants and peppers - in other words, foods rich in vitamin C.
Foods rich in vitamin D, such as cod liver oil and shark liver oil, are also recommended.
Lysine, found in meat, beans, and soya, also helps prevent the spread of the virus.
