COLD HERPES - MEDICINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF COLD HERPES

Definition

Cold sores is an infectious and contagious pathology characterized by the appearance of small annoying and itchy blisters on the skin and mucous membranes of the lip area: the herpetic infection can degenerate and spread also on the cheeks and palate. The viral strain responsible is Herpes simplex (HVS-I).

Causes

The "labial infection caused by" Herpes simplex type I is favored by several factors: prolonged intake of antibiotics, decreased immune defenses, excessive sun exposure, infectious diseases, stress and hormonal changes (eg menstrual cycle, pregnancy). It has been observed that stress heavily affects the manifestation of the herpetiform infection, since it weakens the immune defenses of the subject making him more sensitive to the virus.

Symptoms

The typical perception of heat, discomfort and tension in the lip contour is on light of the manifestation of cold sores: subsequently, the infection continues with the appearance - on the skin and on the mucous membrane of the lips - of roundish whitish and liquid-filled bubbles, which tend to dry in 5-7 days.

Medicines

Just like genital herpes, also cold sores, when it infects humans for the first time, can no longer be permanently eradicated: in fact, these viruses tend to hide in nerve endings and then reappear if ideal conditions are established. Sometimes, after the first infection, the cold sore virus can remain silent even for life.

Medicines useful to relieve the symptoms of cold sores and to reduce the risk of relapse can be applied locally or taken orally.

Aciclovir (eg. Aciclovir, Xerese, Zovirax): being an inhibitor of the DNA synthesis of herpetic viruses, aciclovir is indicated in the treatment of Herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes (including the relapsing form). Apply the cream ( 5%) locally 5 times a day for 4 days: therapy must be timely. The active ingredient aciclovir can also be found in the form of 200 mg tablets: take orally one tablet every 4 hours for 10 days (when Herpes occurs for the first time), or one 400 mg tablet three times a day , for a period ranging from 7 to 10 days, according to what is prescribed by the doctor. In case of Oral Herpes, it is recommended to take 400 mg 5 times a day, for 5 days.

Docosanol (eg Abreva): apply locally (on the lips) a thin layer of cream, to cover the entire affected area. Repeat the application 5 times a day for at least 4 days. Docosanol is an active ingredient useful for inhibiting the fusion between the plasma membrane and the virus coating, which prevents the virus from entering the cells: in this way the replication of the virus is hindered.

Famciclovir (eg Famvir, Famciclovir) available in tablet form: take orally 1500 mg (1 tablet) in a single dose. Famciclovir is particularly effective when taken at the onset of symptoms (burning, pain, tingling, itching).

Penciclovir (eg Vectavir, Zilp): available as a 1% cream, it is recommended to apply penciclovir to the infected area twice a day for 4 days. It is recommended to start treatment from the very first symptomatological manifestations.

Trifluridine (eg Triherpine): this drug works by inhibiting the DNA synthesis of the herpetic virus. Topical application of this active is recommended when acyclovir is ineffective.

Idoxuridine (eg Iducher, Idustatin): it is an antiviral drug that acts as an inhibitor of DNA virus replication, therefore it finds application in the treatment of Herpes simplex infections. Apply the product directly on the lesions 4 times a day, for 4 days. In the case of infantile Herpes simplex, the application of Idoxuridine-based products is not recommended, as well as in pregnancy.

Valaciclovir (eg. Talavir, Valtrex) take one tablet (2 g) every 12 hours: once again, it is good to start therapy from the first prodrome.

In the event of a first episode of herpes simplex labialis, creams or ointments with analgesic action containing NSAIDs can be applied to the infected area:

Benzydamine (eg Benzirin): in case of intraoral Herpes simplex, benzydamine-based rinses exert a good topical analgesic action: 5 rinses of 5 ml (one teaspoon) are recommended every two hours and before meals. The active ingredient benzydamine can also be found in the form of a spray for the oral mucosa: in this case, it is advisable to apply 4-8 sprays of the product per day, directly on the area affected by oral herpes.