The Best To Treat Herpes in 2024

Almost every one of us has experienced a cold on our lips. The reason for this aesthetic inconvenience is the herpes virus, which is believed to be carried by 90% of people. The form of an external rash is not the worst of where the disease can manifest itself. Therefore, having noticed the first symptoms of the virus, you should immediately start fighting it, and the best way to treat herpes, we will tell you in this article.

Herpes: causes, symptoms, consequences

Almost 100% carriage of the virus among the world's population is a consequence of the fact that the pathogen belongs to the class of DNA viruses, and therefore once it enters the body, it cannot be completely cured, but will be in hibernation mode. And it will manifest itself only if the immune system fails.

You can get such an unpleasant virus into the body in different ways and at different stages of life. However, a significant part of the population is faced with herpes in childhood.

Chickenpox, familiar to many, is nothing more than herpes received from the pathogen Varicella Zoster.

Infection methods

1. By airborne droplets - even a banal sneezing of a neighbor in a group in kindergarten can cause the manifestation of herpes in another child, so it is important to teach children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing;
2. Household - personal items, hygiene items of an infected person are also a source of infection;
3. Sexually - during unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner;
4. By transplantation - with organ transplantation;
5. With blood transfusion.

That is, it is almost impossible not to become the owner of the virus, but not all of the virus manifests itself in more complex forms than the usual "cold" on the lips. People suffering from severe herpes - no more than 20%.

Reasons for the manifestation of herpes

The main factor in the development of herpes is a decrease in immunity.

And the weakening of protective functions, in turn, forms a list of secondary causes that provoke herpetic manifestations. These include:

• Complicated diabetes mellitus;
• The transition of chronic diseases of various organs and systems to the acute stage;
• Violation of the body's heat exchange, regular hypothermia or overheating of the body;
• Being in a state of constant stress;
• Infectious diseases that suppress the immune system.

In addition, herpes can manifest itself as a result of taking a number of medications, for example, glucocorticoid hormones.

Types and symptoms of herpes

Medicine knows not only the viral nature of the disease, but also 8 types of the manifestation of the virus, 3 of which are often manifested:

• The first type results in a cold sore on the lips;
• The second one covers the reproductive system;
• The third provokes chickenpox and shingles.

Herpes can manifest itself atypically: without rashes, with tingling in the body and in the perineum, with swelling. Or in a suddenly appeared pulling pain in the lower abdomen, played out radiculitis. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor.

Most often, it is possible to detect the presence of a virus with the help of tests, the direction for which can be taken from an immunologist, infectious disease specialist or other narrow specialists. Diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the disease can be carried out by various doctors.

It is worth visiting a dermatologist for skin rashes, a gynecologist or urologist for discomfort on the genitals, but if the manifestations are of an internal nature, then a pulmonologist, gastroenterologist and other specialists can help here.

External symptoms that the patient can recognize appear in several stages:

1. In the localization zone, there is a slight tingling sensation, itching, and sometimes soreness. As the infection progresses, the sensation intensifies, and a brighter pigmentation of the mucous membrane may appear.
2. Inflammation begins. 1 or more blisters appear, filled with clear liquid. Gradually, the size of the blister increases, and the contents become cloudy.
3. The stage of ulceration, i.e. when the blister breaks or is damaged, the viral fluid enters the surface, which is the cause of the ulcer.
4. Drying out. Crusting, bleeding, and soreness are common.

As for the internal manifestation of herpes, it is most often accompanied by pneumonia, esophagitis or hepatitis.

Why the virus is dangerous

If we consider genital herpes, then it can cause infertility of both spouses at the same time. An infected woman during pregnancy may not carry the fetus before the term or cause an infection of the embryo.

Shingles affects the nervous system. The symptoms of the disease are as follows: shooting pain in the back, lower back, ribs. Then weakness sets in and is often replaced by an increase in temperature. Then, barely noticeable pink spots appear on the skin, then bubbles. Then they dry up, crusts appear. Dangerous for complications in the ears and eyes, vision or hearing deteriorates.

Such serious consequences are the factor that treatment should be started at the first manifestations of the disease, even if it is just a "cold" on the lips. The rating of the best remedies for the treatment of herpes will help you choose the right drug.

Important to remember! Having started therapy on your own, the decision to continue and replace it must be made only after consulting a specialist.

Read more about the herpes virus, its prevention and treatment - in the video:

Rating of the most effective remedies for herpes on the lips

Some people who have had herpes prefer ointment to pills. From the point of view of doctors, the medicine in this form is less toxic to the body. Even pregnant women and children often have no contraindications. You can apply the ointment anywhere and in any position, while the tablet needs to be washed down with water. But, on the other hand, tablets give a visible effect faster.

Famciclovir

Release form - tablets of 125, 250 and 500 mg.

Treatment with the drug is indicated for herpes zoster, especially with complications in the eyes, with herpes of the 1st and 2nd types and infections through contact or with manifestation on the lips. Reception blocks the transition of the virus to the DNA level. Helps the focus to pass into an inactive form.

It lasts 10-12 hours in the body, therefore it suppresses the herpes virus in simple types. The medicine is toxic, more than 3 times 500 mg should not be taken.

With a severe form of the disease, a one-time intake of 750 mg per week is allowed.

For genital herpes 250 mg for 5 days.

With relapses - 500 mg in the morning and in the evening one day. The doctor will tell you more.

The drug is contraindicated in children.

Average cost of the drug: 590 rubles at a dosage of 125 mg and 850 rubles - 500 mg.

• Gives an effect quickly.

• Dangerous for the stomach, provokes a rash, depression of the nervous system;
• Cannot be taken by children.

Zovirax

The main active ingredient of the ointment is acyclovir in a 5% concentration. The drug is especially effective against the causative agent of chickenpox, as well as the herpes virus type 1-2.

In case of a "cold" on the lips, the ointment should be applied immediately, even before the blisters appear. If the onset of the disease is missed, then the tool must be updated in the infected area every 4 hours.

The cost of the product depends on the manufacturer and is on average 200 rubles per 10 grams.

• Helps with the first manifestations of simple types of the virus;
• Side effects are unlikely.

• The manifestation of allergic rashes is permissible with intolerance to individual components of the product;
• Not recommended for use during lactation and pregnancy.

Acyclovir

In essence, this drug is a cheaper analogue of the above-described Zovirax, since the concentration of the active substance completely coincides with the expensive drug. The budget is ensured by the fact that the ointment is created in Russia.

5 grams of funds will cost an average of 50 rubles.

• Helps with the first manifestations of the virus of 1-2 types;
• Side effects are unlikely.

• Allergic reactions are possible;
• Not recommended for use during lactation and pregnancy.

Vivorax

Foreign drug produced in 2 dosage forms. The ointment is analogous to Zovirax in its composition, where the active ingredient is acyclovir (concentration - 5%). Tablets also acting on the basis of acyclovir.

The antiviral agent is used in the complex therapy of 1-2 types of the virus, as well as with its manifestations in the form of shingles and chickenpox.

The drug can be used as a prophylactic agent.

Average price of the drug: 320 rubles - for 40 tablets at a dosage of 10 mg, 120 rubles - for a 5-gram tube of ointment.

• The tablets can be used for prophylaxis;
• The range of indications of the drug in tablets is very wide.

• It is not recommended to use the drug during pregnancy and lactation;
• When taking the tablets, indigestion headaches are possible;
• The use of the ointment may be accompanied by itching.

Oxolinic ointment

The tool has a powerful antiviral effect. The active ingredient is oxolin, while the dosage required for the treatment of herpes is 3%. In pharmacies, a drug with a 0.25% concentration is more often found, which is ineffective with a similar virus.

The application is effective on the lips and genitals.

Price category - 70-90 rubles.

• Permitted for use in pediatrics and during pregnancy.

• Burning sensations are common when applied;
• The skin at the site of use may be pigmented for a short time, but this is not a reason to stop treatment.

Panavir gel

The main active ingredient is hexose glycoside. The manufacturer claims the effectiveness of the drug for various types of herpes: types 1-2 or in the form of shingles. However, most of the positive reviews are associated with getting rid of the manifestation of the disease on the genitals.

The price of the gel is on average 250 rubles.

• In addition to the gel, there are various dosage forms with a similar active substance;
• Almost complete absence of contraindications.

• Not approved for use in children under 12 years of age.

Viferon

This tool belongs to the group of immunostimulants and acts completely differently from all previous drugs. Viferon stimulates the production of antibodies to the virus, and the pathogen itself does not touch.

It is based on the recombinant protein interferon.

The drug is produced in the form of an ointment, gel or suppositories.The first two forms are used for external manifestations, skin rashes. They should be used 3-4 times a day.

Suppositories, which are rectal, are often prescribed to women for insertion into the vagina, that is, they are more often used to combat genital herpes.

The cost of the product: candles - from 250 rubles per 10 pieces, ointment - from 145 rubles per tube, gel - from 155 rubles per package.

• Several dosage forms;
• Possibility of use in pediatrics;
• General increase in the protective functions of the body.

• It is not allowed to use in the 1st trimester of pregnancy;
• The effect of exposure is not immediately noticeable;
• It rarely acts as a separate drug, more often it is used in combination with other active drugs.

Fenistil Pentsivir

The cream, produced in a tube of 2 or 5 grams, has penciclovir as an active ingredient at a dosage of 10 mg.

Refers to antiviral drugs. Effective for type 1-2 herpes, as well as chickenpox.

An effective, fast-acting remedy on the lips.

The cream is applied for 4 days with application 8 times a day.

Average price: 300 rubles for a tube of 2 grams.

• Fast effect when applied correctly.

• Cannot be used in children under 12 years of age;
• Pregnant and nursing mothers should apply with caution.

Zinc ointment

Many people use only this tool, as a time-tested one, although it is not antiviral. Zinc cope with wound healing in 3-5 days, simultaneously killing bacteria. It can be used by adults and children from preschool age, the drug is not toxic.

Average cost: 25-45 rubles.

• Good drying effect;
• Possibility of use by children from 3 years old.

• It has no direct antiviral effect, it is used in complex therapy.

Tetracycline ointment

Refers to antibiotics that kill pathogenic bacteria. Not contraindicated in the presence of infection. According to some claims, the ointment also fights herpes. Those who used the drug for these purposes respond positively.

The average cost is 20 rubles.

• The antibiotic is effective against a large number of bacteria.

• It has no direct antiviral effect, it is used in complex therapy;
• The antibiotic should be used for 5-7 days, regardless of the course of the disease.

How to use ointments and cream correctly

Correctly applied remedy to the area affected by the virus is part of the success in the fight against the disease.

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly, removing bacteria with hygiene products.
2. Take a cosmetic stick or cotton pad with the applied product, apply it to the area with rash or redness.

Throw away the used tool immediately and cannot be reused.

3. The medicine should be gradually absorbed into the wound itself, without additional correction.

If you need to leave the house, anoint the wound for an hour so that the product has time to be absorbed.

Before applying the product, it is necessary to check for portability Apply a drop on the hand, if redness does not appear after 10-15 minutes, the product can be used as directed.

If in doubt about the drug, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist in order to avoid negative consequences.

Adhering to simple rules, positive results are achieved in the treatment of herpes.

Preventing herpes on the lips at home

The main means of prevention are reduced to strengthening the immune system. Basic measures:

• Proper nutrition;
• Clothes for the season;
• Maintaining a comfortable temperature in the apartment, periodic ventilation;
• Leading an active lifestyle, hardening, physical activity.

Herpes is not just a rash on the lips during a cold. It is much more dangerous, which means that you cannot dismiss the disease. Timely treatment started is a guarantee that the virus will not progress to a more serious stage.Consultation with a doctor, as well as knowledge of the best drugs for the treatment of herpes - the key to a quick victory over the virus.