Toothpaste for herpes on the lips: can it help?

Herpes, which periodically appears on the lips, worries more than 90% of people on Earth. The disease spends most of its time in a state of remission, making itself felt only during periods of stress and decreased immunity. The rash with this disease is a group of blisters concentrated in a small area. Most often this symptom appears on or near the lip. Before deciding whether it is possible to smear herpes with toothpaste as a therapy, you need to understand where this disease comes from.

Features of herpes

The main reasons for the spread of herpes are overcrowding, poor personal hygiene and unfavorable living conditions. Most people get this virus as children, but it rarely manifests itself until puberty. The danger of herpes is that it is transmitted in several ways: tactile, airborne and sexual. Symptoms of rashes:

• itching and tingling in the lip area;
• the appearance of a slight red spot;
• the appearance of a small bubble, swelling and pain;
• after 3-5 days the bubble begins to shrink and crust over;
• the crust falls off on its own and no trace remains of the herpes.

Treatment of herpetic rash must begin already at the stage of the appearance of a red spot. Under no circumstances should the integrity of the vesicle shell be violated, otherwise there is a risk of infection in the wound, which will lead to longer healing.

Many people are carriers of herpes without knowing it. This indicates their strong immunity. In this case, no treatment measures are taken. As soon as the immune system fails, the virus begins to manifest itself. Another trigger for its development is often hypothermia.

Herpes “wakes up” when immunity decreases

Causes of recurrence of herpes on the lips: stress or emotional distress; various other diseases, in particular colds, flu, diabetes, HIV; poisoning or intoxication; drinking alcohol, caffeine and smoking; excessive ultraviolet radiation; hypothermia or overheating; onset of menstruation; overwork and exhaustion; poor nutrition/diet or stomach upset; other factors individual to each person.

After “awakening,” the virus travels back to the skin. As the virus moves through a nerve, it causes inflammation of the nerve tissue.

The development of herpes can be divided into several stages. At the first stage, the person feels unwell. At the site where the “fever” appears, there is pain, tingling, and the skin turns red. At the inflammation stage, a small painful blister filled with fluid forms. After some time, the bubble bursts and a colorless liquid containing billions of viral particles flows out of it. An ulcer appears in its place. At the final stage, the ulcer becomes covered with a crust.

Most often, herpes appears on the lips, but lesions can also appear on the face, in the ears or in the mouth.

How toothpaste can affect herpes

Toothpaste is not able to completely rid a person of the herpes virus, but it can help relieve symptoms and prevent infection of the rash. Doctors allow the use of toothpaste in children over 12 years of age and adults to relieve symptoms of the disease, but only if you are not allergic to its components. You also need to not be too persistent, so as not to cause yourself a chemical burn.

According to doctors, formulations that contain a lot of fluorine help best. This trace element destroys the cell walls of viruses and bacteria. The combination of fluorine and urea allows you to achieve maximum effect. When using toothpaste, a crust forms at the site of the rash, which falls off over time. If you don’t touch it, then the herpes will go away without a trace in a week.

Preventive measures

Herpes is a recurrent disease. His treatment takes a long time. For most people who experience this disease, the problem does not go away throughout their lives.

If toothpaste does not have the desired effect, this may indicate that the problem is deep in the body and needs to be examined rather than treated for symptoms.

When the cause is found, the doctor will prescribe drug treatment, which should include taking antiviral drugs and medications to strengthen general immunity.

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If you hope for a quick recovery, follow the recommendations and do not self-medicate.

Vitamins for the treatment and prevention of herpes

For effective prevention of herpes and restoration of the body's defenses, vitamin therapy is of great importance. Doctors prescribe certain supplements to reduce the duration and intensity of relapses. In addition, vitamins and microelements are indicated as part of complex therapy for the treatment of the acute stage of herpes.

Experts prescribe the following vitamins:

• Vitamin C . Has an antiviral effect, helps relieve the inflammatory process. For prevention, 500 mg per day is prescribed, for treatment, 1-1.8 g.
• Vitamin E. Helps eliminate pain and improve healing. Take 400 mg per day. You can crush the capsules and lubricate them with the contents of the rash several times a day.
• Vitamin A . Activates the body's immune functions. It is taken in a strict dosage as prescribed by a doctor, no more than 1000 mcg per day.
• Vitamin B3 . It is an excellent means of preventing relapses and restores the nervous system. Daily dose up to 750 mg per day.
• Zinc . Reduces the effect of the virus on the body and provides general strengthening. Rub up to 100 mg into the affected areas 2-3 times a day.
• Lysine . Reduces relapses, stops the infectious process. The daily norm for prevention is 500 mg per day, for relieving exacerbations 2-4 g.

Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant that protects the body from poisons and toxins.

Tocopherol (vitamin E) restores and increases the stability of immune cells. Vitamin B3 is indispensable for the full functioning of the nervous system and nourishes brain cells. Each of these vitamins allows the body to cope with negative conditions during a herpetic infection.

How to choose toothpaste

You should only purchase a composition for cleaning tooth enamel at a pharmacy, carefully studying the composition of the product. Not every paste can help. There are several rules to follow when choosing:

• formulations with a gel consistency are not suitable for therapy, since their components often cause allergies;
• the composition should not contain menthol and alcohol compounds, as these substances lead to skin burns;
• whitening compounds have a detrimental effect on skin pigmentation, lightening it;
• the color of the composition must be white, pastes with dyes cannot be used, the effect can be unpredictable;
• try to choose formulations without artificial flavors, with herbal ingredients.

Choose the most hypoallergenic formulations. Before using for the treatment of herpes, apply the product to the inside of the elbow and wait 30 minutes, if you do not feel itching or burning, you can be treated with this product.

If you use products with herbal ingredients to brush your teeth, it’s time to try using them to treat herpes. The best options are those that include:

• Oak bark;
• calendula;
• chamomile;
• eucalyptus.

They soothe itching and provide an anti-inflammatory effect. Pastes with herbal ingredients allow you to quickly get rid of herpes rashes.

Prevention of infection and manifestations of the disease

It is not always possible to quickly get rid of herpes on the lips if it has entered the active stage, but you can strive to prevent the spread of the virus and minimize its manifestation.

Prevention of herpes consists of following basic sanitary and hygienic recommendations:

• keep your hands clean;
• use personal hygiene items;
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people with active disease.

If exacerbations occur frequently, this is a signal that the immune system needs help: it may be necessary to take a long-term antiviral drug as prescribed by a doctor [2, 9]. If the onset of the disease is provoked by sunlight or low temperatures, it is advisable to use special protective creams on the lip area and the skin around them.

Only a qualified doctor knows how to cure herpes in each specific case. But on your own, you can prevent further spread of the viral infection and reduce the number of relapses.

Medical expert: Oleg Sergeevich Shchekin

Last updated: July 21, 2022

List of sources

1. Peradze Kh. D., Sukhoruk A. A. Features of herpes viruses. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/osobennosti-gerpes-virusov (date of access: 04/09/2020).
2. WHO fact sheet. Herpes simplex virus. // URL: https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus (access date: 04/09/2020).
3. Vasiliev A. N., Fedorova N. E., Klimova R. R., Adieva A. A. Improving the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovershenstvovanie-diagnostiki-gerpes-virusnyh-infektsiy (date of access: 04/09/2020).
4. Kazmirchuk V. E. Clinic, diagnosis and treatment of human herpesvirus infections: monograph / V. E. Kazmirchuk, D. V. Maltsev - K.: Phoenix, 2009 - 248 p.
5. Kharlamova F. S., Egorova N. Yu., Guseva L. N., Guseva N. A., Novosad E. V. Viruses of the herpes family and immunity. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/virusy-semeystva-gerpesa-i-immunitet (date of access: 04/09/2020).
6. Isakov V. A., Arkhipova E. I., Isakov D. V. Human herpesvirus infections: a guide for doctors. – St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2013 – 670 p.
7. Lutsenko M. T., Gorikov I. N. Some information about the morphology of herpes viruses and their properties. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/nekotorye-svedeniya-o-morfologii-gerpes-virusov-i-ih-svoystvah (date of access: 04/09/2020).
8. Zuikova I. N., Shulzhenko A. E., Kuzmin V. N. Recurrent herpes. A new approach to treatment. // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/retsidiviruyuschiy-gerpes-novyy-podhod-k-lecheniyu (date of access: 04/09/2020).
9. Kalinina N. M., Davydova N. I. The role of immunotropic therapy in increasing the effectiveness of treatment of herpesvirus infections. // Terra Medica. – 2009 – No. 1(56). – P.17-22.

How to use toothpaste

If herpes occurs in a small child, then using toothpaste is not recommended. In this case, replace the product with specialized ointments and gels. Teens and adults can safely use a dental cleaner if it has passed an allergy test. The paste should be used according to the following algorithm:

1. Start treatment the moment a painful red spot appears on your lip. Wash your hands.
2. Squeeze a small amount of paste (about the size of a pea) onto your finger.
3. Apply a thick layer of cleanser to the rash. Leave it for half an hour.
4. Gently rinse the composition with water, being careful not to damage the bottle.
5. It is necessary to cauterize the rash three times a day. The duration of treatment can be up to 3-5 days, until a crust appears at the site of the rash.

Criteria for selecting quality products

You need to carefully choose a hygiene product to treat herpetic elements on the lip using this method. A good therapeutic effect for herpes will be achieved if the selected paste has the following characteristics:

• natural composition;
• absence of coloring and flavoring substances;
• presence of phytocomponents.

The more natural the composition of the toothpaste, the more effective it will be in the fight against herpetic rashes. The ideal option is a cleaner containing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. These substances have pronounced antiseptic and drying effects. You should not choose products containing menthol or alcohol. These components have a pronounced irritant effect, which is extremely undesirable for inflamed rashes.

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Toothpaste for the treatment of herpes should not be colored or flavored, as these substances can have an undesirable effect. You should also not use a gel-based toothcleaner, as it will be much less effective.

Preference should be given to toothpaste containing phytocomponents. Cedar or sea buckthorn oil, calendula or chamomile flowers, oak bark extract, and eucalyptus provide a good healing effect. These components are characterized by anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing effects.

Possible complications

The herpes virus should not be perceived as an unpleasant but harmless “sore.” This is a rather insidious disease that poses a particular danger to pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems (patients with cancer, people with HIV and AIDS).

The virus is not limited to superficial tissues - it easily penetrates into internal ones. The main targets of herpes are the mucous membranes, skin, eyes (conjunctivitis can also be a consequence of herpes), as well as the central nervous system and brain. Lymph nodes and internal organs can be affected by the virus. Due to the fault of the pathogenic microorganism, the functioning of the liver, lungs, intestines and kidneys can be disrupted.

The consequences of herpes can be stomatitis, infertility, miscarriage, congenital deformities in children, encephalitis, inflammation in the joints, prostatitis, benign and malignant tumors. Scientists, based on research, associate the development of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease with herpes.

If a person’s immune system is weakened, other infections, both viral and bacterial, can “join” herpes, and this, in turn, puts an increased burden on the heart.

How to find out if there is a virus?

Already during the initial examination of the patient, the doctor can determine the presence of herpes (often people who have visual manifestations of the disease seek medical help). But in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the degree of development of the infection, laboratory tests are prescribed.

Tests are important when planning pregnancy, since the virus is dangerous to the fetus. Tests are also required for patients preparing for transplantation.

There are several diagnostic methods - which one will be optimal in a particular case, the doctor will tell you. The presence of the herpes virus and its type can be determined by blood tests (enzyme immunoassay, PCR analysis, immunofluorescence reaction) and scrapings (culture method, immunofluorescence reaction). The most accurate, but also the most time-consuming and expensive method is the cultural method, which involves “growing” a virus obtained from a patient’s biomaterial in laboratory conditions.

Diagnosis of herpes

Side effects

Persons who are hypersensitive to the components that make up the paste are not recommended to carry out such treatment. In order to find out the body's reaction to the paste, you should conduct a sensitivity test.

Apply it to the bend of your elbow, wait 20 minutes, if nothing appears, you can safely begin treatment. Unpleasant symptoms can appear when the treatment is abused, as well as when a large amount of paste is applied to the problem area.

In this case, the following symptoms may appear:

• burning;
• itching and redness;
• swelling.

There may be a burning sensation after application

If such signs occur, wash off the paste. If symptoms do not subside, seek medical advice.

How does primary infection occur?

Often, the initial infection with a herpes infection has no symptoms and is not noticeable. But it happens that complications appear along with herpes:

• gingivostomatitis - inflammation of the oral mucosa and gums;
• an increase in temperature, accompanied by the appearance of blisters and ulcers in the mouth;
• herpetic panaritium (inflammation of the finger tissue) - the infection can spread to the fingers if they are pulled into the mouth;
• rashes can occur throughout the oral cavity, affecting the gums, which turn red and bleed. The child refuses to eat because the process becomes painful.

Where to start caring for a cosmetologist?

With skin cleansing (superficial and deep) depending on skin type, which is determined after examination through a magnifying glass.
Cleaning is carried out in several stages: cleansing with foam, disinfection with antiseptics, skin peeling, mechanical cleaning, applying a mask. The frequency of procedures is strictly individual and depends on the severity of the condition, skin type, season, effect of therapy and other factors. Typically, the course of treatment with timing and procedures is discussed at an appointment with a doctor. On average, facial cleansing is carried out once every 2-3-4 months. If this is a course of chemical peelings, then the procedure is usually carried out (also depending on the type of peeling) once every 2 weeks. A total of 3-5 procedures are required.

Perhaps a visit to a cosmetologist will not be enough; to combat acne you will have to involve other specialists: a dermatologist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist. Acne treatment should ideally begin with a diagnosis of the body. You will need to take a general blood test, a stool test for dysbacteriosis, microscopy of skin scrapings and a number of other studies.

Published on the portal parents.ru

Is there any prevention against herpes?

To resist the virus, you need a strong immune system. Therefore, those who suffer from frequent colds on the lips need to pay attention to their immune system. Take care of a healthy, balanced diet, do not forget about sports, maintain a normal daily schedule (first of all, ensure that you get adequate sleep) and try to get rid of bad habits (smoking, etc.).

It is important to practice basic hygiene, including regular hand washing. It is recommended to use personal hygiene products. During infectious epidemics, it is advisable to avoid staying in crowded places if possible.

To reduce the risk of genital herpes, you should use condoms.