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Annoying cold sores Herpes transfers unnoticed and lifelong
Many people know the feeling: It tingles, tightens and itches in the area of the lips and suddenly small, sore bubbles appear. The speech is of cold sores, which is caused by an infection with viruses of the species Herpes simplex. The bubbles are uncomfortable and unattractive - but in most cases harmless if some important points are taken into account. In an interview with the news agency "dpa", experts explain how herpes develops and how it is best treated.
Virus slumbers in almost every human being
Almost everyone carries it in - often unnoticed: the herpes virus. According to the Robert Koch Institute, an estimated 85 percent of the population in Germany are infected with the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1). This is in most cases responsible for the unpleasant and painful cold sores and is usually transmitted as early as childhood. "Most people become infected before the age of five, in their own family," said the press secretary of the professional association of pediatricians, Hermann Josef Kahl, to the news agency.
For acute herpes kissing should be better avoided. (Image: Cherries / fotolia.com) Childhood infection usually occurs through close physical contact (such as with the mother) or through droplet infection (kissing the parents, coughing, etc.). "Often, the first infection goes unnoticed or only with atypical symptoms," explains Prof. Thomas Mertens, President of the Society for Virology. Although the pathogens enter the body and settle there, the typical cold sores remain, so that the affected person often does not notice the infection.
Renewed outbreak can not be predicted
From the site of the primary infection, the invaded herpes viruses migrate via the nerve channels to a nerve node, which is located near the temple. "In this nerve node of the so-called Trigeminusnervs the viruses remain a lifetime," explains Prof. Mertens. The pathogens remain in a kind of state of rest, with no one predicting whether or when they will become active again. Many carriers of the virus are not haunted by the annoying blisters all their lives, but about a quarter of those affected have to deal with them again and again.
When the viruses are reactivated, they migrate back to the skin surface, triggering the unpleasant skin reaction. Even before the first cold sore becomes noticeable, many sufferers feel an increased sensitivity, slight burning, tension and itching at the appropriate place.
Subsequently, the typical blisters form on the reddened skin. These are filled with a liquid that contains millions of viruses, so that there is a particularly high risk of infection for skin contact for not yet infected people. After a few days they burst, forming a yellowish crust and the herpes heals.
Stress and infections can trigger reactivation
What re-activates the pathogens is still not fully understood. However, it is clear that there are certain triggering factors that cause the viruses to awaken from their "twilight state". These include, but are not limited to, stress, UV light or irritation of the ganglion (e.g., inflammation)..
Also, hormonal changes are considered as triggers: "Some women observe that periodic fluctuations in the cycle have an influence," says Folke Habermann, Dermatologist from Koblenz. The trigger can still be a weakened defense system, which gives the virus the opportunity to migrate from the ganglia to the skin surface. "That's why many people also get cold sores during a flu infection," adds Habermann.
Frequent hand washing especially important
Who suffers from cold sores, should pay particular attention to hygiene. It is important that the hands are often washed and the towels are changed. "The licking of a baby pacifier during an acute cold sore should be avoided," emphasizes Kahl.
In general, children and partners should not be kissed in case of an acute illness. If the partner is also affected and has repeated blisters in the area of the lips, kissing does not necessarily have to be done without. Because with a renewed infection via the contact of the lips is not to be expected in this case.
It is also important to ensure that the viruses do not reach other parts of the body as this can lead to serious complications. In case of eye involvement, e.g. The cornea may be affected, which can lead to a reduction of vision in an emergency. Furthermore, a transfer of herpes viruses from the lips to the genital area and vice versa is possible, so especially pregnant women have to exercise caution, so as not to endanger their unborn child.
Use herpes creams at first tingling
If the blisters are already visible, only the healing process can be supported and a relief of the symptoms can be achieved. It is best to use anti-viral creams at the first sign of mild itching or tingling. "Once the bubbles dry and the typical crust develops, they are ineffective," explains dermatologist Habermann.
Gels with zinc sulfate can help to make the blisters dehydrate and heal faster. In severe and recurrent infections, anti-viral agents, e.g. in the form of tablets or short infusions.
Home remedies can accelerate healing process
In addition, at the first sign home remedies for herpes can help to strengthen the weakened immune system. For example, the anti-inflammatory Manuka honey or a compress with melissa tea have proven useful here. An easy to use and well-suited home remedy for cold sores is a chilled bag of black tea, which is placed several times a day on the affected area.
Special care should be taken in infants
While adult herpes infection is usually relatively harmless, the symptoms in infants may be very severe. "In some cases, the entire oral mucosa is covered with aphthas, so they do not want to drink anymore," explains Kinder and Jugendarzt Kahl. Rarely, there are complications such as encephalitis (encephalitis), which can be fatal if left untreated. If there is a suspicion of herpes, parents should therefore seek immediate medical attention with their child. (No)