Cold sores, also known as fever blisters. This is probably a rather unpleasant topic for those affected. It itches, tightens or tingles – typical signs of a herpes infection. But it doesn’t affect everyone.
The symptoms, causes and what can help with herpes-sensitive lips, find out more here in our topic – Cold sores: What helps with herpes-sensitive lips?
Cold sores: symptoms and causes
The skin on our lips is particularly sensitive, and this is especially noticeable in warm or cold seasons. The lips are often dry, cracked or chapped. An ideal entry point for viruses. Herpes simplex viruses can be transmitted through a kiss, i.e. direct contact, by touching contaminated utensils such as glasses or cutlery, or as a droplet infection. The prerequisite for this is a weakened immune system on the part of the recipient.
The initially dormant herpes viruses are then reactivated in the body, for example due to a temporary immune deficiency. Subsequently, a herpes outbreak is possible and the first or typical symptoms may become noticeable. However, there are differences between those affected. Some say that the first tingling sensation on the lip is immediately followed by herpes. Others have a longer infection and outbreak period.
It takes some time after the first symptoms are noticed before the first small cold sores become visible. These blisters pose a very high risk of infection from other people, so care and sufficient hygiene should be taken. This is particularly important for babies and small children to avoid infection at all costs. Because this can have far-reaching consequences, further details on this can also be found in our other expert tip: How dangerous is herpes for children?
The herpes simplex virus
Up to 90 percent of adults carry antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in their blood, meaning they have already come into contact with herpes viruses (quote: LINK). Many do not realize or even know that they carry this virus, as they have never had a herpes outbreak. However, those affected should always pay particular attention to certain factors, as stress, psychological strain, disgust, a cold or strong sunlight can be a trigger for cold sores. These are factors that can weaken the immune system.
Especially when the body’s immune system is impaired, herpes viruses have an optimal basis for penetrating the skin’s protective barrier and docking onto healthy cells. It is known that the virus can “reprogram” healthy cells and thus influence their functionality. If a herpes outbreak has already occurred once, it is highly likely that it will occur again and again, triggered by one or more of the factors already mentioned.
What many people do not know is that the herpes simplex virus type 1 can also occur on other parts of the body. The lip area is probably the best-known area. However, the nose, chin or hands can also be affected by the painful blisters. This is precisely why hygiene is such an important factor. Even if cold sores are rather harmless, they should not be treated carelessly.
It is known that related herpes variants, such as herpes zoster (shingles), can cause more severe symptoms. Herpes simplex type 2, also known as genital herpes, on the other hand, is the cause of a genital infection. However, the herpes simplex virus type 1 can also cause genital herpes in rare cases. The transmission of herpes viruses is similar and usually occurs via skin and mucous membrane contact, but also via smear infection.
What helps with herpes-sensitive lips?
However, those affected do not have to give up, but can prevent cold sores. The fact is that there is no panacea for herpes. Nevertheless, preventative measures can be taken. A good, healthy lifestyle supports the functionality of the immune system. If the first symptoms of cold sores appear, particular attention should be paid to hygiene. This also applies when applying a product to the lips.
As cold sores are a viral infection, it is best to use antiviral agents. Active ingredients that actively block viruses or can ward off viruses before they penetrate healthy cells. These should be applied regularly to the entire lip skin. If cold sores have already broken out, you should react as quickly as possible. Here too, it is important to keep the viruses in check and to minimize the risk of further infection, i.e. for the surrounding lip skin, but also for people in the immediate vicinity.
Conveniently, nature offers protection
A scientific study (PROTECT study) revealed that the natural microalgae active ingredient Spiralin® has an antiviral protective effect. The active ingredient name Spiralin® is derived from the microalgae genus Spirulina. It is precisely this microalgae active ingredient that enables a pronounced regenerative protective effect, which supports the regeneration of skin cells. In the case of herpes-sensitive lips, the active ingredient can be regularly applied to the affected area using Spirularin® HS lip care (also available over the counter in pharmacies).
As the cream contains natural ingredients, such as natural oils from sunflower, thistle or castor oil or shea butter, it can also be used regularly without hesitation simply for care. The sun protection (SPF 30) in the cream offers additional protection against one of the main trigger factors for infection: UV radiation.
Further information on cold sores or lip care can also be found in our expert tips. Do you have any questions? Please send us an e-mail to: info(at)ocean-pharma.de
Image source: ocean pharma GmbH
Experten-Tipp entstand in Zusammenarbeit mit:
Patrick Günther
Patrick Günther completed his pharmacy studies in Hamburg and, after obtaining his licence to practise, worked for several years in marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2003, he took over ocean pharma, the company founded by his father in Reinbek near Hamburg in 1978. Together with his business partner, he patented the important processing and standardisation process for the microalgae active ingredient Spiralin® and developed a wide range of medical cosmetics and foot care products based on Spiralin®.
