Pregnancy is a special, incomparable period in the life of every woman, when, in anticipation of the long-awaited miracle of the birth of a child, she becomes a caring and gentle mother even before childbirth. In such a state, any malaise can cause anxiety for the baby: what if her ailment will harm the unborn man? Especially when it comes to herpes on the lips.

The causes of the virus

Infection with the herpes virus most often occurs in childhood. Scientists believe that there are practically no people who do not have herpes in their bodies. If a person has a fairly strong immunity, the virus may not manifest itself for many years, be in a so-called dormant state. Any stress factor for the body, be it a cold, hypothermia, nervous breakdown, overwork - everything that weakens the immune system can lead to the activation of the virus and the manifestation of unpleasant rashes. The favorite place of localization of herpes in women during pregnancy is the lips and genitals.

The body of a woman during pregnancy undergoes significant hormonal changes. This is an unpredictable period when already existing chronic diseases can worsen, immunity decreases and the same herpes virus can manifest itself in the form of rashes. If before pregnancy a woman periodically suffered from herpes sores, then there are no special fears for her and for the fetus - there are antibodies in the mother's body and the likelihood of complications is low.

Herpes that first appeared during pregnancy is an urgent reason and be sure to go to the clinic, undergo examination and be treated under the supervision of the attending physician, because not all medications can be taken by a pregnant woman so as not to damage the health of the unborn child.

How does herpes on the lips manifest itself?

First, the corners and the inner side of the lips swell and begin to itch, then painful redness appears, followed by bubbles very quickly. After the bubbles burst, an ulcerative surface forms, then crusts, which can crack and bleed, causing discomfort and pain.

Treatment and prevention of relapse

Among pharmaceuticals, the most popular ointments are Zovirax, Acyclovir, Vivorax, Ciclovir, Gerpevir and others. But pregnant women most often prefer to be treated with traditional proven methods: smear the rash with petroleum jelly, baby cream, vegetable oil, or treat the bubbles with medical alcohol. There is an opinion that with herpes on the lips, treatment with a solution of Corvalol, earwax or toothpaste helps. This, of course, is a moot point, but if it helps and does not harm - why not use it?

But the final decision when choosing a method of treatment and drugs is best left to the doctor.

There is another opinion that if a pregnant woman has had herpes, it means that antibodies have developed in her body and the child's body after birth will be able to fight the herpes virus. This is just an opinion, so it is still better to try to warn yourself against diseases during pregnancy: do not overcool, remember about sleep and rest, include foods and juices rich in vitamins in the diet.

Since herpes is caused by a virus, if hygiene standards are not followed, it will spread throughout the body and rashes can form in any part of the body. It is categorically impossible to open or pierce the bubbles - this not only increases inflammation, but also contributes to the contamination of the body and household items with viruses, which can become sources of infection for other family members. It is also recommended to exclude contact of rashes with water. Do not use cosmetics. Not only do they clog pores and prevent healing, they can also become sources of re-infection in the future, since the virus persists for a long time on cosmetics.

It is important to wash your hands with soap and water after handling rashes, such as during handling. It is very dangerous for the virus to enter the mucous membrane of the eyes.

If you use these easy-to-follow recommendations, then you can cope with the problem that has arisen without much stress, without damaging either your health or the health of your baby.

Most people on the planet are infected with the herpes virus. Usually, a cold on the lips does not cause fear in a person, since it does not pose a serious danger to his health. The course of a viral infection in pregnant women has its own characteristics.

Causes of the appearance of herpes on the lips during pregnancy

The vast majority of the population is infected with the herpes virus. This cold sore is a manifestation of the herpes simplex virus type 1. Penetrating into the body by airborne droplets, this virus is located in the nerve fibers for a long time. Being in an inactive state there, the virus particles wait for the favorable moment to start active replication. The provoking factor for the onset of the disease is a decrease in immunity.

During pregnancy, there is a natural decrease in the body's immune defenses. This is a prerequisite for the normal development of the fetus. The woman's immune cells recognize the cells of the developing fetus as foreign. To avoid a rejection reaction, nature provides for a natural suppression of immune activity.

The appearance of herpes is primarily associated with a decrease in immunity.

The development of herpes during pregnancy can be the result of a primary infection during this period of a woman, or it can manifest itself as an activation of an already existing latent state. This can happen at any stage of pregnancy. Additional provoking factors can be:

• respiratory infection;
• flu;
• avitaminosis;
• hypothermia;
• overheat;
• any infectious pathology (kidney inflammation, tonsillitis).

First trimester

With primary infection in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus has a high likelihood of severe malformations, sometimes incompatible with life. As a rule, such a pregnancy ends with a spontaneous abortion. Another outcome is a frozen pregnancy, when an ultrasound examination determines the ovum and membranes, and the embryo is absent.

With a viral infection already present, an exacerbation in the first trimester can lead to a delay in fetal development. In most cases, a newborn is a carrier of a viral infection.

Second trimester

The first contact with the herpes virus in the second trimester is no longer so dangerous for the health of the fetus. By the beginning of the second trimester, the main structures of the fetal organs are already formed. The development of a herpes infection in the second trimester can cause dysfunction of the placenta. Due to the development of fetal-placental insufficiency, chronic oxygen starvation of the fetus may occur. As a rule, this leads to a delay in its intrauterine development, the child may be born with a deficiency in body weight and reduced immunity. In cases of a severe course of a viral infection, the pathology of the nervous system develops, its active formation occurs from 12 weeks of pregnancy. A newborn baby may develop viral encephalitis or meningitis.

As a rule, such a severe effect of a viral infection on fetal formation is extremely rare and is caused by other factors that reduce immunity, for example, HIV infection or other immunodeficiency conditions.

If a pregnant woman does not have a pronounced immunodeficiency, the herpes simplex virus in the second trimester of pregnancy can provoke:

• After 14 weeks of intrauterine development - violations of the formation of the endocrine system of the fetus.
• From 16 weeks - a slowdown in the growth and differentiation of fetal bone tissue.
• From 20 weeks - a violation of the formation of ovarian tissue in female fetuses.
• Threat of late miscarriage or premature birth (depending on the period).

In the case of activation of a chronic viral infection in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the risk of developing fetal pathology is minimal. Antibodies to the herpes simplex virus cross the placenta and have a protective effect on the fetus.

Third trimester

Infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1 from 24 weeks of gestation can lead to impaired development of the organs of vision and hearing. In such cases, newborn babies may develop blindness or deafness. Such consequences are extremely rare, since most women had contact with the herpes virus before pregnancy, antibodies to this pathogen are already circulating in their bodies.

The severe course of a viral infection in the third trimester provokes the development of fetal-placental insufficiency and is the cause of premature birth.

Symptoms

With primary infection or activation of a latent viral infection, asthenic syndrome first develops:

• Increased body temperature.
• Weakness, malaise.
• Muscle aches and soreness.

After 2 or 3 days in the area of ​​the lips, sometimes - the wings of the nose, hyperemia and edema develop. An unpleasant itching sensation appears. A day later, vesicular rashes appear in these places. These are bubbles filled with transparent contents containing a large amount of viral particles.

After 3 or 4 days, the bubbles begin to burst and crust over. After another 3 or 4 days, they heal without the formation of scar tissue. The total duration of the disease varies from 7 to 14 days.

This process can proceed much faster if treatment is started in a timely manner. When chronic herpes infection is activated, the clinical picture can be erased, asthenic syndrome may be absent.

Treatment methods

For treatment, both pharmaceuticals and traditional methods are used.

Drugs

Currently, there are no medicines that can completely remove the herpes virus from the body. Therefore, measures for the treatment of herpes during pregnancy are aimed at alleviating the general condition of the woman and reducing the risk of negative consequences for the fetus.

• Treatment of asthenic syndrome - rest, good nutrition. It is recommended to include foods that contain lysine in the diet. This amino acid inhibits the replication of the herpes virus. Lysine is found in chicken meat, fruits and vegetables. Foods such as chocolate and raisins are recommended to be eliminated from the diet during illness. The amino acid arginine contained in them stimulates the spread of the virus.
• Of the antipyretic drugs during pregnancy, only Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are allowed.
• The use of antiviral drugs. Antiviral therapy is most effective in the period between the development of hyperemia before the rash, or on the first day after the onset of the rash.

The drug Acyclovir or Zovirax has proven antiviral activity. When applied topically to lubricate lesions, it effectively reduces swelling and inhibits active replication of the herpes virus. When applied topically, this drug does not enter the bloodstream. It also comes in pill form. When using the drug, it easily penetrates the placental barrier and has an effect on the fetus. However, with the manifestation of a viral infection only in the face area, Acyclovir tablets are used extremely rarely, usually they are prescribed only for immunodeficiency states.

For the treatment of herpes during pregnancy, other ointments containing Acyclovir are also used: Virolex, Supraviran and others.

As a prophylaxis for the addition of a bacterial infection, the foci of the rash are lubricated with antibacterial ointments: erythromycin, tetracycline or oxolinic.

Photo gallery of drugs for the treatment of herpes

Zovirax cream

Folk remedies

For the treatment of herpes on the lips, alternative methods can be used as a supplement. They are natural, safe, affordable and easy to use.

• Lubrication of the affected areas with fresh aloe or Kalanchoe juice.
• Applying tampons with an infusion of chamomile, tansy, licorice or calendula root to the area of ​​the rash.
• Moxibustion of vesicles with alcohol or fresh garlic juice.

These procedures can be performed 3 - 5 times a day, they accelerate the healing of the epithelium of the lips.

To reduce inflammation and speed up the restoration of the labial epithelium, you can use toothpaste or special antiherpetic lipstick.

However, all these methods have only a local anti-inflammatory effect. These methods do not possess specific antiviral activity. Therefore, when using only folk methods, it is difficult to achieve effective treatment for herpes.

Photo gallery of traditional methods of treatment

Juice squeezed from cloves of garlic

Precautionary measures

When treating herpetic rashes on the lips, you must follow the rules:

• Do not touch the affected areas or peel off the crusts.
• Use individual dishes and a towel.
• Wash hands thoroughly before inserting lenses to prevent viruses from entering the eyes.
• Refrain from applying decorative cosmetics, while using face cream, avoid the area of ​​rashes.

Potential consequences for mother and child

For the woman herself, a viral infection is not dangerous. During pregnancy, the determining factor is the possibility of a negative impact on the intrauterine development of the child. To assess his condition and predict the further management of pregnancy with the development of herpes on the lips, ultrasound scanning is used at different periods:

• At 11 or 12 weeks, the thickness of the collar zone is determined. These data make it possible to assess the presence of intrauterine malformations in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• At 21 or 22 weeks - anomalies in the development of fetal organs and the condition of the placenta (thickening, presence of calcifications).
• For a period of 32 weeks, violations of various organs and systems and the presence of phenomena of fetal-placental insufficiency, the amount and state of amniotic fluid are determined. A decrease in the production of amniotic fluid and echographic signs of their heterogeneity indicate intrauterine infection of the fetus.
• In addition, alpha-fetoprotein levels are checked at 16 weeks of gestation. This indicator, together with ultrasound diagnostics, allows the most reliable diagnosis of intrauterine fetal malformations.

To assess the degree of risk of a viral infection for the fetus, it is necessary to determine whether it is primary or whether the viral particles were already in the mother's body for some time before external manifestations. For this, antibodies to the virus are determined in the blood.

In the acute phase, during initial contact, the immune system produces antibodies - immunoglobulins M. After three weeks of the existence of the herpes virus in the body, immunoglobulins G are determined in the blood.

Women who are planning a pregnancy need to be tested for antibodies to the herpes virus to predict the course of pregnancy and the risk of developing fetal malformations.

Prophylaxis

The development of a viral infection during pregnancy can be minimized by following some recommendations:

• Timely treat respiratory diseases and infections of other organs. Rehabilitation of foci of chronic infection must be carried out before pregnancy (treatment of caries, chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other diseases).
• Eat well, include in the diet all the necessary components for the formation of good immunity. These are protein products (poultry, fish and beef), dairy products, cereals with a sufficient fiber content, vegetables and fruits. Pork is not recommended during pregnancy. It is better to exclude chocolate, coffee, confectionery from the diet during pregnancy.
• For good immunity and full development of the fetus on time, pregnant women are advised to take special vitamins. Preparations and dosages are prescribed by the doctor who monitors the pregnancy.
• In order not to provoke the activation of viruses, pregnant women need to observe the daily regimen, walk in the fresh air every day, avoid hypothermia and overheating. A visit to the sauna is highly undesirable.

A pregnant woman gets herpes on her lips just like a common cold. This infection does not represent serious consequences for her health. But on the state of health of her unborn child and the course of pregnancy, the herpes virus can have many negative consequences. Therefore, one should not neglect measures to prevent this disease, and at the first signs of a viral infection, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Doctor Maria Nikolaeva

In women during pregnancy, the body's defenses are significantly reduced, therefore, the risk of new diseases or exacerbation of existing ones increases. Among such diseases, the herpes simplex virus can become a common problem. Infection with the herpes virus occurs in childhood. In a latent form, it is constantly present in a woman's body. The recurrence of herpes on the lips during pregnancy is not dangerous, but you need to know how to effectively deal with it.

Herpetic infection most often in pregnant women is already present in the body, but it is there in a latent state. The manifestations of herpes on the lips during pregnancy can occur at any period of gestation. The time of manifestation of herpes infection depends on the period in which immunity was most reduced and when the factors that provoke the external signs of the disease affected the body.

Herpes on the lips is a widespread, highly contagious (contagious) infection that manifests itself as rashes of characteristic vesicles on the skin and mucous membranes. Bubbles filled with a clear liquid appear in small groups and are painful, they are usually grouped at the upper or lower border of the lips. The causative agent of the disease is the herpes simplex virus HSV-1.

Statistics claim that more than 97% of the inhabitants of our planet are infected with this virus, and if a herpes infection has entered the body, then it is impossible to get rid of it and the virus remains with a person for life. At the same time, antibodies are produced in the blood of each carrier, which suppress the manifestations of herpes. The virus can "doze" for years, but is easily activated if the body's immune defenses are weakened.

Therefore, the manifestations of herpes often haunt pregnant women, since it is during this period that hormonal changes in the whole body occur and the immune system often fails. Many women are interested in how to treat herpes on the lips during pregnancy, and is this virus dangerous during the period of gestation?

The main reason for the appearance of herpes is a decrease in immunity. Most people become infected with the herpes virus during childhood. It is easily transmitted by airborne droplets and by household means, so you can get infected with it through household items (towels, clothes, dishes) or from a sick person when sneezing, coughing, and even ordinary conversation. Often the mother passes the infection to the baby during childbirth.

Primary infection is accompanied by characteristic symptoms, but then the virus can live in the body for many years, without showing itself, and comes back with relapses when immunity is weakened, which can be provoked by the following unfavorable factors:

• Colds
• Chronic foci of infection
• Hypothermia of the body
• Overwork, stress, nervous breakdowns
• Malnutrition
• Drinking alcohol, smoking
• Pregnancy period

It is during pregnancy that significant changes occur in a woman's body, which may be accompanied by an exacerbation of existing chronic diseases and dysfunctions of the immune system.

That is, it is this period that is most favorable for the appearance of herpetic eruptions. For expectant mothers, such unexpected "surprises" cause well-founded fears for the health of the unborn child and make them think about Is herpes on the lips dangerous during pregnancy?

Symptoms

The effect of the virus on the body of the expectant mother and fetus can be different and largely depends on the duration of pregnancy and on whether the virus first manifested itself or the woman suffered from herpes sores before pregnancy. If the expectant mother was familiar with the symptoms of herpes before, then there is no need to worry, there are antibodies in her body, and there is no danger to the baby's health.

But if the symptoms of herpes first appeared during pregnancy, this is a reason for an urgent visit to a doctor, since there is a high probability of adverse effects on the fetus. What symptoms should you watch out for?

With a primary infection, symptoms may not appear immediately, since the incubation period for the virus is from 3 to 10 days. Herpes develops gradually and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Signs of intoxication of the body (headache, aching muscles and joints, nausea, fever).
• There is an itching and burning sensation in the mouth.
• Swelling and swelling of the lips is noted.
• Painful blisters filled with fluid appear on the border or at the corners of the lips.
• After a while, the bubbles open up, and weeping ulcers remain in their place.
• The surface of the ulcers becomes crusty, the lips dry out, and the delicate skin can crack and bleed.

The primary and recurrent process on the lips is manifested in the same way. When these symptoms appear, the expectant mother should see a doctor who will prescribe treatment taking into account the patient's condition and select drugs that do not have a negative effect on the fetus.

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is especially dangerous with primary infection. If a woman has not previously suffered from the manifestations of the virus, it means that there are no antibodies in her body, and infection with a herpes infection threatens with serious consequences.

Primary infection with the virus can negatively affect the intrauterine development of the fetus, since it is in the first three months that the laying of the main organs and systems of the unborn child is actively taking place. This situation can lead to miscarriage, missed pregnancy, or cause malformations in the embryo. Intrauterine infection with the virus can lead to such serious consequences as:

• Underdevelopment of the brain
• Eye infections (inflammation of the cornea, blurred vision)
• Dysfunction of the nervous system
• Hearing impairment
• Delayed physical and mental development

In the case when herpes on the lips reappeared, and the expectant mother had previously encountered its symptoms, the danger is low, since the child is protected by antibodies produced by the mother's body. However, if a rash appears, you should consult a doctor and undergo a course of treatment.

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is no less dangerous if the infection occurs for the first time. At 4 months, all the vital organs of the baby have already formed and the likelihood of serious fetal malformations is much lower than in early pregnancy. But at this time there is an active formation of the nervous system, reproductive organs and bone tissue.

Therefore, the herpes virus can disrupt the correct formation of these systems, provoke a delay in the development of the fetus or cause premature birth. If a woman has had herpes before, then the manifestations of the virus during the 2nd trimester will not have negative consequences for the baby.

Primary infection with the herpes virus in the late stages can pose a threat not only to the child, but also to the mother, since the infection further weakens the already undermined protective functions of the body and can be complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection. Infection with the virus after 36 weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of developing diseases of the nervous system, skin and internal organs (liver, spleen) in the fetus, and in the most severe cases it can lead to the birth of a still child.

To protect the baby from serious pathologies, you should seek medical help in a timely manner. Specialists neutralize the negative effects of the virus with special drugs, and to prevent infection of the child during childbirth, they can use a cesarean section.

If a woman has previously had rashes on her lips, then a recurrence of herpes will not cause concern for the doctor, since antibodies have formed in the mother's body, which pass to the child and protect him from infection.

An experienced doctor can easily diagnose herpes on the lips during a visual examination. In some cases, with primary infection, the symptoms of the disease can be mistaken for manifestations of atopic dermatitis or bacterial impetigo, which are also characterized by the appearance of blistering eruptions. Therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional studies to determine the presence of the virus in the body. These are accurate and reliable methods such as:

1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study determines the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus, which indicates that the body has already encountered the virus and has developed a defense against it.
2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study allows you to detect the DNA of the virus in the material taken for analysis (blood, saliva, amniotic fluid).
3. A specific immuno-point HSV test will not only determine the presence of a virus, but also clarify its belonging to a particular type.

For research, a pregnant woman will need to donate blood for analysis. Blood is taken on an empty stomach, and on the day of the test, it is not recommended to eat fatty foods.

What to do if herpes appears on the lips during pregnancy - drug treatment

Treatment of herpes on the lips during pregnancy is reduced to the relief of individual symptoms and the appointment of drugs that weaken the virus during the initial infection or with an exacerbation of the disease.

To eliminate external manifestations, it is recommended to use ointments. The doctor will select such topical preparations that will be harmless to the expectant mother and baby. The medicinal components of these funds should not penetrate into the mother's bloodstream, this will eliminate the risk of their penetration through the placenta to the baby.

Treating herpes on the lips is most effective in the early stages. Therefore, if you suspect a herpetic rash, you should use a proven local remedy. So, if there is discomfort in the area of ​​the lips, a burning sensation or subcutaneous tingling, it is necessary to use an antiviral ointment. This will help prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading through the mucous membranes.

The most popular antiviral agents are Acyclovir, Vivorax, Gervirax, Acigerpin ointments. They help reduce symptoms and reduce the activity of herpes sores. Antiviral ointments based on acyclovir show a healing effect on the surface of the skin, without penetrating into the blood and tissues and without adversely affecting the fetus. These funds are used throughout the week, lubricating herpes foci up to 5 times a day.

In addition to drugs with acyclovir, there are other equally effective ointments containing antiviral components:

• Panavir
• Penciclovir
• Viferon
• Tromantadine
• Viru-Merz - serol

In addition to these drugs, you can use oxolinic, tetracycline, erythromycin, tebrofen ointments. With severe rashes, the doctor may prescribe moxibustion with a solution of interferon with vitamin E.

Separately, preparations with herbal ingredients should be distinguished, which are effective against the main symptoms of herpes infection:

• Lomagerpan (cream) - contains lemon balm leaves
• Biopin (ointment) - the basis of the drug is the resin of relict pines
• Tykveol is a preparation based on pumpkin oil
• Hyporamine (gel) - based on sea buckthorn leaves

These funds are completely safe for the health of the mother and the unborn child, since they do not contain chemical components in their composition and are not able to have a negative effect on the body.

To maintain the body's defenses, a pregnant woman is prescribed vitamin and mineral complexes. Especially useful are biological supplements or vitamin complexes containing zinc and vitamin E. In addition, according to the doctor's prescription, antiviral drugs can be prescribed in the form of tablets for oral administration. They will help to completely dull the symptoms of the virus if you start taking them at the initial stage of the disease.

The drug Valacyclovir has the most powerful effect. If this remedy begins to be taken within 12 hours after the first symptoms of herpes appear, then the main signs of the disease in the form of blistering rashes are not to be feared. Valacyclovir should be taken twice: the first time 4 tablets are taken with the initial symptoms of infection, the second time, in the same amount (4 tablets), the drug is taken after 12 hours.

Unfortunately, modern medicine does not have the means to completely destroy the pathogen. Medicines can only weaken the virus and put it back into a "dormant" state.

To strengthen the immune system, it is useful for pregnant women to take immunostimulating herbal preparations: tincture of ginseng, echinacea or eleutherococcus.

In addition, doctors advise supplementing the course of therapy with certain dietary restrictions. Certain foods, such as chocolate or raisins, contain the amino acid arginine, which increases the activity of the virus, so they should be eliminated from the daily diet. It is recommended to include fresh vegetables, fruits and chicken on the menu. These foods are rich in the beneficial amino acid lysine, which helps to stop the herpes virus from multiplying in the body.

Doctors recommend drinking more fluids in cases where the pregnant woman does not have kidney problems and there is no swelling. It is useful to include drinks containing vitamin C in the menu: rosehip broth, green tea, tea with lemon, freshly squeezed fruit juices.

Treatment of herpes on the lips during pregnancy with folk remedies

Many women during pregnancy do not want to use medications, so they can be advised to treat herpes on the lips with the help of folk recipes.

After the sores on the lips are covered with a dry crust, it is recommended to use agents that accelerate tissue regeneration and promote healing. For this purpose, sea buckthorn oil, calendula ointment, tea tree or fir essential oils are used.

Many people use simple and proven remedies such as black tea, baking soda, salt. Baking soda or table salt is dissolved in boiled water and the rash is treated with this solution. When using tea, a strong brew is used to treat the lesions.

Ice can be used to reduce inflammation. It is wrapped in a sterile tissue and applied to the affected area. Another recipe advises treating herpes with eggshells, or rather the inner film lining it from the inside. Traditional healers claim that the film has an anti-inflammatory effect, it should be carefully separated from the shell and applied to the herpes focus.

Gum resin (sap) helps to get rid of the "cold" on the lips. Its application speeds up the healing process. The gum is able to provide a preventive effect and prevent the reappearance of rashes. With profuse manifestations of herpes on the lips, the bubbles can be cauterized with medical alcohol or Corvalol solution.

Disease prevention

In order to eliminate the likelihood of herpes on the lips, a few months before the expected pregnancy, one should start strengthening the immune system, get rid of bad habits, undergo a full examination of the body and cure chronic foci of infection.

• Expectant mothers need to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits, temper, and engage in active sports. Concomitant diseases should be treated in time, hypothermia and overheating in the sun should not be allowed.
• Persons prone to frequent relapses of the disease are advised to use sunscreen when going outside, since the sun's rays can activate the virus.
• Try not to come into contact with someone who has herpes sores. Do not use shared utensils and household items, towels and bed linen. All dishes should be individual.
• Remember that a "cold" on the lips is contagious, so strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene.
• Do not touch herpes sores with your hands, exclude contact of the rash with water, otherwise you can easily spread the infection to other parts of the body.
• It is strictly forbidden to pierce or break open the bubbles on the lips. This can provoke infection and increased inflammation.
• Do not use other people's mascara, lipstick, or other cosmetics.
• When a rash appears on the lips, you should not kiss, touch the child with your lips. It is recommended to wear a medical face bandage during this time.
• Before going outside, apply a special antiherpetic lipstick containing tea tree oil to your lips.
• Try to avoid stress, nervous tension. Good rest and healthy sleep will help maintain health.

By following these simple tips, you will reduce the likelihood of a herpes infection and prevent the development of possible complications.