Diagnosis

In most cases, the symptoms that patients complain about are already groundbreaking. Blisters usually appear on the lips, causing pain, itching and/or burning. It may be possible to detect the virus in the contents of the blisters with a smear. The virus – DNA or the virus – antigen is usually detected. The antigen is the component of the virus to which the body reacts with a defence reaction and against which it forms so-called antibodies.

Herpes therapy

The first priority is the therapy of any immunodeficiency. In addition, the primary infection (first infection with the virus) is treated symptomatically if the course is mild. Thus, the symptoms, not the cause of the disease, are treated.

If the initial illness is severe or if there are extensive recurrences (relapse = recurrence), treatment is systemic, i.e. the entire body is treated via the bloodstream. In this case, drugs are given which inhibit the growth of the viruses. Here, for example, the doctor has Aciclovir in tablet form.

Herpes blisters can also be treated locally with acyclovir ointment. Homeopathic medicines can also help. Among the common household remedies that can be used in the context of a blooming herpes are various herbal remedies that have a disinfecting, antiviral and also anti-inflammatory, drying and itch-killing effect.

For example, honey applied to the herpes blisters is suitable because it contains an antibacterial and antiviral agent and supports the regeneration of the affected area. In the same way, however, the active ingredient tannin contained in black tea can also be used, which also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects (in this case, place a lukewarm or cold tea bag on the affected area). Other household remedies have a drying effect on the blisters, such as essential oils (tea tree oil, lemon balm oil, rose hip oil, St. John’s wort oil, marigold oil, jojoba oil) toothpaste or baking powder/starch (apply to the blisters with a dusted cotton pad), which can accelerate the healing of the blisters.

Aloe vera, cooling with ice cubes or bitter salts also help against itching and burning. If possible, you should try not to get herpes in the first place. With this high rate of infection of 95% in adults, however, this plan is relatively unrealistic.

Once you get herpes simplex, it accompanies you through your whole life. In order to avoid a recurrence, the provocation factors should be eliminated as far as possible. For example, lip light protection can be applied (lip care sticks with SPF sun protection factor).

If a pregnant woman is infected with genital herpes, a caesarean section is preferred to avoid infection of the newborn. If a patient with herpes simplex has an immunodeficiency, prophylactic treatment with acyclovir is possible. A vaccine against Herpes simplex viruses is currently being tested.