Many people have encountered the problem of sticking in the corners of their mouth. It can occur periodically, causing significant discomfort.
However, you should not be afraid of this disease, as it does not have serious health consequences. Moreover, it is not infectious.
But despite this, the disease still causes inconvenience, including anxiety, pain, restrictions on food and communication.
In addition to seizures, the beauty of our lips is also spoiled by “colds”, or herpetic rashes. And this problem also worries many.
That’s why people often come to us in the chat with questions:
- How to treat jams in the corners of the lips?
- How to quickly get rid of a cold on your lip?
- What is the best ointment for herpes on the lips?
- Recommend the best remedy for herpes on the lips
As sometimes happens, in this case different diseases have similar external manifestations. And therefore people tend to confuse several names - angular cheilitis, herpes on the lips, seizures, colds on the lips. And so it turns out that the common problem of “lip sores” is often misidentified. But different diseases have different causes and methods of treating them!
Why do these troubles arise, and how can you quickly cure lip ulcers and colds? Is there any effective quick-acting remedy for herpes on the lips?
Angular cheilitis (angular stomatitis, commissural cheilitis) is an inflammation of the corners of the mouth caused by either a deficiency of vitamin B2, iron, protein, or a fungal or bacterial infection.
Cheilitis on the lips is a disease that occurs in people of all age groups. Typically, damaged tissue tends to heal within 7-10 days. But this disease tends to recur if the patient does not fully recover. Because of this, many are faced with such an annoying problem as “permanent herpes on the lips.”
However, herpes is something completely different!
Unlike cheilitis, herpes is a viral disease and can be transmitted by contact or airborne droplets. Don't kiss and breathe into a rag))
What is herpes? And why do colds on the lips constantly appear?
Let's start with the fact that there are several types of herpes, and only one of them appears on the lips - herpes simplex type 1 - the so-called HSV-1. But, in my opinion, the name “herpes simplex” is somewhat misleading. The fact is that the herpes virus is able to penetrate through the skin into the blood and reach the brain itself. Once settled in the body, it is forever integrated into the genetic structure of cells.
People with weak immune systems are most susceptible to infection and further development of the virus - infants, older people, those who have suffered serious illnesses, and carriers of HIV infection.
Modern official medicine does not have a guaranteed method of completely curing an infection. An effective remedy for herpes on the lips has not yet been invented that would completely kill the virus in the body and stop its activity.
Existing drugs can only suppress the symptoms of the virus and prevent its further development. The issue of relapse is a matter of time. And therefore, constantly having an effective remedy for colds in your home medicine cabinet seems quite logical.
Taking into account such survivability of the virus, it is not surprising that many people do not go away with herpes on the lips for a long time.
But even if you have a remedy against herpes on the lips, you must be aware that it cannot provide a complete cure. At the current level of development of medical science. Let it be for now…
Although there were cases when, after long-term use of natural medicinal herbs, the tests were clear. But herpes is a hidden infection, that is, if a person’s immunity is fine, tests may not show anything. But this does not mean that this virus is not in the body - as soon as you weaken your immune system, you will immediately feel the consequences of this virus on your lips. Or on other parts of the body... And the immune system is often weakened by a cold or flu, hence the popular name “cold on the lips.”
According to a study conducted in the United States in 2006, 57% of Americans were infected with the herpes virus type 1 HSV-1.
This is how difficult “herpes simplex” is.
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.
We figured it out a little. What is cheilitis on the lips?
There are also several types of this disease with complex names. Cheilitis can appear both on the outer surface of the lips and on the inner mucosa, and even on the skin around the lips. The causes may be injuries, fungal and viral infections, unfavorable weather conditions, allergies to cosmetics.
External manifestations are paleness of the lips, their swelling with the appearance of a pronounced red edge, inflammation of the mucous membrane, peeling, severe dryness.
There is one subtype, candidal cheilitis, or “angular cheilitis” - it belongs to a group of diseases under the general name “stomatitis”, and in appearance it may be more similar to the “cold” with which we started.
Well, there are still some jams left.
Sticking in the corners of the lips - causes and treatment
There are two types of infection - streptococcal and candidomycotic, the names come from the names of the corresponding pathogens: streptococcus bacteria and candida fungus.
The external manifestation of streptococcal infection is damage to the skin in the corners of the lips with blistering, purulent formations and a crust on top of them. When this crust is peeled off, a red bleeding spot is formed, which after a while becomes covered with a crust again.
Later, cracks appear in the corners of the lips. When the patient opens his mouth, including during a conversation, he feels numbness and pain around the mouth.
Licking a wound will cause the skin around it to become dry and tight. In especially severe cases, when opening the mouth, the patient may experience bleeding. And if the situation repeats, a scar may remain.
Candidomycotic seizures may be less noticeable and hidden in the corner folds of the lips. In its manifestation and origin, it is similar to candidal, or angular, cheilitis - it is also one of the forms of stomatitis. That is, in this case we are talking about the same thing.
Seizures are easier to treat, but can also recur.
It is believed that the main cause of such lesions on the skin is vitamin B2 deficiency. In fact, there are other reasons for this. The most common of them are the following:
- Skin problems such as atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis are often the cause of stomatitis.
- Deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) or its excess, deficiency of iron, vitamin C and protein. The mentioned signs are often found in children.
- Lack of teeth in elderly patients. An incorrect bite creates additional pressure on the corners of the mouth, causing saliva to accumulate in them and cause irritation.
- The infection may be caused by a fungus or bacteria. This is another common reason if you are looking for treatment for lip seals in adults.
- Excessive salivation, or hypersalivation. This is one of the common reasons why jams appear in the corners of a child’s mouth.
- Types of allergic reactions such as food allergies, allergies to lipstick or toothpaste can also cause lip sticking.
- Bad habits, such as the habit of licking your lips in the cold, which is common in winter, can lead to dry lips. This causes cracks to appear, and a cold may appear on the lip of a child or adult. Caring for your lips in winter is simple, but it requires the slightest attention - buy a lip balm to prevent dryness and protect them from the wind.
- Side effects from the use of certain medications, such as acne medications, which cause dry skin, and this may also be one of the reasons why sticky spots appear in the corners of the mouth.
Treatment of herpes in the mouth
Can herpes be in the mouth?
Maybe! Herpes in the mouth requires the same responsible approach and competent treatment as other diseases of the oral cavity. Despite the fact that the infection is often mild and goes away naturally, there are still risks of serious complications, and the possibility of infecting other people remains. Many factors influence the degree of development of the pathology and the presence of possible dangers for the patient. Complete diagnosis and comprehensive treatment can completely stop the manifestations of the infection, although complete elimination of the virus is considered impossible. Herpes, a viral disease known to many as a “cold sore,” is often perceived as a minor problem that does not require treatment. It is characterized by the appearance of a moderately painful blistering rash, but not many people know that this disease is not limited to appearing only on the lips , but can also develop on the oral mucosa . The disease is often accompanied by weakness, general malaise and severe itching, and in some cases can cause complications. During the active phase of the virus, a patient can easily infect others with it through household items, close contact or by airborne droplets.
How to treat jams in the corners of the lips? How to treat cheilitis on the lips?
Lack of nutrients in the body is not always the cause of this disease. Therefore, it is better to first identify the true cause of the disease and then treat it. In this case, the symptoms of the disease will disappear without relapse. Recommendations for personal care will be given by your doctor.
- If the cause of the disease is a deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), then you should take vitamin B2 or B1. Add rice to your regular diet - preferably brown; Eat vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin B2: spinach, broccoli, asparagus, avocado. There is a lot of it in pine nuts.
- To treat cheilitis on the lips, seek medical help from a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate medications.
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcohol and tea, as these drinks interfere with the absorption of vitamins.
- Always wipe your mouth to prevent saliva from collecting in the corners of your mouth. To do this, always carry a clean handkerchief with you.
- Licking your lips can cause wound inflammation and bacterial infection. As a result, the wound will not only not heal, but may also have complications. Don't lick your lips! And especially the wound itself.
- If the cut at the corner of your mouth is painful, apply lip balm or vitamin E wax to the wound area. This will help relieve the pain. Vitamin E promotes rapid wound healing by moisturizing the skin and giving it elasticity.
- Do not use products that cause allergies or irritations, such as lipstick or toothpaste.
I was lucky, I didn’t encounter the problem of seizures, but my mother did... We selected remedies for seizures for her “at random.” In addition to a complex of vitamins and herbs to strengthen her immune system, she was helped by the Thai tincture “NUM MUN WAN LILENGPHA” - it has a pronounced antifungal effect. Plus a coconut oil lip balm with tea tree oil. I used the same balm to remove thrush from my newborn daughter’s lips in combination with coconut oil. The same balm prevents the appearance of herpes, but more on that later.
I send her this balm in every parcel: she has had this problem for many years, and she really doesn’t want it to come back, she uses it as a preventive measure.
To treat stomatitis, the Thais have a special powder for the treatment of stomatitis and mouth ulcers based on Thai herbs. I met him after we overcame my mother’s “jams,” but I was convinced of its effectiveness by my 4-year-old daughter. She began to complain about stomatitis when it was already about a centimeter in diameter. After 3 days of using the powder, there was no trace left of the mouth ulcer!
The herbs in this neutral-tasting powder have high antimicrobial and antibacterial activity against many pathogenic bacteria found in the oral cavity, including streptococci and staphylococci, which cause caries, inflammation of the gums and tonsils. So there is every chance that it can also help with seizures.
Diagnosis and treatment
In the vast majority of cases, diagnosing seizures is not a problem, since the clinical picture speaks for itself. However, laboratory analysis is performed to confirm the diagnosis. A scraping is taken from the surface of the erosion and sent for examination to identify the causative agent of the disease. And only when the form of angulitis is established (streptococcal, candidal, mixed) is treatment prescribed.
It is important to note that the microorganisms that cause the formation of jams are constantly present in the human intestines, as well as on the skin and mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Normally, their number is small, and therefore they are harmless. But with a decrease in immunity, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and also for a number of other reasons, the pathological growth of a fungal or streptococcal colony begins. Therefore, treatment of angulitis must be comprehensive. Conventionally, it can be divided into two parts:
- Use of local remedies. The erosion area is treated with antiseptics 3-5 times a day. And then ointments are applied to it, which contain either antibiotics or antifungal components. Local anesthetics are used to reduce pain.
- Treatment of the underlying disease. Very often, seizures occur against the background of anemia, diabetes, and vitamin deficiency. In addition, the cause of the disease may be a malocclusion, which leads to maceration of the skin and mucous membranes in the corners of the mouth. Another provoking factor is caries, as well as other diseases of the teeth and oral cavity, leading to a pathological increase in the number of microorganisms. Therefore, the best result is achieved with complex treatment aimed at eliminating not only the symptoms, but also the cause of angulitis.
Choosing an effective ointment for colds on the lips
Popular and recommended by pharmacists, zinc ointment, like other drugs for the treatment of herpes on the lips, has a preventive effect. It dries the crust, preventing the virus from penetrating deeper.
As our regular customers know, I am a fan of natural Thai herbal medicine. Many customers who are not helped by the products of their Russian pharmacies praise the coconut oil lip balm with tea tree oil . It helps prevent the development of sores and, if applied in the initial stage, removes all symptoms. If a seal has already appeared, stronger means are needed.
Thai preparations for healing wounds on the lips are mostly based on Clinacanthus - it successfully fights many viral, fungal and bactericidal skin lesions.
Contrary to popular belief, the most effective remedy for colds on the lips does not have to be in the form of an ointment. This can be an herbal tincture, and even a liquid roll-on inhaler containing clinacanthus can also be very convenient to use.
Try Prayayor germicidal cream
. This is perhaps the most effective cold sore lip ointment produced in Thailand. This ointment for catches in the corners of the mouth has many rave reviews, and its price will pleasantly please you.
Another effective remedy for colds on the lips is this liquid herbal tincture . In addition to clinacanthus, it contains wild turmeric, ginger and other Thai medicinal plants. It also has many positive reviews; many believe that this tincture is the most effective quick-acting remedy for herpes on the lips. And the price is good too.
If you have a cold on your lip, but you have to go to work - what can you do - a liquid roll-on inhaler based on clinacanthus and cajuput will be a convenient remedy. It has a pleasant aroma and will be more convenient to use in the workplace than ointment.
The same liquid green balm is available in a different packaging, without a large-volume ball. This balm contains 25% clinacanthus, and the delicate aroma of jasmine gives it a sophistication similar to perfume.
A good solution would be to buy several products - and next time you will no longer think about what to apply to a cold on your lips. After all, let's be honest, sooner or later she will return anyway. And, having several remedies in your home medicine cabinet, you will know from your own experience what helps with cold sores on the lips quickly, and what slower, and what is the best remedy for cold sores on the lips will be just for you.
If a child has a cold on his lip, it will also be better to treat it with natural and effective herbal remedies than with antibiotics.
If symptoms do not go away within a week, consult your doctor. There may be other causes of the disease. For example, in middle-aged and elderly people, ulcerative skin lesions in the mouth area can occur due to fungal infections in the oral cavity.
How to fight a “cold”?
If herpes appears for the first time or in a baby under 6 months, and the disease is accompanied by fever and affects not only the lips, then you need to consult a pediatrician for antiviral therapy.
Often recurrent infections go away on their own. But you can shorten their duration by using local antiherpetic agents (active ingredient acyclovir).
Ways to reduce discomfort:
- apply a cold compress to the area of the rash;
- avoid sour and spicy foods;
- choose cool drinks;
- if there is severe pain, then use ibuprofen or paracetamol;
- Do not use products containing lidocaine due to possible side effects or overdose.
How to prevent the spread of the virus:
- it is important to ensure that the child does not scratch the rash and wash his hands;
- use individual dishes, towels, toothbrushes for a child with a herpes infection;
- during an exacerbation, you should not engage in contact sports;
- a child with a “cold” on his lips should not kiss other people.
