How to get rid of herpes: the most effective ointments.
June 30, 2021
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Content
- Which ointment for herpes to choose
- Herpes symptoms
- How to treat herpes
- The best ointments for herpes
- Oksolin
- Herpferon
- Zovirax
- Fenistil Pencivir
- Panavir-gel
- Erazaban
- Herperax
- Alpizarin
We are sure that everyone has had herpes (popularly known as a cold on the lips) at least once in their life. Moreover, almost 100% of the world's population has the herpes virus in their bodies. But for the majority, it seems to be “dormant,” and as soon as the immune system weakens, the body becomes hypothermic, or the time comes for seasonal ARVI, herpes becomes more active. Moreover, sores on the lips are the most harmless version of herpes.
Based on the recommendations of doctors, we have compiled a list of effective and safe ointments for the quick treatment of herpes on the lips. But you need to understand that any remedy for herpes has contraindications, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before treatment.
I caught a cold, and lo and behold, my lips were covered. Give me some tea for colds
You are confusing two completely different infections - respiratory and herpes. A cold, or ARVI, develops when the body is infected with respiratory viruses. But a “cold on the lips,” or a relapse of orolabial herpes, appears when the herpes simplex viruses, which live in the body constantly, are activated. Therefore, when itching or rash appears on the lips, traditional cold remedies are not effective: they only act on the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections or respiratory viruses. In the case of “cold lips,” it is advisable to use antiviral drugs that are active against herpes simplex pathogens.
Which ointment for herpes to choose
There are many drugs for herpes in the pharmacy, although they all have the same active ingredient - acyclovir (or its more modern analogues). But it is worth considering that ointments for herpes, even with the same active substance, can act on the body differently, because a lot depends on the quality of purification of this substance. If you have herpes on your lips and are planning to buy ointment, consider the following parameters:
- Age.
Each active substance has its own parameters according to the age from which it is allowed to be used. Acyclovir, for example, is contraindicated under 18 years of age. Penciclovir can be used from the age of 16; a doctor can prescribe valacyclovir from the age of 12. - Tendency to allergies.
In addition to the main active ingredient, auxiliary agents (preservatives, dyes, flavors) are also added to the preparations. These components can cause allergic reactions with unpredictable manifestations. Before using ointment for herpes (especially on the face or intimate area), do a skin test on your wrist and see how it reacts.
Do not forget that many drugs are prohibited for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But there is one drug for herpes that can be used during these periods - Gevisosh .
, the active substance of which is epervudine.
Gevisosh
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Germany
An antiviral agent that is active against the Herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus.
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Choosing tablets for herpes -
Herpes treatment in adults: drugs in tablets
- Acyclovir,
- Valaciclovir,
- Famciclovir.
Below we will compare the effectiveness of these antiviral tablets against the herpes simplex virus. It should be noted that Acyclovir tablets are approved for use from 0 years of age, and the drugs “Valacyclovir” and “Famciclovir” - only from 12 years of age. All these drugs are available only with a doctor's prescription.
Acyclovir in tablets of 200 and 400 mg –
Tablet acyclovir has the same disadvantages as creams: low tropism for the virus (i.e., acyclovir molecules do not find viral particles well); in patients with poor immunity + frequent courses of acyclovir use in the past - in 10-27% of cases the herpes virus may be resistant to acyclovir; plus low oral bioavailability. Pros: no age-related contraindications, affordable price, fairly few side effects.
We recommend choosing the original drug with acyclovir - Zovirax 200 mg tablets (instructions for use, see PDF). Moreover, its cost is not much higher than that of Russian generics.
Examples of drugs with acyclovir -
Acyclovir tablets certainly work, especially when it comes to patients with good immunity and rare relapses of herpes. If you have a weakened immune system, if you have taken acyclovir too often in the past, if you decide to start taking the drug more than 24-48 hours after the onset of herpetic rashes, acyclovir will not be particularly effective. In this case, it is better for you to immediately start taking the drug Famciclovir, which works better even at later dates of initiation of therapy, as well as in patients with immunodeficiency conditions.
The regimen of use - if you look at the official instructions, the standard regimen for adults and children over 2 years old - is to take acyclovir 200 mg 5 times a day (for 5 days). A single dosage of 400 mg is recommended in the official instructions - either only for severe herpes infection, or in patients with weakened immune systems. However, most clinical studies (source) show that a dosage of 200 mg has virtually no effect on either the duration of symptoms or the healing time of herpes.
Studies have shown that only 400 mg (respectively, 5 times a day, for 5 days) is an effective single dose. In children under 2 years of age, the dosage is reduced by exactly 2 times - from the adult dosage. In case of severe herpes infection, taking the drug can be extended to 7-10 days. By the way, abroad, at the moment, acyclovir is practically not used for chronic recurrent herpes, giving preference to valacyclovir and famciclovir.
Valacyclovir (Valtrex) tablets –
We have already said above that tableted acyclovir has poor bioavailability, i.e. only about 10-20% of its amount is absorbed in the intestine, which makes it difficult to achieve high concentrations of acyclovir in tissues. This problem is solved by Valacyclovir, which has a bioavailability of 50%. Valaciclovir is a precursor to acyclovir (i.e., it is converted to acyclovir once it enters the bloodstream). Taking tablets with valacyclovir allows you to create a concentration of acyclovir in tissues that can be achieved with traditional acyclovir - only through intravenous infusions of the latter.
The drug Valtrex is the original drug of Valaciclovir (we recommend this drug), but there are also a large number of cheaper generics. The cost of the original drug “Valtrex” (UK) is from 1350 rubles for 10 tablets. 500 mg each. There is a good Bulgarian generic “Valvir” - it costs from 750 rubles for a package of 10 tablets. 500 mg each. The cost of the Russian “Valacyclovir-Akos” will be from 450 rubles (for a package of 10 tablets of 500 mg).
Regimen: There is a short 1-day treatment regimen. Clinical studies have shown that taking high dosages of the drug for 1 day was the most effective for the treatment of herpes on the lips and facial skin, as well as herpetic stomatitis. In this case, the dosage regimen is 2000 mg 2 times a day, with an interval of 12 hours (1 day in total). But it should be noted that such a short regimen will be effective only if treatment begins no later than 12 hours from the moment the herpetic eruptions appear, and also in patients with satisfactory or good immunity.
If more than 12 hours have passed since the appearance of the rash, and also if you have a weakened immune system, it is optimal to use the standard treatment regimen of 500 mg 2 times a day for 3-5 days (for severe herpes infection - up to 10 days). When choosing a drug, keep in mind that if your herpes virus is resistant to acyclovir, taking valacyclovir will also be ineffective.
Famciclovir tablets (Favirox, Famvir) –
Famciclovir products are the most modern and effective tablets for herpes. Above we told you about the cream “Fenistil-pencivir” (based on penciclovir), which is used on the skin of the face and the red border of the lips. So, drugs with famciclovir are tablet analogues of penciclovir. Most often in pharmacies you can find drugs with famciclovir - under the trade names “Favirox” or “Famvir”.
The advantage of famciclovir drugs like Favirox is their rapid antiviral effect due to maximum bioavailability (for famciclovir it is about 74%, for example, for valacyclovir it is only 54%, and for acyclovir only 10-20%). Therefore, a package of three 500 mg tablets is enough for a short 1-day course of therapy to relieve the manifestations of herpes on the lip. Read more about this application scheme below.
→ Favirox instructions for use (view PDF)
Regimen for using famciclovir - there is a short 1-day treatment regimen: either take 1500 mg once, or 750 mg 2 times a day (with a 12-hour interval between doses) - our experience suggests that the second option is still better. This 1-day regimen is effective only if you start taking the drug before 12 hours from the moment the herpetic rash appears, and also if the patient’s immunity is normal. In case of weakened immunity, and/or if treatment is started later than 12 hours from the moment of the appearance of herpetic eruptions, the standard dosage regimen should be used.
The standard regimen according to the instructions is 250 mg 2 times a day for 5 days (however, in severe cases of herpes infection, dosage can be extended to 7-10 days). Here I would like to add that numerous clinical studies show the weak effectiveness of this standard regimen - especially in patients with poor immune system conditions. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of therapy increases significantly when famciclovir is prescribed in higher dosages. In patients with good immunity, a more effective regimen will be 500 mg 2 times a day (for 5 days). In immunocompromised patients - 500 mg 3 times a day (for 7 days).
Important: once again we draw your attention to the fact that short 1-day treatment regimens for herpes in adults (herpes on the lips and skin around the mouth, on the face) work well only if the following conditions are met. Firstly, only if you start taking medications no later than 12 hours from the moment the herpetic rash appears. Secondly, if you have a satisfactory or good immune system. If treatment is started later than 12 hours from the onset of the rash, as well as in patients with weakened immune systems, short 1-day courses of therapy are usually ineffective. Here we already need a standard regimen of administration.
Important : if more than 12 hours have passed since the first rash appeared (and even more so if more than 24 or 48 hours), it is better to opt for famciclovir, because the latter works better at later dates of initiation of therapy for herpetic infection.
Herpes symptoms
The herpes virus has several types. The most common type 1 herpes virus occurs - it usually appears on the upper half of the body (face, hands). The second type of herpes virus is genital. How does the herpes virus manifest itself:
- burning and tingling in those places where bubbles with liquid will later appear;
- wounds form in place of the bubbles;
- Sometimes with herpes, fever, swollen lymph nodes or sore throat are possible.
Well, since the virus does not disappear from the body, you need to be prepared for relapses as soon as the immune system weakens.
FAQ
How does the herpes virus manifest itself?
There are several types of herpes virus. The most common are 1 (most often localized on the upper half of the body - on the face (including the nose), on the arms, but can appear anywhere - even on the legs) and 2 (genital). In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic. Sometimes characteristic symptoms are observed, such as:
- 1. Tingling, burning in places where blisters filled with liquid will later appear.
- 2. After opening the bubbles, small wounds form in their place.
- 3. In rare cases, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes may appear.
It is also important to remember that the herpes virus is present in the body of most people (both men and women), so there is always a risk that symptoms will appear again.
How is herpes treated?
A herpetic infection can go away without treatment. But if the rashes occupy a large area or do not go away for a long time, then the following remedies will come to the rescue:
- 1. Antiviral drugs. They are produced on the basis of acyclovir and its more modern analogues. They block the formation of the virus's DNA - its genetic information, thereby preventing it from reproducing. Unfortunately, these drugs are not able to completely destroy the virus. Available in the form of tablets and ointments, they can have an analgesic effect.
- 2. Wound healing ointments. Currently, ointments based on panthenol (vitamin B5), which is added not only to cosmetics, but also to medicinal products, are popular. They are used after opening the blisters, when erosions form - ointments speed up the healing process.
- 3. Drying agents. For example, zinc ointment, which, moreover, has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.
It is acceptable to use several products at once, but it is best to consult with a specialist before doing so.
Ask your question
How to treat herpes
Herpes can go away on its own, without any treatment, but if the wounds do not go away for a long time or they are large, you will have to use some medications.
- Antiviral agents.
Similar drugs against herpes come in tablets and ointments with an analgesic effect. The active ingredient in herpes medications is acyclovir and its analogues, which block the DNA of the virus and stop its reproduction. But medications for herpes are still unable to cure it completely. - Ointments for wound healing.
The most popular wound healing ointments today are based on panthenol (vitamin B5). Such ointments for herpes are used as soon as the blisters have opened to speed up the healing process of wounds. - Drying agents.
Among the most famous and accessible ointments with a drying effect is zinc ointment, which, among other things, relieves inflammation and is a good antiseptic. By the way, for herpes you can use several remedies from these three groups at once, but before that you need to consult a doctor.
Treatment and prevention of herpes
The main goal of herpes treatment is to relieve symptoms of the disease and reduce the frequency of relapses. To eliminate the symptoms of oral and genital herpes, ointments and tablets that have a specific antiviral effect are used. The most effective medications for people infected with HSV are antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. Both tablets and injections, as well as ointments and topical creams are used. To prevent relapses, immunostimulating drugs are prescribed to restore and maintain immunity. They help relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of their occurrence, but do not lead to a complete cure. It is impossible to completely recover from herpes - the virus remains in the human body for life after the initial infection.
At first glance, it may seem that herpes virus infection is quite harmless. But in fact, it can lead to serious complications:
- In people with weakened immune systems (for example, HIV-infected people), herpes is more severe and often recurs. In rare cases, HSV-1 causes encephalitis (inflammation in the brain), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye). Herpetic encephalitis leads to death in 30% of cases; after treatment, it leaves serious consequences in the form of persistent paralysis and paresis, and dementia.
- HSV-2 infection increases the risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection.
- In 1 out of 10,000 cases, a child becomes infected during childbirth, and neonatal herpes develops, which leads to severe neurological disorders and death of the newborn. The risks are especially high if the expectant mother becomes infected late in pregnancy.
This is why disease prevention is so important. HSV-1 is most contagious when oral herpes symptoms appear, but it can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or observed. Persons with active symptoms of oral herpes should avoid oral contact with other people and sharing household items (dishes, towels, etc.). Patients are also advised to abstain from oral sex to prevent herpes from spreading to the genitals of their sexual partner. People with symptoms of genital herpes should avoid having sex while they have symptoms.
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The best ointments for herpes
Our rating includes the most effective ointments for herpes, which are often prescribed by doctors. From accessible, cheap to more expensive, but equally helpful. Choose any one after consulting with your doctor, and remember this important advice: the sooner you start treatment, at the very first symptoms, the faster the herpes will go away.
Read also Review of popular drugs against thrush The most popular drugs against thrush for internal and external use
Oksolin
This antiviral non-hormonal inexpensive ointment is recommended for chickenpox, rashes and herpes of the first and second types. A white ointment with a uniform consistency and specific odor is indicated for external use only. The active ingredient in ointment for herpes, oxolin, perfectly fights viruses, penetrating inside viral cells and destroying them. Oxolinic ointment acts on the DNA of the virus, stopping its reproduction. You need to smear wounds from herpes with “Oxolin” several times a day until complete recovery.
Oksolin
OJSC "Lubnyfarm", Ukraine
The active ingredient of Oxolinic ointment is oxolin, which has antiviral activity against the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus.
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Herpferon
The active ingredients of this herpes ointment are interferon alpha-2b and acyclovir. In addition, "Gerpferon", unlike other similar products, contains lidocaine, which perfectly anesthetizes the area affected by herpes. By the way, “Gerpferon” is suitable for treating herpes on the oral mucosa. As for the use of this ointment for herpes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is no data on this, so it is better to consult a doctor. Reviews about Gerpferon ointment are positive, but many patients note its high cost.
Herpferon
Firn M, Russia
primary and recurrent herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
genital herpes; herpes zoster. from 213
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Zovirax
Zovirax is perhaps the most popular ointment for herpes. The active ingredient in Zovirax is acyclovir. And to make the product more gentle on the skin and mucous membranes, propylene glycol, glycerin and other components are also added to the composition. Despite the higher price than regular Acyclovir, patients often choose Zovirax as an effective remedy for herpes that quickly gets rid of the problem.
Zovirax
GlaxoSmithKline, France
Antiviral agent for the treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, incl.
herpes lips from 162
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How to treat herpes in adults (medicines) –
Very often, patients ask questions about how to cure herpes forever. Unfortunately, at the moment medicine does not have the ability to achieve complete removal of the herpes virus from the body. However, modern antiviral agents (ointments and tablets) can effectively block the replication of the virus, especially when it comes to the herpes simplex virus (types HSV-1 and HSV-2). It can be much more difficult to cure herpes on the body, which is referred to as “shingles” or “herpes zoster”.
Modern antiviral tablets and ointments for herpes can significantly reduce the severity of herpes infection, speed up healing, and also reduce the frequency of relapses. There is also a domestic vaccine against the herpes simplex virus (types HSV-1 and HSV-2) called “Vitagerpavak”, which can reduce the frequency of repeated outbreaks of herpes infection by several times. Below we will tell you about the best remedy for herpes - both among means for external use and among tablet preparations.
But in order for herpes treatment to be as effective as possible, you must strictly follow the following rules:
- Herpes therapy will show good effectiveness if it is started no later than 12 hours from the moment the first herpetic rash appears. Keep in mind that the later treatment is started, the less effective even the best herpes medications will be.
- The maximum effectiveness will be shown by therapy that is started in the prodromal period (i.e., when the actual herpetic blisters have not yet appeared, but the patient already feels itching, burning or swelling of the tissue in this area). If treatment begins during this period, then the number and size of herpetic blisters formed in the future will be significantly smaller, and in this case, complete healing can be achieved in just 4-5 days.
- Remember that if you start treatment later than 48 hours , or after the herpetic blisters have opened, such therapy will not noticeably affect the speed of recovery (healing of lesions). However, in patients with severe and frequent relapses, such therapy can avoid complications.
Fenistil Pencivir
One of the most effective remedies against herpes. The active ingredient in Fenistil Pencivir cream is penciclovir, which is considered safer than acyclovir. Penciclovir is an analogue of acyclovir, but more modern, with virtually no side effects. Fenistil Pencivir can be used by pregnant women (but only if the prescription is approved by the doctor!). You need to apply the herpes cream about eight times a day. Fenistil Pencivir does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, like many similar herpes remedies. This cream is odorless, does not leave marks on clothes and is suitable for children over 12 years of age. But they cannot be used to treat the mucous membranes and skin around the eyes.
Fenistil pencivir
Novartis Pharma Services AG (Novartis Pharma), Switzerland
- recurrent herpes simplex localized on the lips (herpes labialis).
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I always bought ointment with acyclovir for herpes on the lips. Maybe there is something more modern now?
Acyclovir is truly a drug with “experience”: it was synthesized back in 1977 [4]. In those years, it was an innovative drug that offered a unique opportunity to control herpes infection. Today it remains one of the most popular remedies against herpes, although, of course, it has competitors. However, it cannot be said that they have any significant advantages compared to acyclovir.
Thus, the only alternative to local forms of acyclovir, penciclovir, which is also available in the form of an ointment, has a structure and mechanism of action similar to the parent of the group. Research results indicate that 1% penciclovir is as effective for cold sores as 3% acyclovir [5]. However, if acyclovir is applied 5 times a day, then penciclovir should be used a little more often - every 2 hours. Whether it makes sense to change the drug is up to you to decide.
Panavir-gel
This herpes remedy is the only one on our list that comes in gel form rather than ointment form. The main advantage of Panavir Gel is that it is created on a plant basis; it is a homeopathic drug. Its active ingredient is not acyclovir, as in other herpes remedies, but an extract of potato shoots. Therefore, if you are allergic to acyclovir and its analogues and are looking for a gentle remedy for herpes, Panavir-gel is just such a medicine.
Panavir-gel
Zelenaya oakbrava JSC, Russia
Panavir-gel is an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, the indications for which are: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus types I and II, incl.
genital herpes. from 121
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Erazaban
Herpes ointment "Erazaban" perfectly treats and heals herpetic rashes. The active ingredient in herpes ointment, docosanol, effectively fights the herpes simplex virus. The good thing is that Erazaban ointment, when applied externally, does not penetrate the bloodstream and does not affect the functioning of the body. This ointment is prescribed at the first manifestations of herpes on the skin and mucous membranes. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of herpes, which often recurs in patients with reduced immunity.
Erazaban
Bausch & Lomb, Germany
Infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1, including herpes labialis.
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Diagnostics
Diagnosis includes visual inspection of the patient's clinical manifestations if an exacerbation is typical. The diagnosis of HSV infection is often based on clinically characteristic lesions. Laboratory confirmation may be necessary if the infection is severe, the patient is immunocompromised, or the patient is pregnant, and the lesions are atypical. Depending on the severity of the clinical picture, a number of necessary auxiliary diagnostic procedures are performed:
- a set of standard laboratory tests (general blood test, urine test, etc.);
- serological tests (ELISA) to detect antibodies to a specific type of virus in the patient’s blood;
- PCR analysis is a highly informative diagnostic method that allows you to detect the presence of a virus in the body with up to 99% accuracy.
Herpes simplex virus must be distinguished from herpes zoster, which rarely recurs and usually causes more severe pain and larger lesions that are distributed along the dermatome and usually do not cross the midline. It should also be noted that collections of vesicles or ulcers on an erythematous basis are uncommon in genital lesions other than those caused by HSV infection.
Herperax
This herpes ointment for external use is also not absorbed into the blood and does not have a systemic effect on the body. The active ingredient in Herperax ointment is acyclovir, which successfully fights the herpes simplex virus. The product affects only those cells that are affected by herpes. "Herperax" is a very effective drug, therefore it is often prescribed by doctors. It is noteworthy that this ointment for herpes can be used in children from birth.
Herperax
Micro Labs Limited, India
Herperax is an antiviral drug whose active substance is acyclovir.
Thymidine kinase in virus-infected cells actively converts acyclovir through a series of sequential reactions into acyclovir mono-, di- and triphosphate. The latter interacts with viral DNA polymerase and is integrated into the DNA that is synthesized for new viruses. Thus, defective viral DNA is formed, which leads to suppression of the replication of new generations of viruses. Acyclovir is active against Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Bar virus and cytomegalovirus. from 51
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Alpizarin
Anti-herpes ointment for external use has virtually no side effects and is not addictive. "Alpizarin" is prescribed to children from 1 year old, because it is non-toxic. In addition to herpes, this ointment is effective against cytomegalovirus and paramyxoviruses. “Alpizarin” not only inhibits the virus itself, but also stimulates the production of interferon gamma in the body, thus increasing the resistance of the immune system to viral diseases. Thanks to this complex action, Alpizarin is prescribed to adults and children not only for herpes, but also for any viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as for herpes zoster.
