Herpes on the lips: how to prevent and fight it

Herpes on the lips can be an extremely unpleasant phenomenon that comes at the most inopportune moment. But is it possible to prevent its appearance and cope with this problem? In this article, we will share with you tips on how to prevent herpes and how to treat it.

Examine your triggers

The first step to preventing herpes on the lips is to know your triggers, that is, the factors that can provoke an exacerbation. These can be menstruation, colds, overexertion, sun exposure and stress. Dr. Otley advises trying to avoid stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle including eating right and exercising regularly to keep the immune system in optimal condition. It's also important to use sunscreen on "at-risk" areas for herpes.

Maintain hygiene

Herpes is contagious, so it's important to wash your hands frequently and avoid direct contact with people who have herpes. Be careful with personal hygiene items that may come in contact with the mouth area, such as utensils, towels, lipsticks and lip balms. Also avoid touching other parts of the face, especially the eyes, to prevent the infection from spreading.

Respond to early symptoms

If you feel tingling, itching or burning sensation on your lip, these could be the initial symptoms of herpes. It's important to immediately use topical antiviral medication as soon as you feel these signs. This helps reduce the length of time herpes stays on your face.

Choose the right medication

When choosing a topical medication, keep in mind that moisturized skin heals faster than dry skin. Avoid ointments with high alcohol content as it can dry the skin and slow down the healing process.

Being hygienic, responding quickly to initial symptoms and using the right antiviral medication can help you prevent and manage herpes on the lips. Remember that consulting your doctor can be helpful if you have regular herpes outbreaks.