Review of effective ointments for herpes on the lips

Herpes is a disease that is a consequence of the effects of the herpes virus on the human body. The pathology mainly affects the mucous membranes of the genitals and the corners of the lips. Less commonly, it can be observed on other parts of the body. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely eradicate the virus. Medicine is still powerless here. But you can reduce the intensity of symptoms, increase the duration of remission of the disease, and quickly transfer the herpes virus into a latent state. Many medications can do this. But one of the most effective and safe drugs is oxolinic ointment for herpes.

Does oxolinic ointment help with herpes?

The main element of the ointment is oxolin. This substance is derived synthetically. Has powerful antiviral activity. This is especially true for herpes.

Oxolinic ointment for herpes on the lips and other areas of the skin is absolutely safe. It can be used by pregnant and lactating women. The medicine does not have a toxic effect on the body, is quickly absorbed into the tissues and is also quickly eliminated.

Therefore, the medicine is often prescribed by doctors to treat herpes on the lips and other areas of the skin, including the genital mucosa. It will quickly relieve symptoms of exacerbation of the disease and prolong the period of remission.

In addition, oxolinic ointment is recommended for use for prevention, especially when there are factors provoking the disease - epidemic periods, cold seasons, loss of strength, stressful situations, etc.

Classification of ointments against herpes

Preparations for the treatment of skin herpes infections can be divided into two large groups: Ointments that treat herpes - those compositions that directly limit the spread of the virus, contain an antiviral substance and cause the death of viral particles. Ointments that treat wounds from herpes are compositions that contain antiseptics that stimulate skin tissue regeneration. They do not cure the infection, but prevent complications such as bacterial infection. They also promote regeneration (restoration) of the skin after blocking the replication of the virus.

What ointment to treat herpes with - a special one based on acyclovir, penciclovir, or a regular antiseptic? Practice confirms that antiseptic drugs do not help with herpes . Despite their use, a new rash appears. Therefore, to treat the virus, a specific composition with an antiviral effect is required. Let's consider what antiviral ointments, creams and gels the pharmaceutical industry offers. And what ointment for herpes is the most effective?

Local remedies for treatment

Antiviral medications against herpes are available not only in the form of tablets, but also in creams and ointments. Many patients prefer to be treated with external means.

The thing is that they cause less harm to the body as a whole; they are applied directly to the problem area. Moreover, the ointment not only affects the virus, but also accelerates the regeneration processes.

The most effective ointments used to treat herpes:

What else to read Akriderm against herpes
In order for the remission stage to last as long as possible, you should take immunomodulatory drugs.

Review of ointments for herpes on the lips

To get rid of annoying and painful herpes on the lips, ointments, gels and creams are used, which can actually be divided into 2 types:

• medicinal - this list is supplemented by agents that have antiviral, antiherpetic, immunomodulatory effects; they are designed directly to suppress HSV and inhibit its development;
• restorative (auxiliary) - most often they are drugs for external use and a wide spectrum of action, which have an antiseptic, antihistamine, analgesic, drying and antiviral effect, but are not aimed at combating HSV.

Treatment with ointments, creams and gels is recommended to begin when the first signs of herpes appear on the lips.

Preparations for external use are used for the treatment and prevention of herpes

Antiviral

Most modern antiherpes drugs have a complex effect - antiviral, anti-inflammatory, soothing, healing. In this case, the active substance must be effective against viruses.

Most often used in ointments:

• acyclovir and its analogues, for example, penciclovir;
• natural ingredients, for example, nightshade plant extracts;
• oxoline (tetraxoline), zinc, sulfur;
• immunostimulants (interferons).

Be sure to read the instructions for the ointment. Cheap products usually contain only the active substance that directly affects the suppression of the virus. More expensive ones have a complex effect.

Since the ointment acts on a small area, as a rule, it has no special contraindications. Many products are approved for children, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Auxiliary action

Herpes blisters tend to burst, thereby provoking the formation of wounds and ulcers. They dry out and become crusty. And the lips are very mobile - a smile or any grimace stretches the skin, the crusts burst, bleed... This is not only painful, but can also lead to scars and scars.

And if antiviral ointments reduce the activity of herpes, then auxiliary ointments treat its consequences. Here, the active substances are antiseptics, because an open wound is a direct path for external bacteria to become infected. These ointments do not treat, but prevent possible consequences - they disinfect, soften, and promote rapid healing.

Preparations based on valacyclovir

Strains of herpes resistant to valacyclavir rarely appear, and in general, drugs containing it are often more beneficial than Acyclovir itself. The substance is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and turns into an active metabolite quickly and completely. Acyclovir, derived from valacyclovir, is responsible for some of the drug's side effects and the need to avoid breastfeeding during treatment. Caution is required when working with HIV patients, patients with kidney failure, or those taking drugs that are toxic to these organs.

• Valtrex is an expensive but effective pill. They are not indicated until the age of 12, and herpes zoster can only be treated from the age of 18. Doses for adults and adolescents are not recalculated; Each tablet contains 500 mg of the substance.
• Valvir does not lag behind its analogue in price, but is presented on the market in two dosages: 500 and 1000 mg. The latter is convenient when you need to take a large dose of medicine at once. The fight against herpes zoster is one such example.

Take valacyclovir tablets regardless of food intake. Analogs are prescribed in the same cases and with equal frequency of administration. Added to the rare side effects is the possibility of kidney dysfunction: acyclovir crystals can form directly in the lumen of the kidney tubules.

Antiviral with immune stimulation

Isoprinosine - tablets that can cope with herpes, measles, cytomegalovirus, influenza A and B. Inosine pranobex in its composition inhibits the RNA of the virus and the enzyme important for replication - dihydropteroate synthetase. In addition, the medicine stimulates the activity of lymphocytes and increases the synthesis of immunoglobulin, thereby making the immune system more active. Isoprinosine enhances the effect of acyclovir.

You need to take the tablets after meals at the rate of 50 mg/kg body weight; The daily dose is divided into 3-4 doses. Adults usually take 6-8 tablets per day; a severe infection requires doubling the dose, and accordingly you need to take the medicine more often. The course of treatment for herpes lasts 5-10 days; for prevention, take 1 tablet twice a day for a month.

They begin to give medicine to children from the age of 3, when the patient gains a weight of 15-20 kg. The bulk of adverse reactions of Isoprinosine are associated with digestive disorders and headaches, although polyuria, joint pain and exacerbation of gout occur.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is an inexpensive and well-known tablet for herpes.

The active substance with this name is present in the following antiviral drugs:

• Zovirax;
• Virolex;
• Acyclovir;
• Herperax;
• Acivir.

Acyclovir is available in tablet form for oral administration, in the form of a cream, ointment for local use, and also as a lyophilisate for the preparation of an infusion solution.

The use of the drug is permitted for patients aged 2 years and older.

Side effects while taking acyclovir include dyspeptic syndrome, skin rashes, headache, sleep disorder in the form of insomnia or drowsiness, febrile syndrome, lymphocytopenia, erythropenia, leukopenia. Intravenous administration can cause heart failure and encephalopathy.

When applied topically, a burning sensation in the affected area, peeling, erythema, and dryness may occur.

The use of acyclovir-based drugs is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance. Intravenous administration of an infusion solution is not prescribed during breastfeeding. The use of this drug is not recommended for severe renal dysfunction. If it is absolutely necessary to use acyclovir, the dosage regimen should be adjusted.

Zovirax: acyclovir-based cream

Zovirax is the trade name for acyclovir. It was under this designation that it went on sale 4 years after the invention of this substance. It is noteworthy that the first form of drugs based on acyclovir were ointments. And only later were tablets with an antiviral component released.

Zovirax is available as a cream with a 5% concentration of acyclovir, and also as an eye ointment with a 3% concentration. The cream is used to treat rashes on the surface of the skin. Eye ointment – ​​for genital rashes and ophthalmoherpes (viral keratitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis).

The cream is used to treat blistering skin rashes due to oral and genital infections, as well as chickenpox. It is prescribed as an ointment for herpes on the lips and an ointment for herpes zoster. The cream is applied to the vesicles 4-5 times during the day, using a stick with cotton wool so as not to spread the infection to other parts of the body. Treatment usually lasts 4 days, if necessary it can be extended to 10 days.

Note: Zovirax ointment for herpes is also approved for the treatment of pregnant women. Features of treatment: ointments based on acyclovir are more effective at the onset of the disease. Therefore, the best result of external treatment is observed at the very beginning, when itching and pain are felt at the site of future rashes, and seals appear. Later, with the appearance of bubbles (vesicles), the effect of the ointment turns out to be less effective. If you start smearing the itchy area before a blistering rash appears, you can stop the herpes and cure it in 2-3 days. If you start applying after the rash appears, the treatment will be longer and will take 6-7 or more days.

Valaciclovir

The drug Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is available in tablets. Despite the similarities with Acyclovir regarding the mechanism of action, this drug has advantages: greater bioavailability and long duration of action.

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The use of Valacyclovir is effective for all forms and localizations of herpes infection (on the nose, face, intimate areas). The activity of the drug substance extends to the 1st and 2nd types of viruses herpes simplex (herpes simplex), varicella zoster (varicella zoster), cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus 6.

A single dose for an adult patient is from a quarter to 2 g. The drug must be taken 2 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the disease, the specifics of its course, the severity of symptoms and their regression during therapy.

Side effects observed when taking Valaciclovir:

• nausea;
• epigastric pain;
• dyspeptic syndrome;
• anorexia;
• headache;
• fatigue;
• asthenic syndrome;
• confusion;
• renal dysfunction;
• allergic phenomena in the form of rashes, itching, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic shock;
• Photosensitivity may occur.

Taking Valacyclovir is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to it, as well as to Acyclovir.

Panavir ointment against herpes and warts

Panavir is a new drug developed in Russia for the treatment of herpes. It has three dosage forms: powder for injection, suppositories, ointment. Any form of the medicinal substance contains an extract from the shoots of the nightshade plant (potato) . Which is the main active component, provides the antiviral effect of suppositories and gel. Note: manufacturers often do not advertise the content of green potato extract in medicinal products. It is indicated that it contains an extract from the shoots of the plant Solanum tuberosum (the Latin name for the common potato). This has to do with standards of thinking. Buyers often have a question: how can edible potatoes cure the virus? The fact is that any nightshade plants contain the poison solanine. It provides the therapeutic antiviral effect of Panavir.

For external treatment, gel and spray forms of the drug are available . They have a water-glycerin base and are sometimes called ointments. The form of the gel allows it to be applied to the mucous membranes, which is important when treating rashes on the genitals and lips. Therefore, Panavir gel and spray are used as an ointment for herpes in the intimate area . Also, the gel form of the drug does not leave greasy marks on the skin and does not stain clothes, therefore it is popular as an ointment for herpes on the body.

The effectiveness of using Panavir ointment for herpes has been tested on thousands of patients. How does Solanum tuberosum extract work?

The main component of Panavir is a broad-spectrum antiviral substance. It not only limits the development of the virus, but also exhibits immunomodulatory effects. It enhances the synthesis of interferon alpha, and thereby increases the body's resistance to other viral infections. Panavir also reduces inflammation and swelling.

The complex action of Panavir gel ensures its widespread use. It is used in the treatment of the first three types of herpes viruses - oral (as an ointment against herpes on the lips), genital (as an ointment against genital herpes) and chickenpox. And also in the treatment of warts, condylomas, papillomas.

Famciclovir

Famciclovir is a new generation antiviral substance. Penciclovir, its active metabolite, is effective against human herpes viruses, including varicella zoster virus (the causative agent of shingles), herpes simplex types 1 and 2 (genital labial viruses), as well as cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.

The substance, which belongs to the latest generation of antiherpetic drugs, also has a detrimental effect on infectious agents that have become resistant to Acyclovir.

The recommended single dosage depends on the indications for therapy, as well as on the immune status of the patients:

When treating the acute phase of the disease, the course of taking Famciclovir is set within 7 days. In elderly patients with preserved renal function, no dosage adjustment is required. If renal function is impaired, the excretion of penciclovir is reduced. In these cases, a dosage adjustment of the drug is recommended.

The good tolerability of Famciclovir, including in patients with a reduced immune status, has been confirmed by clinical trials. However, the body may respond with thrombocytopenia, headache, drowsiness, hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, dyspeptic syndrome, allergic manifestations, including erythema multiforme.

The use of this drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to Famciclovir or any other component of the drug, as well as in case of hypersensitivity to penciclovir. One of the medicines produced on its basis is Minaker.

Erabazan

Antiviral drug with the active substance docosanol.

How to use for labial herpes:

• apply the cream to the affected area 5 times a day, with equal intervals between uses;
• a course of therapy for at least 5 days until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear.

Contraindicated for use: in case of an allergic reaction to docosanol or other constituent substances, the category of prohibition also includes persons under 12 years of age, with fructose intolerance, glucose absorption dysfunction, sucrase deficiency..

Erabazan is an effective remedy

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to use the drug as prescribed by a doctor with extreme caution.

Anaferon

As an active ingredient, Anaferon contains antibodies to human interferon. The drug is active against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, as well as other herpes viruses. As a result of the use of the drug, the concentration of the infectious agent in the affected tissues decreases, as well as the formation of endogenous interferons and cytokines is induced. Both humoral and cellular types of the immune response are activated under the influence of the drug.

Anaferon dosage regimen depending on the form of herpetic infection:

When using Anaferon, there is a possibility of developing allergic reactions to the ingredients of the tablets. A contraindication to the use of the drug is hypersensitivity to it. The adult form is prohibited for use on children.

Virosept

A good remedy against rashes on the lips caused by the herpes virus.

Instructions for use:

• apply the cream to the damaged surface of the lips 3-4 times a day;
• The product should be used until the symptoms disappear completely and for another 3 days after that;
• Regular use of the cream for 3 months reduces the likelihood of relapses by 50%.

Contraindicated: in case of hypersensitivity to the components included in the composition and in children under 2 years of age.

Virosept cream has an antiherpetic and antiseptic effect

Vivorax

Vivorax contains acyclovir and ingredients used to create eye ointments.
The drug is prescribed :

• patients with hypersensitivity to antiherpes drugs;
• women during pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• young patients.

The product is applied at regular intervals 4-6 times a day, depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of damage. The course of treatment ranges from 5 to 10 days.

Infagel

Ointment for herpes on the body with interferon is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of herpetic eruptions of various localizations, strengthening local immunity.
Infagel can be used during lactation and pregnancy, as well as in childhood and the newborn period. For the treatment of herpetic eruptions on the oral mucosa during gestation, it is possible only from the 12th week, since the active substance can lead to miscarriage.

The product is applied with a cotton swab to a cleansed body 2 times a day for 8 days. The gel begins to act 12 minutes after application.

Operating principle

As mentioned earlier, oxolinic ointment can be used for both prevention and treatment. In both cases, the drug will show a positive result.

Oxolin promotes the destruction of the cell wall of the herpes simplex virus. After this, the activity of the acid contained in the infectious agent is blocked. Thanks to this, the virus stops reproducing and the disease stops developing further.

The use of oxolinic ointment is especially recommended for those people who suffer from frequent relapses of the disease. The drug does not cause irritation, so it is often prescribed for genital herpes.

How does using ointment help with herpes:

1. Burning and itching are eliminated. If the product is applied before the skin rash begins to appear (when slight itching and tingling is felt), then the likelihood that the skin will be damaged is minimal.
2. Fast tissue regeneration. If bubbles have already appeared, the drug promotes their rapid bursting and the formation of a crust.
3. Drying. The medicine dries out wet areas after the blisters burst and ulcerated areas appear.
4. Prevention of secondary infection. If you start using oxolinic ointment against herpes in a timely manner, this will reduce the likelihood of developing a bacterial infection.

The therapeutic effect is observed within the first two days after application of the product.

Mode of application

The release form of the drug is the same. These are aluminum tubes. The only differences can be in the concentration of the main active ingredient. There is an ointment, one unit of which contains:

• 0.25% of the active element (used for the prevention of exacerbations, for herpes eye lesions, in the complex therapy of influenza, etc.);
• 3% of the main active ingredient.

According to the instructions for use, oxolinic ointment for herpes on the lips and other parts of the body should be applied three times a day. The intervals between uses should be equal. It is advisable to start treatment as early as possible - even at the stage of minor itching. The therapy itself for herpetic eruptions should last no more than two months, but not less than 2 weeks.

It is recommended to use sterile items for processing. If these are your hands, then before using the drug you need to wash them with soap. The drug is applied in a thin layer. Oxolinic ointment should be rubbed into the affected areas gradually.

It is equally important to disinfect the infected areas before applying the medicine. This can be done using any antiseptic - Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, etc. Sterile cotton swabs should be used for processing.

As a prophylaxis, 0.25% ointment is used. To do this, the product must be applied to the area around the nose and inside the nasal passages. Frequency of use: twice a day. The duration of preventive treatment is about 1 month.

If after using the product on the genital mucous area a burning sensation is felt, then this is not a reason to stop treatment. The same applies to the blueness of the treated areas.

One-component ointments with antiviral activity

Antiviral medications for herpes can be used either once or occasionally, or over a long period of time. If in the first case doctors prescribe the drug for a short course, then in the second case daily treatment is provided, the course of which can last months or years. Antiviral drugs are used at an early stage of the development of a viral infection. They are necessary to suppress the virus and eliminate symptoms of infection.

Prolonged therapy is prescribed to prevent relapses of chronic infection in patients with severe immunodeficiency and in other clinically complex cases.

1

Erazaban

346 rub.
The new generation medicine is designed specifically for the external treatment of viral rashes. The ointment is based on docosanol, which has a pronounced antiviral effect against the causative agent of herpes simplex. When applied externally, the product does not penetrate into the blood and does not have a systemic effect on the body.

Erazaban is recommended for use at the initial stage of development of herpes of the skin and mucous membranes, provoked by the herpes simplex virus. The drug is effective in treating frequently recurrent forms of the disease in patients with reduced immunity.

9.7 /10

rating

pros

• Efficiency
• Does not spread and is quickly absorbed
• There are no scars left after use
• The shelf life of open ointment is 6 months.

Minuses

• Prohibited for use by children under 12 years of age

Erazaban

2

Herperax

59 rub.

When used externally, the drug practically does not enter the systemic bloodstream, so the likelihood of adverse reactions is minimal.

Antiviral agent for external use. It is a synthetic analogue of purine nucleoside. The active component of the ointment is acyclovir, which has an antiviral pharmaceutical effect. The drug affects only the affected cells.

The activity of the ointment is very high, so experts very often recommend it for topical use. The product can be used in children from birth.

9.6 /10

rating

pros

• High concentration of active substance
• Efficiency
• Well broken down in the body
• Short course of use
• Low price
• Side effects are very rare

Minuses

• Cannot be used during lactation

Herperax

3

Zovirax

159 rub.
The antiviral drug effectively fights colds on the lips and herpes. It is considered very popular and in demand. It is available not only in the form of an ointment, but also in the form of injections and tablets. The active ingredient is acyclovir.

The ointment is quickly absorbed and affects the problem area and relieves symptoms. Doesn't feel comfortable. The maximum effect occurs when the first signs of the disease appear.

9.4 /10

rating

pros

• Efficiency
• Convenient application
• Economical
• Safety

Minuses

• High price

Zovirax

4

Oksolin

30 rub.
choice

Rating of the best ointments of 2020 for healing all types of wounds

A non-hormonal antiviral drug is recommended for use for herpes of the first and second types, chicken pox and rash. The drug has a white color, uniform consistency, and a distinct specific odor. Has an antiviral effect. The main component has the ability to penetrate inside viral cells and provoke their death. It participates in the viral DNA chain and blocks virus synthesis.

It is excreted from the body by the kidneys, thanks to glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Complete elimination is observed 2–3 hours after administration. Herperax is intended for external use only.

9.1 /10

rating

pros

• Pleasant consistency
• No unpleasant smell
• Well tolerated
• No data on overdose cases
• Low price

Minuses

• Cannot be used during pregnancy, lactation and children under 12 years of age

Oksolin

5

Virosept

96 rub.
Thanks to the action of this drug, the proliferation of viruses and secondary bacterial infections, which determine the rate of healing of skin rashes, is suppressed. The cream can be used for prevention against respiratory viral infections that can be transmitted by airborne droplets. The dosage of the drug depends on the type of disease. In the case of herpes treatment, it must be applied at intervals of three hours to the rash sites.

The cream can also be used as a personal hygiene product. In case of prevention of ARVI, the drug is used twice a day.

9.0 /10

rating

pros

• Efficiency
• Ease of use
• Low price
• No side effects

Minuses

• Possible allergic reactions
• Cannot be used by children under 2 years of age

Virosept

Are there any contraindications

Oxolin has no contraindications for use, except for the individual sensitivity of the active substance.

Adverse reactions after treatment of the lip area and other skin areas also rarely occur. This may be mild dermatitis at the site of application of the product. If the drug is used to prevent relapse, that is, for prophylactic purposes, and is applied to the nasal area, then in rare cases active production of mucus is observed. If such a sign occurs, there is no need to cancel therapy.

We should talk separately about children. If the baby is less than 3 years old, then before purchasing oxolinic ointment for colds on the lips, it is better to go to the doctor. In addition, if parents have ever noticed any uncharacteristic signs after applying the drug, then this should also be reported to the doctor. Perhaps the baby has an individual intolerance.

Is additional therapy needed?

In case of frequent relapses, oxolinic ointment should be combined with immunostimulant drugs. This combination will allow you to forget about relapses of herpes for a long time. For the same purposes, infusions of decoctions based on medicinal herbs that strengthen the body’s defenses are suitable. You should also not forget about nutrition. It is very important for weakened body functions.

In severe forms accompanied by complications, it is necessary to take a course of antiviral drugs in the form of tablets containing acyclovir along with antibiotics (if a bacterial infection has occurred).

The simultaneous use of antiseptic drugs to disinfect the affected area is mandatory.

Prevention of infection is also important - avoiding sexual and any physical contact with an infected person (during an exacerbation of the infection!), and using his personal belongings. If we talk about relapses, then we need to take measures to strengthen the immune system.

Herpes is a very dangerous disease that can cause a lot of inconvenience both physically and psychologically. But that is not all. Infection can lead to dangerous complications. This is especially true for people with weakened protective functions. To help with exacerbation of the disease, to increase the intervals between relapses, it is recommended to use oxolinic ointment. This drug is effective, safe and approved for use by everyone without exception.

Leading manufacturers of anti-herpes drugs

The pharmaceutical market offers herpes medications from many manufacturers, and it is not easy to understand such variety. When choosing, be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer, since quality and effectiveness depend on its reputation. Give preference only to manufacturers that have proven themselves on the positive side, who have earned a lot of positive reviews during their existence.

Today the following pharmaceutical companies are considered the most popular:

GlaxoSmithKline is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Founded in 1715 in Britain. The manufacturer is well known on the Russian market. The range includes a drug capable of fighting any type of herpes, characterized by safety and good value for money.

Belmedpreparaty is a Belarusian pharmaceutical company. Engaged in the development and production of safe, high-quality and affordable drugs, including those that help fight herpes. The products meet all international standards.

Polisan is a domestic pharmaceutical company. Produces high-quality drugs for herpes. He is a winner of the Russian Government Prize in the field of technology and science.

Unicom LLC is a manufacturer specializing in the production of natural products for external use. During its existence, the products of this company have proven themselves only on the positive side and are effective against any type of herpes. The preparations have a good price-quality ratio and are suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Hemani - drugs are manufactured in Pakistan. They are created on the basis of natural ingredients and produce a healing effect.

Nizhpharm is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies. Produces various ointments, creams, tablets and gels.

It is impossible to name a clear leader among manufacturers of drugs against herpes, since each drug has certain contraindications and side effects. Moreover, if you want to purchase a budget medicine, then pay attention to Unicom and Nizhpharm. In the middle price range, drugs from Polisan and Belmedpreparaty are sold. If you are interested in premium products, then purchase those produced by the manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline.