Folk remedies for herpes during pregnancy. Genital herpes during pregnancy: how to treat? How to treat herpes during pregnancy

Herpes is one of the most common viruses in the world, which, according to various sources, infects from 60 to 90% of people on the planet. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV). The causative agent of herpetic “fever”, which usually appears on the lips, is a type 1 virus. In most cases, it is found in nerve cells in an inactive state. But as soon as a person experiences stress or allows a slight weakening of the immune system, the virus becomes active and manifests itself in the form of small bubble rashes on the lips, nose, and eyes. Over time, a crust forms at the site of the rash, which disappears after a week or two. The second type of virus is a development factor, infection of which occurs through sexual contact.

Pregnancy is a favorable period for the activation of herpes. After all, bearing a child is stressful for a woman, during which the body’s defenses are depleted. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, a woman should undergo a herpes test and determine the presence of antibodies to the virus. If HSV is found in a pregnant woman with a normal level of antibodies, then the threat to the health of the fetus is minimal, since along with the virus, the unborn child will also receive antibodies to it.

It is very dangerous for a child if, while pregnant, the expectant mother gets herpes for the first time. Due to the absence of antibodies in a woman’s blood, the virus is able to enter the baby’s body through. Primary infection with herpes may well provoke a miscarriage or various malformations of the fetus. Genital herpes is especially dangerous during pregnancy. The disease can provoke the birth of a stillborn child, or a child with brain damage. If the rash appears shortly before childbirth, then a cesarean section cannot be avoided, because otherwise there is a high probability of infection of the baby when passing through the mother’s birth canal.

HSV should be treated with extreme caution during pregnancy and only under the guidance of a doctor.

To combat herpes, antiviral drugs, homeopathic and antiherpetic ointments (acyclovir, boromenthol, salicylic-zinc ointment) are used. These drugs allow you to get rid of the manifestations of herpes in a few days. For example, acyclovir should be applied to the affected areas several times a day. You need to lubricate the rashes 2-4 times a day. The course of such procedures should last for five to ten days.

Among the folk remedies that help fight herpes are sea buckthorn oil, rosehip oil, and fir oil (lubricated two to three times a day). The crust is softened with chamomile cream or calendula ointment. It is recommended to drink hot tea with honey or viburnum pureed with sugar.

Some doctors advise eating foods containing the amino acid lysine, which significantly inhibits the reproduction of the herpes virus. It is present in fruits, vegetables, and chicken meat. At the same time, pregnant women are contraindicated to eat raisins and chocolate. Because these products contain the amino acid arginine, which stimulates the development of the herpes virus. Among other things, a set of procedures is prescribed to strengthen the immune system (a course of vitamins, the use of herbal immunostimulants such as ginseng, eleutherococcus, echinacea).

And most importantly, during pregnancy you need to worry less and. And to prevent herpes, do not forget to take care of your immunity, walk more in the fresh air, and eat food rich in vitamins.

Especially for- Olga Zima

Section 1.01 WHAT IS HERPES?

Herpes- a skin disease of a viral nature, which manifests itself in the form of a rash of small bubbles (vesicles) on the mucous membranes and skin. A person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time, but the manifestation of the disease can be activated by various external factors.

⁣Fig.1 Herpetic rash on the body.

Pregnancy is a condition in which, under the influence of such stimuli, the clinical picture of the disease begins to appear. After all, the factors that activate this type of virus are stress and decreased immunity, which are often found during pregnancy.

Section 1.02

HERPES IN PREGNANCY: STATISTICS AND DRY FIGURES
You can't argue with statistics. Here are just some numbers:

1. every second person on the planet is a carrier of the herpes simplex virus;

2. the risk of intrauterine infection with primary genital herpes is 30-50%, with recurrent - 3-7%;

3.in the early stages, herpes causes spontaneous abortion in 30% of cases; in the third trimester, late miscarriages are observed in 50% of cases;

4. In 40% of newborns, intrauterine infection leads to the development of latent, sluggish carriage with the appearance of dysfunctional disorders at a later age;

5. In women with asymptomatic forms of the disease, sick children are born in 70% of cases. The mortality rate for the group is about 50-70%, only 15% of newborns are healthy.

Section 1.03 HERPES CAUSE

There are several types of herpes virus. The most common are HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus 1), HSV 2. Herpes type 1 causes rashes around the mouth and lips (labial herpes), in the oral cavity (blisters, which are popularly called “colds”), herpes type 2 causes rashes in the genital area, perineum or rectum, always below the waist. These vesicles burst after a few days, leaving behind painful ulcers that heal in 2 to 4 weeks.

Section 1.04 ROUTES OF TRANSMISSION:

1. when kissing (during the rash phase, since it is in the blisters that the virus is contained)

2.airborne

3.household contacts

4.sexual tract

These transmission routes contribute to the primary infection of the pregnant woman. After a single episode of herpes infection, the disease becomes chronic. The virus remains in the body (usually in the ganglia of various nerves).

If you are in a family with herpes, you must use individual utensils and wash your hands more often, since the mechanism of transmission of the virus is quite simple.

Section 1.05 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VIRUS ACTIVATION:

1.lack of vitamins;

2.stress, overwork;

3.excessive physical activity;

4.oncological diseases;

5.pregnancy;

7. long-term use of antibiotics;

8.chemotherapy.

Section 1.06 HERPES ON THE ORAL MUCOSA DURING PREGNANCY.

Symptoms:

1.burning and itching in the mouth;

2.redness and swelling at the site of the lesion;

3.appearance of characteristic rashes;

4.rise in body temperature;

5. malaise;

6. pain when talking, eating;

7. sore throat, difficulty swallowing.

There is a gradual onset of symptoms. First, the general condition worsens and a burning sensation in the mouth appears. The temperature may rise. On the mucous membrane there is redness and blisters filled with clear liquid, the touch of which, eating food and water are painful. A few days later, ulcers covered with a white coating appear in place of the burst vesicles. Gradually, the white coating is replaced by a hard crust, when it falls off, a healthy area remains.

Herpes can appear in any part of the mouth (on the tongue, gums, on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips, on the tonsils); if the virus is reactivated, it will appear in the same place. This is the main difference from stomatitis, which always manifests itself in different places.

⁣Fig.2 Herpetic eruptions on the upper palate.

Section 1.07 GENITAL HERPES

Symptoms:
1.painful blisters that appear in the genital area (on the labia majora and minora, in the vagina, on the cervix).

2. pain and burning in the area of ​​the labia and vagina (increased during sexual intercourse);

3.burning when urinating;

4. vaginal discharge (if there are bubbles in the vagina and on the cervix);

5.enlargement and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the groin;

6.fever, chills, weakness.

Section 1.08 COMPLICATIONS OF HERPETIC INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY:

Why is herpes dangerous during pregnancy?

Herpes can affect the course of pregnancy itself and cause:

1. frozen pregnancy;

2. spontaneous abortion;

3.premature birth;

4.stillbirth.

5.complications for the fetus:

6. heart defects;

7.developmental delay;

8. prolonged jaundice (with liver damage);

9. damage to the central nervous system;

10.hemorrhagic syndrome (external and internal bleeding);

11.blindness;

12.deafness;

13.epilepsy;

14.micro/hydrocephalus;

15.hepatosplenomegaly.

Section 1.09 TREATMENT OF HERPES DURING PREGNANCY
Goals of treatment for herpes during pregnancy:

1. weakening of symptoms, shortening the duration of the acute period;

2.acceleration of recovery processes;

3. reducing the severity of virus shedding in affected areas (thereby reducing the infectiousness of the patient himself);

4.reducing the number of repeated episodes.

Treatment does not lead to the complete disappearance of the virus, but it is possible to eliminate unpleasant symptoms as quickly as possible, alleviate the general condition and reduce the number of relapses. If a woman develops genital herpes before pregnancy, she should inform her gynecologist, and if an exacerbation occurs, she should seek help. The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the timeliness of the pregnant woman’s visit to a medical facility, and the best result is observed when the disease is detected at the burning stage or in the first 24 hours from the appearance of the rash.

The main method of treating herpes in pregnant women is antiviral chemotherapy. Proven effectiveness:

3.Penciclovir (Denavir);

In pharmacies you can find many drugs that differ in name, price and manufacturer. As a rule, Acyclovir acts as the base substance: Zovirax, Acic, Acigerpin , Acyclostad , Virolex, Gerpevir, Xorovir, Supraviran, Medovir. The annotations say: “Use is justified only when the intended benefit outweighs the potential harm.” Experimental studies have proven that Acyclovir, when taken orally, crosses the placental barrier, but this drug cannot cause abortion. The use of Acyclovir topically in the form of ointments does not harm either the woman or the baby, because it does not enter the systemic bloodstream.

In case of primary infection, the mother is prescribed Valaciclovir 500 mg orally twice a day for 10 days. To prevent the addition of a bacterial infection during oral herpes, it is necessary to rinse with antiseptic solutions (for example, chamomile). At high temperatures (above 38.5 degrees), take antipyretics ( paracetamol In case of relapses you should take:

1. Acyclovir orally 200 mg 3 times a day for 5 days (with frequent relapses);

2. Acyclovir-based ointments (every 3 hours); sitz baths with herbs (chamomile, string) followed by the application of drying compounds ( zinc ointment)

It is important to know that herpes during pregnancy can and should be treated at any stage (as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor!!!), and the earlier preventive and therapeutic measures are started, the better. Otherwise, various complications may arise (they were mentioned above).

When infected with genital herpes in late pregnancy, the issue of delivery by Caesarean section is decided.

Section 1.10 PREVENTION AND PREVENTION OF RECURRENCE OF HERPES.

The essence of preventing herpes during pregnancy is to minimize the factors that activate the virus. Therefore, in order to protect yourself from it, you must:
1. undergo all prescribed medical examinations;

2.do not smoke;

3.at the planning stage, you can undergo intravascular laser irradiation of the blood, which can temporarily block the herpes virus;

4.be less nervous, don’t get overtired;

5.avoid questionable sexual contacts;

6. do not catch a cold or get too cold to avoid colds, acute respiratory infections and flu;

7.walk more in the fresh air, while dressing warmly, ventilate the room in which you spend most of the time;

8. take a course of multivitamins for pregnant women;

9.strengthen the immune system in every possible way. ​

Take care of yourself!

Herpetic infection is one of the most common among people of different ages and nationalities. According to medical statistics, almost 90% of the world's population is infected with the herpes simplex virus. The disease is especially dangerous for women of childbearing age. After all, herpes during pregnancy can cause serious complications for both the mother and the unborn child, including spontaneous abortion or premature birth.

Treatment of herpes in pregnant women presents certain difficulties, which is associated with the negative effects of a number of pharmaceutical drugs on the developing fetus. Therefore, the use of any medications during pregnancy should be strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

Herpetic infection: what is it?

To date, eight main types of herpes have been identified, the most common of which are herpes simplex viruses of the first and second (1 and 2) types, as well as the varicella zoster virus, which causes herpes zoster.

All tissues of the human body are susceptible to infection. But the most dangerous rashes for pregnant women are in the perineum and genital area - this is the so-called genital form of the disease. More often it is provoked by the herpes simplex virus type 2. Herpes on the lips during pregnancy is less dangerous, and with a favorable course it rarely causes complications.

The disease can have a primary form, that is, when a woman’s body first encountered an infection, or a chronic course with periodic exacerbations. During the gestation period, primary infection is especially undesirable, since in this case the risk to the fetus is significantly higher.

Consequences for the baby

How dangerous is herpes during pregnancy? The greatest danger lies in the high probability of infection of the unborn child. The virus enters in different ways: through the bloodstream through the placenta, from the vagina through the cervical canal, or through the fallopian tubes from the pelvic cavity. There is also a risk of infection of the newborn during childbirth. The acute course of the disease in the 1st trimester of pregnancy has especially severe consequences for the child.

The main complications that the herpes virus can cause during pregnancy are as follows.

• Child development disorder. Herpes in early pregnancy causes severe developmental abnormalities in the fetus and spontaneous miscarriage.
• Herpetic damage to tissues and organs. A child's nervous system, eyes, and oral cavity are most vulnerable.
• Damage to the placenta and amniotic fluid. This provokes premature birth and fetal hypoxia and occurs in the 2nd trimester or 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
• Intrauterine fetal death. Most often observed in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

In addition, in the acute period of herpetic infection, the condition of the pregnant woman herself significantly worsens. It is known that during pregnancy, a woman’s immune defense is physiologically reduced, which makes her more vulnerable to various infectious agents.

Therefore, in the case of a combination of pregnancy and herpes, the disease is much more severe, often with fever, impaired blood microcirculation, including in the placenta, and dyshormonal disorders. This further worsens the nutrition of the fetus, causing hypoxia and developmental delays.

What are the clinical manifestations of the disease

Exacerbation of a chronic disease and primary genital herpes have similar clinical symptoms. The main external manifestations in this case are:

• characteristic blistering rashes on the external genitalia;
• pain and swelling in the intimate area;
• painful sensations in the lower abdomen due to damage to the vagina (vaginal herpes);
• painful and frequent urination;
• copious light-colored vaginal discharge;
• the thermometer reaches 37.5-38°C;
• general health worsens.

In recent years, cases of atypical (erased) course of genital herpes have been increasingly recorded. In this case, the only manifestations are itching or burning in the area of ​​the labia minora and majora, vaginal discharge, and a slight increase in temperature.

Usually the acute period of the disease lasts no more than 10-12 days. During this time, erosions form at the site of the rash, which become covered with crusts and gradually heal.

Treatment of herpes during pregnancy

Since most of the antiherpetic drugs used in medical practice have a toxic effect on the fetus, treatment of herpes during pregnancy should be under the supervision of a medical specialist. Most doctors recommend active drug therapy only during relapse of the disease.

To eliminate rashes in the perineum and external genitalia, the use of local forms of antiherpetic drugs (ointment, cream, gel) is allowed. According to indications, tablets or injections (injections) are prescribed.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is considered the safest drug for pregnant women with proven effectiveness. It can be used topically or in the form of tablets or injections.

Self-medication or the use of folk remedies at home is unacceptable. Also, you should not rely on reviews from pregnant women on the Internet or in the tabloids regarding any method of treating herpes. This threatens dangerous complications for the mother and unborn child.

Local

The following drugs are used for local therapy:

• Acyclovir cream.
• oxolinic ointment.
• Foscarnet cream.
• Bonafton ointment.
• ointment "Tromontadine".

However, the most commonly prescribed cream is Acyclovir. It is applied to the rash areas at least five times a day. The average duration of therapy is about a week, with a maximum of ten days. Usually the drug is well tolerated by pregnant women; sometimes a slight burning sensation or dryness of the skin may be felt at the sites of its application.

The remaining antiviral ointments are applied two to four times a day to the intimate area affected by herpes. The duration of treatment is from five to fourteen days.

The use of local drugs often requires parallel administration of immunostimulants. For this purpose, “Timalin”, “Splenin”, “Eleutherococcus”, “Tactivin” are used. Multivitamin complexes with a composition adapted for pregnant women (Vitrum Prenatal, Elevit) are also recommended.

Systemic

It involves the prescription of antiherpetic drugs in the form of tablets or injections. As a rule, it is recommended for primary infection with herpes, as well as in the case of a generalized (widespread) form of the disease. What can be prescribed?

• Acyclovir tablets. For pregnant women, doctors recommend Acyclovir tablets at a dosage of 200 mg up to five times a day. For patients who have a significant decrease in immunity, the dose of the drug is sometimes doubled. The duration of taking the tablets is determined by the attending physician; on average, such therapy lasts from five to ten days.
• "Valacyclovir". There are also recommendations for the use of the antiherpetic drug Valacyclovir (Valtrex) in pregnant women. It is prescribed 500 mg twice a day. The duration of treatment is from five to ten days.
• Acyclovir injections. Severe forms of herpesvirus infection with extensive rashes and severe general condition of the pregnant woman require intravenous administration of Acyclovir. In this case, the dosage is calculated individually at the rate of five mg/kg of weight. Administered every ten hours using a dropper.
• Immunoglobulin. For severe forms of herpes, antiherpetic immunoglobulin is included in the treatment regimen. It is administered intramuscularly once at an interval of three to four days. The usual dosage is 3 ml, it is recommended to make five to seven such injections.
• Interferon. The use of conventional interferon (“Viferon”) is also acceptable. The latter is used in the 1st trimester in the form of an ointment or gel, and from the 14th week of pregnancy it is prescribed in suppositories - one suppository every 12 hours for five days or more.

It should be remembered that self-prescription of medications is completely unacceptable. An incorrect regimen for taking it can harm not only the woman’s health, but also the unborn child. Therefore, how and with what to treat herpes during pregnancy is determined only by a doctor based on laboratory test data (identification of specific IgM, IgG antibodies is required), the prevalence of infection in the body and the severity of clinical manifestations.

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The problem of herpes infection is very relevant at present, since herpes simplex viruses are present in 40% of people aged 25 to 30 years and in 90% of people over 40 years old, i.e. almost the entire adult population of the planet. It is interesting to note that infection directly depends on the social status and type of activity of a person: 80% of prostitutes, 60% of representatives of the lower social stratum of society, 20-40% of people from the middle class, 0-3% of nuns.

The group of diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus is very diverse and extensive, and includes damage to the skin and mucous membranes, eyes, central nervous system and some internal organs. Despite all the apparent simplicity of both the virus itself and its manifestations, the diseases are very difficult to treat and have a number of complications. This is especially true for pregnant women, when, under conditions of increased stress on the body and responsibility not only for themselves, an additional reason for concern arises, and doctors are faced with the eternal question: “How to treat a pregnant woman as effectively as possible without harming the child?”

Causes of exacerbation of herpes during pregnancy

So, the cause of herpetic diseases is the herpes simplex virus, the family of which also includes varicella zoster viruses, shingles viruses, cytomegaloviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and some others. All herpes viruses contain a DNA molecule, which determines their high “survivability” in the body and difficulty of treatment. The most common are viruses of the first type, which cause diseases of the skin of the face, torso, arms and legs, settle in the mouth, eyes, nose, as well as herpes simplex viruses of the second type, which, although similar to the first, prefers to settle on the genitals. Of course, the so-called genital herpes or herpetic lesions of the genital organs can be caused by viruses of the first type and there will be no difference in symptoms, however, a disease of the genital organs caused by viruses of the second type is 10 times more likely to recur and remains untreated for a long time.

The source of infection is a sick person, i.e. one who shows clear signs of herpes, as well as carriers, i.e. those who once suffered from herpes once were cured and had no further episodes of the disease - the so-called latent (hidden) form. In the latent form, virus release from saliva without developing the disease occurs in 2-9% of people, and from the genital tract in 5% of men and 8% of women. The most dangerous are people with obvious manifestations of the disease. Viruses are transmitted mainly through the air, as well as through contact through the skin in the presence of even minor injuries.

Type 2 viruses are transmitted through sexual contact. Transmission of the virus can occur through the placenta during pregnancy. For the first time in life, infection occurs at the age of about 7-8 years, and with the second type of virus during the period of the beginning of active sexual life. The occurrence of the disease does not occur every time the virus enters the body, but only in 30% of cases, and the remaining cases of infection occur without obvious symptoms, and only with a pronounced decrease in immunity (hypothermia, overheating, physical and mental trauma, ultraviolet irradiation, taking certain medications, pregnancy, various diseases accompanied by severe immunodeficiency - HIV infection) the disease may develop.

Viruses enter the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes and multiply there, which is manifested by characteristic rashes or does not manifest itself at all. When the amount of virus in the skin or mucous membrane reaches a sufficiently large number, the virus begins to invade nerve cells and move along long nerves towards the brain and spinal cord.

Nerve cells, due to their high resistance, suppress the activity of viruses and put them into a “dormant” state. When the human body is exposed to external influences, fluctuations occur in the immune system, the balance between restraining forces is disrupted, and the virus can “wake up” and begin to actively multiply. In this case, the virus spreads further along the nerve cells, and new areas of rash appear far from the place where the virus entered the body. The duration and intensity of the disease, the frequency of exacerbations mainly depend on the state of the person’s immunity and the type of virus. When a person first gets sick with herpes, he has not yet developed special protective blood cells (antibodies), so the course of the disease is manifested not only by a specific rash, but also by general symptoms similar to other viral diseases: fever, weakness, malaise, nausea, headache pain.

Herpes symptoms

How does a herpes infection manifest? There is no single classification. According to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10), diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus, depending on the place of development, are grouped as follows:

Herpetic eczema (redness and peeling of the skin);
- herpetic vesicular dermatitis (blisters on the skin with redness around);
- herpetic gingivostomatitis and tonsillopharyngitis (the appearance of blisters and spots on the mucous membrane of the mouth, gums, inner surface of the cheeks, as well as on the lateral and posterior walls of the pharynx and tonsils);
- herpetic meningitis (damage to the meninges);
- herpetic encephalitis (damage to the tissue of the brain itself);
- herpetic eye disease;
- disseminated herpetic disease (presence of rashes on different parts of the body in large numbers);
- anogenital herpetic infection (disease of the rectum, genital organs, urinary tract).

Let us dwell on genital herpes in women, since most often it has a negative impact on a woman’s health and her ability to have healthy children. The first episode of infection has common symptoms such as malaise, general weakness, muscle pain, pain in the lower abdomen, as well as local rashes. The more often a woman gets sick, the greater the likelihood of a latent infection or no exacerbation at all. The rash looks like multiple small blisters on the external genitalia. After a few days, the blisters burst, and ulcers appear in their place, which then become crusty. Itching and burning are a concern; the inguinal lymph nodes may become enlarged, which causes additional discomfort. In addition to the external genitalia, the urethra, cervix, fallopian tubes and uterine mucosa (endometritis) can be affected, which can lead to the inability to get pregnant, chronic miscarriage and infertility. In some cases, large affected areas and frequently recurring exacerbations may serve as prerequisites for the development of cervical cancer.

Infection of the fetus in 90% of cases occurs during childbirth, in 5-8% during pregnancy, and only occasionally after childbirth. Infection with genital herpes during pregnancy can significantly disrupt its normal course and even lead to spontaneous miscarriage. The most dangerous infection for a child is during the second half of pregnancy and immediately before birth, when there is the greatest risk of developing a generalized herpetic infection in the fetus. In this case, the child develops a serious condition with damage to the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, brain, liver, lungs, which can be fatal if treatment with antiviral drugs is not started in time.

Treatment of herpes during pregnancy

Treatment of herpes in pregnant women is very problematic, since the safety of antiviral drugs has not been fully proven. In any case, treatment should only be carried out by a doctor. Acyclovir may be prescribed for treatment. If a woman is diagnosed with herpes during pregnancy, a cesarean section is chosen for delivery, which maximally isolates the baby’s contact with the woman’s infected genital tract. Sometimes, with known frequent exacerbations of herpes before and during pregnancy, preventive treatment can be carried out a month before childbirth, which will make it possible to prevent exacerbations during childbirth and the woman will be able to give birth on her own. Of course, the approach to each woman in labor is individual; many factors, the condition of the woman and the fetus are assessed, and a decision is made on the method of childbirth.

Despite all the measures taken by doctors, one cannot be 100% sure that the unborn baby will not become infected with herpes, therefore, even after birth, careful monitoring of him is necessary.

In addition to medications aimed at destroying the virus in the body, so-called symptomatic drugs are used that soften or remove those symptoms that disturb general comfort. In the presence of severe swelling and itching, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines are prescribed. Vitamins and immunomodulators are prescribed to increase the level of tissue protection, their regenerative abilities, and reduce the fragility of blood vessels.

Again, during pregnancy, most of the above medications are contraindicated or should be used with caution, and be sure to consult a doctor before use. You can give preference to local treatment when the risk of the drug getting into the blood is minimal. You can lubricate the rash areas with various dyes (potassium permanganate, brilliant green, fucorcin). It is better not to remove the crusts, but if they become large, you can soften them using oxolinic ointment, which has an antiviral effect, or any other ointment, but boron-bismuth or dermatol ointment is better. If there are deep ulcers, it is better to heal them with gel-based preparations so that there is no acidification and weeping on the wound. Solcoseryl gel will do.

In most cases, the prognosis for treatment of herpetic infection is favorable, however, severe forms, complicated by encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, can be fatal. If the eyes are affected, vision loss may occur.

In order to prevent the spread of infection and the development of irreversible consequences, it is necessary to apply preventive measures. You should stop having casual sex and be sure to use a condom. To prevent infection of the fetus, pregnant women suffering from herpes should immediately consult a doctor and begin timely treatment; young mothers should protect their babies from contact with patients who have herpes.

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy

No less significant is the problem of herpes on the lips. Herpetic skin lesions are the most common and, in addition to general inconvenience, also cause concern about appearance, as they look extremely unaesthetic. One or more small blisters with redness around them appear on the lips, around the mouth, on the chin, and on the wings of the nose. The areas of the rash are itchy, there is a burning sensation and pain. After 2-3 days, the blisters burst and crusts form in their place, which fall off on their own after 5-8 days. If there are a lot of bubbles, then the body temperature may rise, weakness, chills, and muscle pain may appear. As a rule, the disease goes away on its own, but in order to avoid possible complications it is necessary to take antiviral treatment.

The likelihood of transmission of viral particles during pregnancy from mother to fetus is low, but if the virus is activated during an exacerbation, it can pass through the placenta to the fetus. In addition, the virus can be transmitted to the newborn through contact of a sick mother with the baby’s skin, as well as if the mother neglects the rules of personal hygiene and licks a fallen pacifier or uses the same towel or cosmetics for both herself and the baby.

As a rule, to treat minor rashes in pregnant women, ointments containing acyclovir or penciclovir can be used topically, after treating the areas with the rash with cologne or antiseptic lotion. Treatment with ointments should be started as early as possible, when the bubbles have just appeared and there are few of them, or even before they appear, in case of redness, tingling - in the first 1-2 days. If the number of rashes is large and general signs of malaise appear, then after consultation with a specialist, acyclovir should be used orally in dosages selected by the doctor. In addition, interferon and interferon inducer (drugs that stimulate the production of one’s own interferon) are prescribed to stimulate one’s own antiviral immunity.

Treatment takes about 10 days, the rash goes away without a trace, but the virus does not leave the body and we must remember this, follow the rules of personal hygiene, lead a healthy lifestyle, and strengthen the immune system.

Herpes on the lips is a widespread, highly contagious (contagious) infection that manifests itself as rashes of characteristic blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Bubbles filled with clear liquid appear in small groups and are painful; they are usually grouped at the upper or lower border of the lips. The causative agent of the disease is the herpes simplex virus HSV-1.

Statistics say that more than 97% of the inhabitants of our planet are infected with this virus, and if a herpes infection has entered the body, it is impossible to get rid of it and the virus remains with a person for life. At the same time, each carrier produces antibodies in the blood that suppress the manifestations of herpes. The virus can “dormant” for years, but is easily activated if the body’s immune defense weakens.

Therefore, manifestations of herpes often plague pregnant women, since it is during this period that hormonal changes in the entire body occur and the immune system often malfunctions. Many women are interested in how to treat herpes on the lips during pregnancy, and is this virus dangerous during pregnancy?

The main cause of herpes is decreased immunity. Most people become infected with the herpes virus during childhood. It is easily transmitted by airborne droplets and household contact, so you can become infected with it through household items (towels, clothes, dishes) or from a sick person by sneezing, coughing, or even normal conversation. The infection is often passed on to the baby by the mother during childbirth.

Primary infection is accompanied by characteristic symptoms, but then the virus can live in the body for many years without showing itself, and returns in relapses when the immune system is weakened, which can be provoked by the following unfavorable factors:

• Colds
• Chronic foci of infection
• Hypothermia of the body
• Overwork, stress, nervous breakdowns
• Poor nutrition
• Drinking alcohol, smoking
• Pregnancy period

It is during pregnancy that significant changes occur in a woman’s body, which can be accompanied by an exacerbation of existing chronic diseases and dysfunction of the immune system.

That is, this period is the most favorable for the appearance of herpetic rashes. For expectant mothers, such unexpected “surprises” raise reasonable fears for the health of the unborn child and make them think about Is herpes on the lips dangerous during pregnancy?

Symptoms

The effect of the virus on the body of the expectant mother and fetus can be different and largely depends on the duration of pregnancy and on whether the virus manifested itself for the first time or whether the woman already suffered from herpetic rashes before pregnancy. If the expectant mother was already familiar with the symptoms of herpes, then there is no need to worry, there are antibodies in her body, and there is no danger to the baby’s health.

But if symptoms of herpes first appeared during pregnancy, this is a reason to urgently consult a doctor, since there is a high probability of adverse effects on the fetus. What symptoms should you look out for?

During initial infection, symptoms may not appear immediately, since the incubation period of the virus ranges from 3 to 10 days. The development of herpes occurs gradually and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Signs of intoxication of the body (headache, aches in muscles and joints, nausea, fever).
• There is a feeling of itching and burning in the mouth area.
• There is swelling and swelling of the lips.
• Painful blisters filled with liquid appear on the edges or corners of the lips.
• After some time, the blisters burst, leaving weeping sores in their place.
• The surface of the ulcers becomes crusty, the lips dry out, and the delicate skin may crack and bleed.

The primary and recurrent process on the lips manifests itself in the same way. If these symptoms appear, the expectant mother should see a doctor, who will prescribe treatment taking into account the patient’s condition and select medications that do not have a negative effect on the fetus.

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is especially dangerous during primary infection. If a woman has not previously suffered from manifestations of the virus, it means that there are no antibodies in her body, and infection with a herpes infection can have serious consequences.

Primary infection with the virus can negatively affect the intrauterine development of the fetus, since it is in the first three months that the formation of the main organs and systems of the unborn child is actively underway. This situation can lead to miscarriage, frozen pregnancy, or cause developmental defects in the embryo. Intrauterine infection with the virus can lead to such serious consequences as:

• Brain underdevelopment
• Eye infections (inflammation of the cornea, blurred vision)
• Nervous system dysfunction
• Hearing impairment
• Delayed physical and mental development

In the case when herpes on the lips reappears, and the expectant mother has previously encountered its symptoms, the danger is low, since the child is protected by antibodies produced by the mother’s body. However, if rashes appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo treatment.

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is no less dangerous if the infection occurs for the first time. At 4 months, all the baby’s vital organs have already formed and the likelihood of serious fetal malformations is much lower than in early pregnancy. But at this time, the active formation of the nervous system, reproductive organs and bone tissue is underway.

Therefore, the herpes virus can disrupt the correct formation of these systems, provoke a delay in fetal development or cause premature birth. If a woman has previously had herpes, then manifestations of the virus during the 2nd trimester will not have negative consequences for the baby.

Primary infection with the herpes virus in the later stages can pose a threat not only to the child, but also to the mother, since the infection further weakens the already undermined protective functions of the body and can be complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection. Infection with the virus after 36 weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of the fetus developing diseases of the nervous system, skin and internal organs (liver, spleen), and in the most severe cases can lead to the birth of a stillborn child.

To protect your baby from serious pathologies, you should promptly seek medical help. Specialists neutralize the negative impact of the virus with special medications, and to prevent infection of the child during childbirth, they can use a caesarean section.

If a woman has previously had rashes on her lips, then a recurrence of herpes will not cause concern to the doctor, since the mother’s body has formed antibodies that pass to the child and protect him from infection.

An experienced doctor can easily diagnose herpes on the lips during a visual examination. In some cases, during primary infection, the symptoms of the disease can be mistaken for manifestations of atopic dermatitis or bacterial impetigo, which are also characterized by the appearance of blistering rashes. Therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional tests to determine the presence of the virus in the body. These are such accurate and reliable methods as:

1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study determines the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus, which indicates that the body has already encountered the virus and has developed protection against it.
2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study allows you to detect the DNA of the virus in the material taken for analysis (blood, saliva, amniotic fluid).
3. A specific HSV immunospot test will not only determine the presence of the virus, but will also clarify its belonging to one type or another.

To conduct research, a pregnant woman will need to have her blood tested. Blood is taken on an empty stomach, and the day before the test is taken, it is not recommended to eat fatty foods.

What to do if herpes appears on the lips during pregnancy - treatment with drugs

Treatment of herpes on the lips during pregnancy comes down to relieving individual symptoms and prescribing medications that weaken the virus during initial infection or during exacerbation of the disease.

To eliminate external manifestations, it is recommended to use ointments. The doctor will select topical medications that will be harmless to the expectant mother and baby. The medicinal components of these drugs should not penetrate the mother’s bloodstream, this will eliminate the risk of their penetration through the placenta to the baby.

Treatment of herpes on the lips is most effective in the early stages. Therefore, if you suspect a herpetic rash, you should use a proven topical remedy. So, if there is discomfort in the lip area, a burning sensation or subcutaneous tingling sensation, you need to use antiviral ointment. This will help prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading through the mucous membranes.

The most popular antiviral agents are Acyclovir, Vivorax, Gervirax, Acigerpin ointments. They help reduce symptoms and reduce the activity of herpetic eruptions. Antiviral ointments based on acyclovir exhibit a therapeutic effect on the surface of the skin, without penetrating into the blood and tissues and without adversely affecting the fetus. Use these products for a week, lubricating the herpes lesions up to 5 times a day.

In addition to products with acyclovir, there are other, no less effective ointments containing antiviral components:

• Panavir
• Penciclovir
• Viferon
• Tromantadine
• Viru-Merz - serol

In addition to these drugs, you can use oxolinic, tetracycline, erythromycin, tebrofen ointments. For severe rashes, the doctor may prescribe cauterization with a solution of interferon with vitamin E.

Separately, we should highlight preparations with herbal components that are effective against the main symptoms of herpes infection:

• Lomagerpan (cream) – contains lemon balm leaves
• Biopin (ointment) – the basis of the drug is the resin of relict pine trees
• Tykveol is a preparation created on the basis of pumpkin oil.
• Hyporamine (gel) – created on the basis of sea buckthorn leaves

These products are completely safe for the health of the mother and the unborn child, since they do not contain chemical components and are not capable of having a negative effect on the body.

To maintain the body's defenses, pregnant women are prescribed vitamin and mineral complexes. Particularly useful are biological supplements or vitamin complexes containing zinc and vitamin E. In addition, as prescribed by a doctor, antiviral drugs can be prescribed in the form of tablets for oral administration. They will help completely suppress the symptoms of the virus if you start taking them at the initial stage of the disease.

The drug Valacyclovir has the most powerful effect. If this remedy is started to be taken within 12 hours after the first symptoms of herpes appear, then there is no need to worry about the main signs of the disease in the form of blistering rashes. Valacyclovir should be taken twice: the first time, 4 tablets are taken at the initial symptoms of infection, the second time, in the same amount (4 tablets), the drug is taken after 12 hours.

Unfortunately, modern medicine does not have the means to completely destroy the pathogen. Medicines can only weaken the virus and put it back into a “dormant” state.

To strengthen the immune system, it is useful for pregnant women to take immunostimulating herbal preparations: tincture of ginseng, echinacea or eleutherococcus.

In addition, doctors advise supplementing the course of therapy with certain dietary restrictions. Some foods, such as chocolate or raisins, contain the amino acid arginine, which enhances the activity of the virus, so they should be excluded from the daily diet. It is recommended to include fresh vegetables, fruits and chicken in the menu. These products are rich in the beneficial amino acid lysine, which helps stop the reproduction of the herpes virus in the body.

Doctors recommend drinking more fluids in cases where the pregnant woman does not have kidney problems and there is no swelling. It is useful to include drinks containing vitamin C in the menu: rosehip infusion, green tea, tea with lemon, freshly squeezed fruit juices.

Treatment of herpes on the lips during pregnancy with folk remedies

Many women during pregnancy do not want to use medications, so they can be recommended to treat herpes on the lips using traditional recipes.

After the ulcers on the lips become covered with a dry crust, it is recommended to use products that accelerate tissue regeneration and promote healing. For this purpose, use sea buckthorn oil, calendula ointment, tea tree or fir essential oils.

Many people use such simple and proven remedies as: black tea, baking soda, salt. Baking soda or table salt is dissolved in boiled water and the rashes are treated with this solution. When using tea to treat lesions, use strong tea leaves.

Ice can be used to reduce inflammation. It is wrapped in a sterile napkin and applied to the affected area. Another recipe advises treating herpes with eggshells, or rather with the inner film lining it from the inside. Traditional healers claim that the film has an anti-inflammatory effect; it should be carefully separated from the shell and applied to the source of herpes.

Gum resin (oleoresin) helps get rid of “colds” on the lips. Its application speeds up the healing process. Resin is able to have a preventive effect and prevent the recurrence of rashes. If there are abundant manifestations of herpes on the lips, the blisters can be cauterized with medical alcohol or Corvalol solution.

Disease prevention

In order to eliminate the possibility of herpes on the lips, several months before the expected pregnancy you should strengthen your immune system, get rid of bad habits, undergo a full examination of the body and cure chronic foci of infection.

• Expectant mothers need to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits, toughen up, and engage in active sports. Concomitant diseases should be treated in a timely manner and hypothermia and overheating in the sun should be avoided.
• Persons prone to frequent relapses of the disease are advised to use sunscreen when going outside, since the sun's rays can activate the virus.
• Try not to come into contact with a person who has herpetic rashes. Do not share dishes and household items, towels and bed linen. All dishes must be individual.
• Remember that “colds” on the lips are contagious, so strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene.
• Do not touch herpetic rashes with your hands, avoid contact of the rash with water, otherwise the infection can easily spread to other parts of the body.
• It is strictly forbidden to pierce or open blisters on the lips. This can cause infection and increased inflammation.
• Do not use someone else's mascara, lipstick or other cosmetic products.
• If rashes appear on the lips, you should not kiss or touch the child with your lips. During this time, it is recommended to wear a medical face covering.
• Before going outside, you should apply a special anti-herpetic lipstick containing tea tree oil to your lips.
• Try to avoid stress and nervous tension. Good rest and healthy sleep will help maintain your health.

By following these simple tips, you will reduce the likelihood of a herpes infection and prevent the development of possible complications.