What is perioral herpes and how should it be managed?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, perioral herpes may be caused by不良 dietary habits, mental stress, local skin damage, endocrine changes, viral infections, and other factors. In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and actively engage in physical exercise to enhance immunity, which is beneficial for the patient's recovery.
Generally, perioral herpes may be caused by unhealthy eating habits, mental stress, local skin injuries, endocrine changes, or viral infections. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Unhealthy Eating Habits
If one frequently consumes spicy, greasy, or irritating foods, these may irritate the skin around the mouth and lips, causing heatiness (excess internal heat according to traditional Chinese medicine), making the skin more sensitive and prone to viral infection, thus leading to herpes. Usually, no special treatment is required. It is recommended to maintain a light and healthy diet, and symptoms will gradually subside after a period of rest.
2. Mental Stress
When a person experiences emotional states such as tension, anxiety, or depression, the body secretes certain stress hormones that can suppress immune system function, thereby reducing the body's resistance to viruses and triggering perioral herpes. It is advisable to maintain a cheerful mood in daily life and avoid physical discomfort caused by excessive stress.
3. Local Skin Injury
If the skin around the lips sustains abrasions, scratches, or other physical injuries, viruses may more easily penetrate into the skin. This can allow the herpes simplex virus to enter skin cells and cause infection, resulting in perioral herpes. Treatment may include medications such as Amoxicillin capsules, Ibuprofen capsules, or Celecoxib capsules, under a doctor's guidance.
4. Endocrine Changes
During special periods such as menstruation or pregnancy, women may experience significant fluctuations in hormone levels, which could affect immune system function and activate dormant herpes simplex virus, thereby causing perioral herpes. Treatment may include medications such as Acyclovir tablets, Ribavirin tablets, or Valacyclovir hydrochloride granules, as directed by a physician.
5. Direct Infection
The herpes simplex virus can spread through direct contact, such as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils, towels, or other personal items. The virus may thus transfer from the infected person to a healthy individual. Treatment may include medications such as Famciclovir tablets, Aspirin enteric-coated tablets, or multivitamin tablets, as directed by a physician.
In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and actively engage in physical exercise to enhance immunity, which is beneficial for recovery from the condition.
