What causes herpes sores on the lips?

Herpes on the lips may be caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, vitamin deficiencies, dry lips, herpes simplex, or angular cheilitis. Appropriate management can be selected based on specific circumstances. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended to avoid delaying treatment.

1. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Irregular sleep patterns, long-term late nights, and diets high in spicy or irritating foods may lead to decreased immunity and endocrine disorders, which can cause lip herpes. It is recommended to improve lifestyle habits, maintain regular sleep schedules, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, eat light meals, drink plenty of water, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Vitamin deficiency: An imbalanced diet lacking in B-complex vitamins and vitamin C may affect the normal metabolism of the lip mucosa, making it prone to herpes. Maintain a balanced diet, eat more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, and take multivitamin supplements as advised by a physician if necessary.

3. Dry lips: Dry climates and lip-licking habits can cause moisture loss from the lips, damage the lip skin barrier, reduce resistance, and easily trigger herpes. Use lip balm to keep the lips moisturized, break the habit of lip licking, and avoid irritation from wind and sun exposure.

4. Herpes simplex: Caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus, when immunity decreases, the virus becomes active and forms clustered small blisters around the lips, accompanied by pain and burning sensations. It is recommended to use acyclovir cream, penciclovir cream, or acyclovir tablets as directed by a physician to promote healing.

5. Angular cheilitis: Inflammation at the corners of the mouth caused by malnutrition, infections, or other factors, resulting in herpes, erosion, crusting, pain, and itching along the lip margins. Patients may follow medical advice to use erythromycin ointment, vitamin B2 tablets, or Kangfuxin liquid to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, maintain clean and moisturized lips, avoid consuming irritating foods, and avoid contact with irritating cosmetics.

References:

[1] Sun Luquan. Clinical observation of acyclovir in chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent herpes labialis [J]. Tianjin Pharmacy, 2013, 25(06): 34-35.

[2] Zong Xiaoyi. Clinical efficacy analysis of combined vitamin B and Shengxuebao granules in treating iron-deficiency anemia complicated with angular cheilitis [J]. Medical Theory and Practice, 2023, 36(09): 1501-1503. DOI:10.19381/j.issn.1001-7585.2023.09.020.