Herpes Simplex Virus-3

Treatment
Antiviral treatments – recurrent infections can be treated with anti viral creams containing penciclovir or aciclovir drugs, available OTC under brand names Zovirax and Soothelip. These help in speeding up the healing of cold sores. The key using these creams effectively is to apply them with the first signs of occurrence of cold sores, to control the spread and replication of virus at this stage. As soon as one feels the tingling feeling of infection, they should use the cream up to 5 times in a day for 4 – 5 days. These creams cannot kill the virus or prevent recurrence; they only tackle the current outbreak by accelerating the healing process of sores.
If one has a severe bout of cold sores or has other immune system problems like HIV or taking chemotherapy, there could be risk of complications like encephalitis (swelling of brain) or infection spreading to the other body parts such as eyes (called herpetic keratoconjunctivitis). One must contact GP in these cases. They might be prescribed antiviral oral tablets or referred to specialists depending on the severity of condition or other medical problems that might require attention.
Non-antiviral treatments – these are creams available OTC which help in relieving cold sore irritations, sold under brand names Cymex, Bonjela and Blistex. They are not specifically for treating cold sores and do not help in the healing process, all they do is help ease the symptoms of pain, itchiness and dryness of the sores.
Application of the antiviral and non-antiviral creams needs proper care for better and effective use. These should only be dabbed not rubbed on the affected areas to avoid further skin damage. Washing hands before and after cream application is important to avoid spread of infection. Avoid touching the sores and sharing the creams with other people.
Any associated pain can be treated with analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen. One should avoid ibuprofen if asthmatic or have had ulcers in stomach. Children under 16 should avoid aspirin. Expecting women who have cold sores need to contact GP before taking any treatment.
Treatment of Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis: as already mentioned above, this appears more commonly in children as a result of primary infection of the herpes simplex virus. It is important to contact the GP, who can prescribe medication to treat the associated symptoms. If the infection causes pain in throat and mouth, you might be advised benzydamine in the form of an oral spray or rinse. Fever or pain can also be treated with analgesics like paracetamol and ibuprofen. If brushing teeth causes gum inflammation, you can use an antiseptic mouth rinse to prevent build up of plaque and other secondary infections.
In rare conditions, gingivostomatitis can cause labial adhesions or lips sticking together at places. This can be prevented with use of Vaseline or lypsyl creams.
Gingivostomatitis can cause dehydration leading to headaches, exhaustion, less urination, irritability. It also leads to loss of appetite due to pain in throat and mouth. It is very important to be replenishing the body with lots of fluids and food to prevent the associated symptoms. If one does get dehydrated, fluids might have to be administered intravenously in the hospital.
The infection generally has a 14 days course and may take up to 3 weeks for the sores to heal. If the symptoms persist beyond this time, one should contact GP who might refer you to a specialist.
Expecting mothers, newborns and people with immune system related disorders are also referred to specialists for treatment of gingivostomatitis.