Ointment for colds on the lips: what, when and what to ointment?

Antiviral and antibacterial ointment for cold sores (herpes) is the most common treatment for this disease. Ointments should be used without delay, at the initial stage - immediately as soon as you feel that the skin in the corners of the mouth and the inner surface of the lips begins to tingle, sting, turn red and itch. Scratching is absolutely forbidden - the "vavka" can spread over half of the face.

With the arrival of cold weather, the human immune system, which protects the body from infections, begins to fail: people catch colds more often and complain of malaise. It is at this time that pathogenic microbes and viruses get a chance to show their "abilities", for example, in the form of cold sores on the lips.

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Ointment for cold sores - herpes

When we talk about cold sores on the lips - itching and unpleasant blisters, we are talking about herpes. This is a virus (herpes simplex virus), which, according to experts from the WHO (World Health Organization), infects every 9 out of 10 people on our planet.

The biological peculiarity of this virus-tenant is that it enters the human body and parasitizes in it. And it manifests itself during hypothermia, exhaustion, vitamin deficiency, stress and attacks of other infections (ARI, ARVI, flu). Since a way to get rid of the herpes virus once and for all has not yet been found, there is only one thing left: to strengthen the immune system.

Cold sore ointment is applied to itchy areas of skin or to already appeared blisters filled with liquid, several times a day for 4-5 days. Use cotton swabs for this manipulation, and if you touch the sore spot with your fingers, immediately wash your hands with hot water and soap. And in general, to prevent someone from catching an infection, use a separate towel, cup and cutlery.

For the treatment of herpes on the lips, doctors recommend a number of effective external remedies - antiviral ointments. These are ointments "Acyclovir", "Zovirax", "Vectavir", "Gerpevir", "Gerpferon", "Gerperax", "Virolex", "Vivorax" and others. All these drugs are analogues - trade marks of different manufacturers (and, accordingly, different prices). Both the use and the effectiveness of these analogue drugs are identical, since the main active ingredient in their composition is the same - acyclovir.

And this substance is very effective in ointments for cold sores. The products of acyclovir metabolism are introduced into the DNA of the herpes virus and disrupt the process of its reproduction, so new rashes on the lips do not occur. By the way, for the creation of acyclovir, the American pharmacologist Gertrude Elion received the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1988.

Other topical medications are also recommended for herpes. For example, the ointment "Viru-Merz", which contains the substance tromantadine. This drug acts quickly and effectively: an improvement can be seen within a day of its use. However, there is a side effect in the form of possible acute inflammation of the skin (dermatitis).

Antiviral drug "Alpizarin" - ointment for cold sores on the lips based on the medicinal plant kopecknik. In addition to the fact that this ointment has antiviral activity against the herpes virus, it increases the production of gamma interferon in human blood cells. 5% ointment "Alpizarin" is used to lubricate rashes 4-6 times a day. Treatment is carried out from 3-5 days to 3-4 weeks - depending on the severity of the disease.

2-3% Tebrofen ointment for cold sores is used to lubricate the affected areas during the first week of the disease - 3-4 times a day. This remedy can cause a side effect - burning at the site of application of the ointment.

The basis of the ointment "Gossypol" (3% liniment) is the substance gossypol, which is obtained by processing cotton seeds or from cotton roots. This ointment should be applied to the problem area at least 4-6 times a day for a week. Burning and reddening of the skin may be a side effect.

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"Acyclovir" - ointment for cold sores

The drug "Acyclovir" for external use is available in the form of an ointment and a cream. This ointment for cold sores on the lips is recommended to be used at the first symptoms of the disease, since its main antiviral component - acyclovir - prevents the formation of new elements of the rash, accelerates the formation of crusts and thereby reduces the likelihood of the virus spreading from the primary focus to the skin of the face.

For simple herpes of the skin and mucous membranes, the ointment is applied 5 times a day - every hour. Treatment lasts from 5 to 10 days. Contraindications include individual intolerance to the drug, pregnancy and lactation in women. And side effects can be expressed in the form of pain, burning and itching when it gets on the mucous membranes, as well as skin rash.

As pharmacists note, prolonged or repeated treatment with the ointment for cold sores on the lips "Acyclovir" in patients with significant immune deficiency can lead to the emergence of strains of viruses that are insensitive to the action of the drug.

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Ointment for colds in the nose

The manifestation of the herpes simplex virus is often observed in the nasolabial triangle area - under the nose, on the wings of the nose and on the inner surface of the nostrils. Its main symptoms are: severe itching and burning in the nose, redness and small blisters in and around the nose.

In this case, medications are prescribed to stimulate the immune system, and locally - as with cold sores - antiviral ointments are used: Acyclovir, Zovirax, Herpevir (or their analogues), Alpizarin, Gossypol.

The ointment for a cold in the nose "Tromandadin" is recommended in the early stages of the disease, that is, before the formation of blisters. The ointment is applied to the damaged areas (lightly rubbing) 3-5 times a day, but it is possible more often - depending on the condition of the skin and mucous membranes of the nose. However, if after two days from the start of using the ointment there is no improvement, treatment with tromantadine should be stopped.

Side effects of this ointment for a cold in the nose are manifested in the form of local skin allergies (allergic dermatitis), as well as increased itching, swelling, redness and pain.

If a cold in the nose is not associated with herpes, and you are bothered by burning and dryness in the nose, as well as difficulty breathing through the nose and excessive formation of dry crusts on the nasal mucosa, then this may be atrophic rhinitis - chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. But only an ENT doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. The causes of this disease are hidden in such external factors as dry climate, increased gas pollution or dustiness of the air.

In this case, various medications for external use - drops and ointments for the nose - are very helpful. But it is very difficult to independently determine how to treat this disease, so it is better to consult a doctor.

Drying and inflammation of the nasal mucosa is a common symptom of catarrhal chronic rhinitis caused by infection. To get rid of these symptoms, antimicrobial ointments such as sulfanilamide and salicylic, as well as antiseptic ointments "Bactroban" and "Boromenthol" are used.

Ointment for cold sores on the face

Cold sores on the face, caused by the activation of the herpes virus in the human body, can manifest themselves in the form of itching, redness and rashes on the cheeks, in the ear area and on the forehead. As well as general malaise and even fever.

According to medical statistics, the herpes virus, dormant in the human body, is activated from time to time (especially during cold weather and weakened immunity) in 17-20% of people. Doctors call this phenomenon a relapse, which often appears as rashes on the skin of the face.

In addition to the already mentioned ointments "Acyclovir", "Zovirax", "Gerpevir" and other drugs of this series, use the ointment for colds on the face "Cycloferon", which includes interferon. Interferon activates the immune system, fights inflammation and accelerates the healing process of affected areas of the skin. This liniment (liquid ointment) is applied in a thin layer to skin rashes 1 time per day for 5 days.

Ointment for colds on the face "Bactroban" is used for skin diseases caused by a wide range of microbes and bacteria, including the herpes virus. This ointment is used to lubricate skin rashes: 4-5 times for 5 days. It is contraindicated for use in case of kidney dysfunction and is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

Tetracycline ointment for colds

Used to treat many diseases, tetracycline ointment for colds is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic. This drug does not kill germs, but stops their growth and reproduction.

Tetracycline ointment has been used for so long that some microbes no longer react to it. However, it is very effective in combating pimples and acne on the face, as well as in the treatment of trophic ulcers and furunculosis. And for cold sores caused by herpes, it is recommended to use it at the stage of crust formation, since tetracycline suppresses protein synthesis in the cells of pathogenic microorganisms.

The ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin 1-2 times a day. The treatment lasts from several days to 2-3 weeks.

Allergic reactions: burning, hyperemia of the skin, swelling or other signs of irritation. Contraindications: hypersensitivity and childhood (under 11 years).

Oxolinic ointment for colds

During the season of colds and respiratory infections, it is necessary to protect your body. Especially since viruses are trying to get into it the shortest way - through the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

And here the oxolinic ointment for colds, tried and tested by generations, will help – cheap but effective. It is enough to lubricate the “entrance” to the nose (the inner side of both nostrils) with this ointment before leaving the house, and the “doors” of the body for any infection transmitted by airborne droplets will be closed.

That is, a thin layer of antiviral oxolinic ointment (0.25%), active against adenoviruses, herpes viruses and influenza viruses, will prevent them from getting on the nasal mucosa, which means they will not be able to reach the capillaries and spread through your body with the bloodstream.

At night, the remains of oxolinic ointment should be removed - rinse the inside of the nostrils with warm water. Pregnant women are not recommended to use oxolinic ointment for antiviral prophylaxis for more than 25 days in a row.

By the way, the main active ingredient of this wonderful ointment is oxoline, and its full name is dioxotetrahydroxytetrahydronaphthalene.

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Ointment under the nose for colds

We have just told you about oxolinic ointment and its correct use. Now – about another equally legendary ointment for colds under the nose. And this is, of course, the ointment-balm "Golden Star" - a locally irritating, distracting and antiseptic preparation of plant origin.

The composition of the ointment "Golden Star" includes: menthol, camphor, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil and cinnamon oil. All this is combined with Vaseline, beeswax and lanolin.

The composition of essential oils, compiled according to the traditions of Eastern medicine, provides a therapeutic and preventive effect of this balm for many diseases and, first of all, for colds. For its prevention, you need to apply a small amount of ointment to the index finger and rub it with light movements into the skin under the nose and around it, as well as in the submandibular region and on the back of the head.

To get rid of a runny nose during a cold, "Golden Star" is applied both under the nose and on the bridge of the nose. Moreover, in the second case, it is good to massage the reflex zones located between the bridge of the nose and the cheekbones.

It should be borne in mind that using this ointment under the nose for colds is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the substances included in the balm, as well as for children under two years of age.