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Exposure to the sun, moments of intense tension and the arrival of the menstrual cycle can give way to the rise of theherpes labialis, a virus that somehow lives inside us, because it is always in the nerve ganglia where it is unassailable.
When it shows up
With the presence of some external elements, in some people (20% of cases on average) the virus recurs and with it itching, blisters, scabs in a path that is almost always classic and sometimes involves a kind of weakness, so much so that once there was talk of fever on the lips.
After healing from the primary infection, which sometimes does not create any disturbance, the herpes labialis virus remains dormant for life in the body in the sensory ganglia corresponding to the infected area and therefore can cause re-infections.
Countermeasures
In the end, many artisanal and scientifically based remedies do not have great effects on the evolution of lip discomfort. For example, lemon juice applied to the area affected by the virus not only does not counteract it but can induce a very strong burning on the uncovered mucous membranes. There are those who aim to mask the vesicles with toothpaste, even in this case it is really of little use. Instead it can be useful to apply several times a day on the lip a small ice cube, because it can somehow reduce inflammation and discomfort.
As for drugs, there are ointments that contain antivirals, which to be effective should be applied at the very beginning of the picture. In any case, they can shorten the course of the disease, but it is not that they change the history of the infection. Self-soluble patches can likewise help.
In terms of prevention and even when the virus is present, it is always advisable to protect yourself from exposure to sunlight.
The role of nutrition
There are some studies that seem to show that the cofactor that triggers the infection again is an amino acid, called arginine. In theory who is at risk of developing herpes labialis, should be on the lookout for foods rich in this amino acid, such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and some types of red wine, as well as fatty, spice-rich and jelly foods.
On the preventive front, there are those who recommend foods rich in lysine, such as milk, fresh cheese, seafood, fish and meat. But we are in the field of theory, what matters is not to get too tired and to control stress.
To follow the Herpes labialis daily health pill, click and listen here
“Daily Health Pills” is the podcast series by DiLei TakeCare, curated by Federico Mereta. In each episode we talk about prevention, care and good habits.
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