A young Filipino female consulted with the following:
“may mga tumutubo ksi around my lips area, it started out as a crack/ dry lips then i noticed 2 days ago parang may blister na”
“then ngayon dumadami na”
“should i put a topical ointment already?”
She showed me pictures.
May 24, 2020 (2 days already)
My diagnosis and advices:
“singaw. just observe. Don’t scratch. constantly wash it with soap and water. may take 2 weeks to resolve or even more. NO kissing.”
“Look at my experience —–>>>> https://rojosonmedicalclinic.wordpress.com/2016/05/23/herpes-simplex-labialis/“
“Pls. document also like me. No topical ointment. Just wash. Take pictures every other day with indicated days. thanks”
Clinical Diagnosis: Herpes Simplex Labialis
Herpes simplex is a common viral infection that presents with localised blistering. If it affects the lips, it is called herpes simplex labialis.
Treatment?
Mild cases – spontaneously resolved within 2 weeks.
Just WATCH AND WAIT.
Why no need for medications? NOT COST-EFFECTIVE!
About medications:
Treatment with indifferent (zinc oxide and zinc sulfate), anesthetic, or antiviral cream has a small favourable effect on the duration of the symptoms, if applied promptly. This is also the case with oral antiviral medication.
http://www.cfp.ca/content/54/12/1683.full
Effective antiviral medications include acyclovir and penciclovir, which can speed healing by as much as 10%.
Harmenberg J, Oberg B, Spruance S (2010). “Prevention of ulcerative lesions by episodic treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: A literature review”.Acta Derm. Venereol. 90 (2): 122–30.
http://medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-0806
Prices of medications:
Zovirax (Aciclovir) cream 5% x 2 g (P636.20) – Apply 5x a day at 4-hourly intervals
Zovirax (Aciclovir) tablet 200mg x25 (P2,501.30) – 200mg 1 tab every 4 hours 5 x/ day x 5 days
Valtrex (Valaciclovir) tablet 500 mg x 10 (P1666.80) – 2 gm bid for 1 day
Will follow-up.
ROJ@20may24
PS:
ROJoson Telemedical Consultation
ROJoson – ready with answers and advices – reinforced with personal experience and health information
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MY PAST WRITINGS PAID OFF – USEFUL BEFORE, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
A patient consulted me for lesions on the side of the lips showing me pictures.
Just by looking at the pictures, my diagnosis is herpes simplex. I gave her advice and at the same time, reinforced my advice with a documented personal experience. I myself had herpes simplex before.
Follow-up of above patient:
Improving with anti-viral drugs.
COMPLETELY HEALED AT DAY 14
Another patient with singaw on the lips
ROJ@20may24;20may29;20may31;20jun9