One month after lip injection, Ms. T. discovered blisters on her lips. Within two days, the condition quickly became serious with discharge and crusting.
Through medical history, it was learned that 1 month ago, Ms. T. had her lips tattooed at a cosmetic facility. Two days ago, blisters appeared on her lips, then 1 day later, fluid started to leak and form scabs. Although she applied acyclovir at home, her condition did not improve. Worried, Ms. T. went for a thorough examination.
Ms. T. was clinically examined and performed paraclinical tests.
HSV antibody testing was positive for HSV-1 IgM, consistent with acute infection. Culture of fluid from the lip lesion revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, indicating a secondary infection.
Based on clinical manifestations and paraclinical results, the patient was diagnosed with Herpes Simplex virus superinfection with Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was prescribed a treatment regimen including: Oral and topical antibiotics, oral Acyclovir, and instructions for home lip care.
After 4 days, the symptoms were significantly reduced. The patient continued to follow the treatment regimen and had regular check-ups. Currently, after completing the treatment, the patient's lips have fully recovered, without leaving any scars or complications.
Herpes on the lips and things to know
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thu Trang - Dermatology Specialist, MEDLATEC General Clinic, Facility 2 said, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common dermatological virus, mainly consisting of two main strains: HSV-1: Mainly causes lesions in the mouth, lips and face and HSV-2: Often related to genital infections.
Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria that lives on the skin and can invade and cause infection when the skin or mucous membranes are damaged. Staphylococcus aureus superinfection occurs when lesions created by HSV become a gateway for staphylococcal bacteria to invade, leading to more complicated and difficult-to-treat infections.
HSV is transmitted mainly through direct contact with secretions from blisters, saliva or through contaminated objects such as towels, toothbrushes, drinking glasses. The virus can also be transmitted through unsterile cosmetic procedures such as lip tattooing, eyelid surgery. Staphylococcus aureus enters through open wounds or lesions on the skin, and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated surfaces and objects.
To prevent the disease, Dr. Trang recommends the following:
Avoid direct contact with people who have blisters or are infected with HSV;
Do not share personal items such as towels, toothbrushes, drinking glasses;
Choose reputable beauty facilities that ensure hygiene and sterilization procedures when performing procedures such as lip tattooing and eyelid surgery;
Follow post-operative care instructions; Maintain good personal hygiene, especially if there are open wounds on the skin;
Avoid scratching or breaking the blisters, as this allows bacteria to enter;
Use medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor to avoid drug resistance.
If unusual lesions appear on the lips, especially after cosmetic procedures, you should immediately go to a reputable medical facility for early diagnosis and treatment.
