Herpes is a viral infection carried by 90% of the world's population, and according to some reports - already 98%. Only 20% of people experience symptoms of the disease. Among infections, herpes is in second place after the flu. Such a huge prevalence of the virus is due to the fact that it has high virulence and very good adaptability to any habitat. The word "herpes" in Greek means "creeping." This name is due to the fact that a local defeat of the virus leads to its complete conquest of the whole organism.
What is hidden behind herpes vesicles?
Infection is characterized by vesicular rashes with their subsequent changes. At this stage of the disease, a person becomes contagious both for the environment and for himself.
When a bubble bursts, the liquid released from it contains billions of viruses. They enter other parts of the body and new foci of infection arise. In addition, autoinvasion is also possible with scratching of itchy areas, touching them, and then to other parts of the body. Not only the skin, but also the whole body suffers from the virus: gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, genitals, lungs, lymph nodes, etc.
Causes of the development of herpes on the skin
With any type of herpes virus, the main cause of infection is its penetration into the body. Infection is possible with direct contact with the patient, through household items, by the aerogenous route, as well as from mother to fetus (vertical path).
Oral-genital contacts expand the habitat of HSV-1 and HSV-2, and they can be found on the genitals and lips, and the oral mucosa. Outside the body, the virus is viable for another day. The most dangerous is always the first contact with the virus (primary infection), because in this case the infected person does not yet have antibodies.
The source of infection is the patient and the carrier. The virus enters the cells and has been inactive for years. A person may not know anything, but as soon as immunity is reduced, herpes is instantly activated. For its manifestation, provocative factors are needed. These include:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- menstruation;
- stress or fatigue;
- overheating or hypothermia of the body;
- smoking and alcohol;
- recent infections;
- prim AGP on the background of allergies.
The risk of manifestation of the disease increases in the following cases:
- patients with HIV, AIDS, with congenital immunodeficiencies;
- taking cytostatics, corticosteroids, antibiotics, radiation and chemotherapy;
- cancer;
- elderly age;
- heavy somatic.
Herpes Types
Today, more than 100 types of herpes virus are known, but most often a person is attacked by 8 types, which are better and studied. Of these, the first 3 types are most known, 7 and 8 are in the research stage. There is no fatal outcome with herpes, but it settles in the body after penetration forever.
No antiviral agents can cure pathology. Its development can only be slowed down.
- Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) or labial type - people call it a cold on the lips or a manifestation of fright. They can be infected through common objects of use, kisses and communication with the patient.
- Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) is genital. The route of infection is sexual.
- Type 3 virus - in children it is called chickenpox, after which lifelong immunity is developed. The infection is aerogenic. In adults, this virus has the appearance of shingles.
- Type 4 virus (Epstein-Barr virus) - causes infectious mononucleosis, in which, first of all, the lymphatic system is attacked, as well as the tonsils, the hepatolienal system, and a rash on the body also occurs. The risk of cancer is increasing.
- Herpes type 5 (cytomegalovirus) - does not give symptoms. The lesion resembles a mononucleosis- like syndrome, lymphoid tissue and internal organs are also affected. Promotes Oncology.
- Viruses 6, 7, and 8 types - discovered in recent decades. The basic principles of their action are already known: type 6 contributes to the occurrence of multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and causes sudden exanthema in children. 7th type provokes leukemia and cancer lesions of the lymphatic system. 8th - leads to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (skin cancer) and primary lymphoma.
The mechanism of the development of the virus in the body
The incubation period takes from 1 to 26 days. For the penetration of the virus, an entrance gate is always needed - microtrauma of the skin or mucous membranes.
The source is a patient in the active phase or carrier. The external manifestation of the infection is a rash in the form of a whole scattering of transparent vesicles on the skin filled with lymphatic fluid. It is accompanied by itching, fever, pain.
The brightest picture at the initial infection. But even if the clinic is absent, the danger of the virus from this does not decrease.
In response to the penetration of the virus, the immune system immediately responds: the production of specific immunoglobulins M and G begins - these are IgM and IgG antibodies.
IgM appear immediately at the beginning of the infection process and indicate an acute stage. IgG is produced later and becomes a marker of immunological memory.
They are already present in the blood constantly. Immunoglobulins inhibit the virus, causing it to be in a dormant state so that there are no active negative manifestations.
With exacerbation of herpes, class G immunoglobulins immediately respond, and the relapse clinic softens. After recovery, the pathogen continues to remain in the tissues of the body for life.
Herpes Simplex Symptoms
HSV-1 can affect any area of the skin, but more often occurs on the lips and wings of the nose. 2 days before the rashes, itching suddenly occurs in these places, general weakness and malaise. Then transparent bubbles appear up to 3 mm in size. These places are red, sore and tingling. Bubbles can merge, the temperature rises. Later they become cloudy, the skin swells and turns red. After 3-5 days, the vesicles burst with the formation of ulcers. The skin is covered with a crust (scab), which is rejected by day 7-9. There are no traces left.
The consequences of herpes on the lips: in one third of women and in every tenth man, HSV-1 can lead to aseptic meningitis.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be caused. In a typical course, the symptoms are similar to type 1, but the rashes relate to the genitals - vesicles (single or confluent) appear on the head of the penis, scrotum, foreskin; in women - on the genitals. Herpes can “spread” to the vaginal mucosa, urethra, cervix, buttocks, thighs, in men, also to the testes and prostate. This is manifested by dysuric disorders, pain, purulent discharge from the vagina.
The whole process can last 3 weeks, while regional lymph nodes increase . With relapses, rashes are less.
Symptoms of herpes zoster
It begins with the fact that along the nerves (more often intercostal) pain and burning appear, this is supplemented by cephalgia and malaise. After a few days, the skin becomes edematous in these areas, slightly reddens and a group of transparent vesicles appears.
Then they become purulent or bloody. The rash is similar to chickenpox, but is located in the form of a tape, ring.
The following picture is typical. In weakened persons, rashes occupy large areas and merge (bullous form). Shingles can only get a child older than 10 years old and an adult.
Danger to the fetus and newborn
During pregnancy, the body undergoes drastic changes that affect immunity (it weakens), so the susceptibility to infections increases dramatically, just as the effects of herpes during pregnancy become more likely. Even if it is a relapse of the virus, the danger to the mother and the fetus is great.
In utero, the child can become infected with the activity of the virus in the mother. This is especially dangerous in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, during childbirth and during the neonatal period.
The consequences of herpes can be in the form of:
- stillbirths;
- miscarriages;
- malformations in the fetus (heart, liver and kidney defects, hydro- and microcephaly, skeletal disorders);
- early birth;
- malnutrition and hypoxia of the fetus;
- severe damage to the central nervous system of the fetus, his vision and hearing.
Danger to pregnant
In the first trimester, the laying of future organs and systems takes place. For a child, the consequences of herpes on the lips during pregnancy are insignificant: if he recurs every few months (this is not his frequent form), maternal antibodies will prevent the virus from penetrating the fetus and harming it. But if there is a primary infection, miscarriages are possible. In this period, the consequences of herpes for the unborn child will be very severe even with the bearing of the fetus. In the early stages, it is better to get rid of such a pregnancy. Otherwise, children born will have pathologies that can make them life-long disabled.
The consequences of herpes during pregnancy, if it was a type 3 virus, are dangerous because there is a high probability of external and internal malformations in the child.
In the second trimester, all internal organs are already actively growing and developing. At 8 weeks, the placenta is formed. It is completely permeable to the virus, so infection will have the most detrimental effects.
In the presence of antibodies, the risk of infection drops to 5-7%. The consequences of herpes during pregnancy for a child during this period is that he cannot be born healthy, the survival rate is less than 10%. At the initial infection, the probability of a healthy baby is zero.
In the third trimester, the risk of malformations is also high, and this concerns the brain of the fetus. Encephalitis develops, all parts of the brain are affected.
Often there is intrauterine death of the fetus. If the child was born alive, he dies in the first week. Also, the baby may become infected during childbirth.
Consequences for children
Kids suffer herpes much harder than adults, and the effects of herpes in children are always pronounced. For newborns, the virus is generally fatal - there are inflammatory processes of the respiratory system, vision, blindness and deafness can develop. In adulthood, such men and women are barren.
The most dangerous is brain damage in the form of encephalitis. Even early intensive treatment will not restore its function, and the child remains disabled.
In children under 1 year of age, the following effects of herpes are observed:
- loss of smell;
- myocarditis;
- meningitis;
- encephalopathy.
Complications and consequences in women and men
Although the disease appears focal, it affects the entire body, which is why the effects of herpes are diverse. You can divide them into groups and consider separately.
Neurological complications:
- Alzheimer's disease - HSV-1 becomes the culprit. It is known that 90% of patients with Alzheimer's disease are carriers of herpes, and during autopsy in 70% of patients an active type 1 virus was detected in the brain.
- Aseptic meningitis occurs during the initial infection of HSV-2.
- Encephalitis and meningoencephalitis - can also be the consequences of cold sores on the lips and genital herpes. In this case, paralysis and neuropathy are observed.
- Epilepsy.
- Also, the virus can cause irreversible progressive destruction of brain cells. This is possible if untreated.
Radiculitis is caused, among other factors, by HSV-2. Necrosis and stratification of the retina, inflammation of the eyes - the consequences of herpes zoster, as well as HSV-1 and 2.
Consequences for other organs:
- purulent inflammation of the pharynx and damage to the lymph nodes;
- pneumonia - develops rapidly and is very poorly treated;
- persistent decrease in immunity and frequent colds.
The consequences of genital herpes are:
- inflammation of the MPS;
- inflammation and destruction of the bone tissue of the pelvis;
- increased risk of tumors, since the virus causes degeneration of cells, especially the cervix in women and the prostate in men;
- infertility and impotence.
From the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatitis is observed. The joints affect arthritis, from the circulatory system - multiple thrombosis.
Treatment methods
It is necessary to treat severe herpes in a hospital with antiviral, immunomodulatory, symptomatic drugs. In other cases, home therapy is allowed under the supervision of a physician. Often, at the initial stage, only local treatment with antiviral drugs is used.
Standard treatment regimen
The scheme includes taking the following drugs:
- Antiviral agents (most of them are suitable for any type of herpes): "Zovirax", "Acyclovir", "Valacyclovir" and many others. etc. In the United States, cold sores are treated with Docosanol (in Russia with Erazaban). It is available in the form of creams. “Proteflazid” (drops) and “Flavoside” (syrup) are also intended for the treatment of herpes simplex.
- Analgesics.
- Immunostimulants - "Polyoxidonium" and "Cycloferon."
- Vitamins
Local treatment
Ointments must be applied precisely, with a special pharmacy glass spatula. What does it give? Inhibition of the virus occurs, an insulating membrane forms at the site of the virus introduction, it does not allow the virus to creep on.
The most effective are:
- Valtrex
- "Acyclovir";
- "Famvir";
- Zovirax
- "Panavir-gel";
- Fenistil.
Each drug has its own method of use, so follow the instructions. Before applying, you must take a shower. After applying the ointments, the hands need to be washed again.
Reviews treated
The most effective in decreasing order are: “Viru-Merz”; "Epigen" - they relieve symptoms in 2-3 days and the virus goes away for many months. Next comes Docosanol, Erazaban, Novirin, an effective and inexpensive Infagel, Allokin Alpha Injection, Herpferon, Lavomax. Acyclovir and Zovirax are recognized as ineffective.
What can not be done?
It will not be possible to avoid contact with the virus at such a prevalence, but precaution will reduce this possibility.
Can help:
- Early access to a doctor.
- Use of antiviral agents rather than antibiotics.
- Do not comb rashes.
- Do not touch the rash and wash your hands after each contact with the affected area.
- Maintain immunity.
- Do not touch your eyes with your hands! This is true for women who use makeup.
- Do not take someone else's lipstick and do not give your own. The same applies to other cosmetics.
- Do not wet contact lenses with saliva.
- Do not share a cigarette with others, do not let others light a cigarette.
To avoid further infection, do not squeeze the bubbles and do not tear off the crusts - this has not helped anyone to recover; exclude oral sex from your preferences.
Have only your own separate towel, do not use other people's dishes and do not drink from someone else's cups.
Prevention
Prevention is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and any means of strengthening the immune system. In the season of exacerbation of the virus, vitamin complexes should be taken. It is necessary to regularly air the room with a large number of people.