The herpes virus is able to infect any part of the human body. Many are familiar with its classic appearance on the lips. Herpes in the ear is much less common. Symptoms and treatment of the pathological process practically do not differ from those on other parts of the body. However, it cannot be ignored because of the high probability of complications.
The essence of the disease
Infectionists isolate 8 varieties of the herpes virus that are found in humans. They differ in localization and clinical course, but have one thing in common. After the initial penetration into the body, the pathogenic flora remains in it forever.
Herpes in the ears is caused by two types of viruses. It:
- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1);
- chickenpox virus (herpesvirus type 3, Varicella zoster).
They enter the human body through the mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals and nasopharynx. After overcoming tissue barriers, the virus quickly spreads through the circulatory system and remains in the nerve cells. In response to the penetration of pathogenic flora, the immune system forms specific antibodies, due to which it is possible to suppress its activity for a while. Many people do not even realize that they are carriers of the virus. However, when certain conditions are created, it is activated, manifesting itself with characteristic symptoms. These are the following provocative factors:
- decreased immunity against a cold or any other disease;
- frequent stressful situations;
- pregnancy period;
- immunodeficiency states;
- unprotected sex
- alcohol abuse;
- hypothermia or overheating.
In these situations, the body cannot cope with the virus on its own. It spreads along nerve fibers, a characteristic rash appears.
The main clinical manifestations
The localization of herpes rash in the ears is quite extensive. In some patients, only the auditory canal is affected, in others - the area around the organ. Characteristic vesicles may also appear on the earlobe. In especially serious cases, the rash spreads to the face and neck.
At the initial stage of development, the symptoms of herpes in the ear practically do not differ from the signs of other diseases provoked by this virus. Patients complain of poor health, fever. There is aches in the body, cervical lymph nodes may increase. The area of future damage becomes edematous, the skin acquires a reddish tint.
Approximately 2-3 days, a characteristic clinical picture appears, which depends on the type of virus in the body. A sharp jump in temperature is recorded, a rash appears, and signs of intoxication gradually subside.
Symptoms of herpes simplex
In case of damage to the auricle with herpes simplex, the disease is easily tolerated, complications are rare. First, fluid-filled vesicles form on the skin. For several days they burst and crust. The latter disappear on their own, leaving no trace. The listed processes are usually accompanied by severe itching, temporary hearing impairment.
Symptoms of herpes zoster
If herpes in the ears is accompanied by painful sensations, this is a sign of damage to the nerve node of the facial nerve. In this case, the rash occurs not only outside, but also inside the organ of hearing. Erosions formed after opening the vesicles are covered with a thick crust. It falls off over time, but leaves behind deep scars. The clinical picture with shingles is usually accompanied by severe shooting pains.
Treatment principles
In the photo, herpes in the ear looks rather unpleasant. Therefore, patients try to get rid of its manifestations as soon as possible.
It is not possible to completely cure the disease. However, to prevent further spread of the virus throughout the body, stop unpleasant symptoms and speed up the healing process is quite realistic. For this purpose, doctors use drugs from the following groups:
- Etiotropic (destroy the causative agent of the disease).
- Symptomatic (eliminate the main manifestations of herpes, due to which the patient's condition improves).
- Prophylactic (immunostimulating and antiseptic drugs to prevent relapse).
Specific drugs, their dosage and regimen are determined by the doctor in each case individually.
Antiviral therapy
Treatment of herpes in the ear begins with antiviral drugs. The form of medication prescribed depends on which type of virus has been activated in the body. For example, with a typical course of the disease caused by HSV 1, local therapy is sufficient. Ointments and creams based on pencivir, acyclovir ("Acyclovir", "Fenistil-Pencivir") are used. The tool is recommended to be applied in a thin layer to the affected area at least 5 times a day.
If the disease is provoked by Varicella Zoster, tablets and capsules for oral administration are prescribed. The most effective are Valacyclovir and Famciclovir. Drugs are taken in a dosage of 500 mg three times a day. The duration of therapy is usually 2 weeks, but if necessary, this period can be increased.
With running herpes in the ears, when there is an attachment of a secondary bacterial infection, antiviral agents are used in the form of intramuscular and intravenous injections. Also, similar therapy is prescribed for patients with serious diseases (HIV, AIDS, cancer, hepatitis C).
Means for alleviating the condition
The disease is characterized not only by the appearance of rashes on the skin. A little higher in the article are photos of herpes in the ear. Its treatment is often supplemented by means to alleviate the general condition. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) are used to eliminate fever and muscle pain.
To relieve itching and swelling, antihistamines are used systemically and locally (Loratadin, Psilo-Balsam). Prozerin helps to restore hearing and the affected facial nerve. The medicine should be taken twice daily at 15 mg. The course of treatment is usually a month, but after a short pause, it may resume.
According to clinical studies, interferons have not been proven effective. However, in medical practice they are often used in the treatment of patients with cold sores in the ears (Leukinferon, Reaferon). To increase the body's resistance to the virus during various diseases, vitamin complexes are additionally prescribed (Complivit, Duovit).
How to speed up the healing process?
To avoid the development of complications, at the initial stage of the disease, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication even in case of relapse is unacceptable.
The success of therapy is largely determined by the patient's attitude to the problem. Compliance with fairly simple rules allows you to achieve recovery in the shortest possible time:
- Observe personal hygiene. After each contact with the lesion site, wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body.
- It is better to isolate the patient during treatment due to the high contagiousness of the causative agent of the disease. This is not only a separate room, but also personal items.
- It is important to follow a diet. It is better to exclude spicy and salty foods, fried foods from the diet. Emphasis in nutrition is best done on dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts.
- You should adhere to the drinking regimen. Drinking a sufficient amount of fluid allows you to quickly remove toxins from the body.
In most cases, the treatment of herpes is carried out at home, but according to medical instructions. Atypical or complicated forms of the disease require hospitalization. This is especially true for pregnant women, young children and people with serious concomitant diseases.
Prevention Methods
Symptoms and treatment, a photo of herpes in the ear - these issues are discussed in detail in the article. Is it possible to avoid infection?
Doctors always answer negatively. However, any person can prevent the excessive activity of the virus in the body. Herpetic diseases always appear at the time of a decrease in immunity. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly maintain protective forces at the proper level. For this purpose, it is recommended:
- adhere to a healthy and active lifestyle;
- eliminate all addictions;
- observe intimate hygiene;
- Avoid excessive emotional distress;
- timely treatment of any disease.
Another affordable prevention option is vaccination. Its effectiveness is clinically proven. Usually, Vitagerpavak, Okavax and Varillrix are used, depending on the type of pathogen. In most cases, after vaccination, it is possible to reduce the number and duration of outbreaks of the disease, to prevent the development of complications.