Almost everyone on the planet is a carrier of the herpes virus. Half of the people may never find out about his being in his body, as he will not show himself. But the rest knows exactly what kind of pathology is and how it can be expressed. The virus in the active stage can cause a disease, which is characterized by the manifestation of various formations on the skin and mucous membranes. In this article, we will figure out which doctor treats herpes.
Virus characteristics
This is a viral disease, which is characterized by damage to the mucous membranes, skin, nervous system and other internal organs. This virus is called the most common. Pathology is always transmitted in a chronic form. Medicine today has well studied all types of herpes virus, of which about 200. Many are interested in what kind of doctor treats herpes. About it below.
Most often, a recurrent or primary infection of the virus occurs by airborne droplets or in direct contact with household items and hygiene. A proven fact is the transmission of the virus through transfused blood, transplantation, as well as genital and orogenital routes.
Once in the body, the virus remains in it forever. Outside the carrier, the virus can remain in an active state for up to a day, subject to a normal ambient temperature. And at a lower temperature, its life span is lengthened. Does ocular herpes happen?
Its causative agents are several strains:
- Type 1 virus.
- Chicken pox virus.
- Genital herpes.
- Cytomegalovirus.
The herpes simplex virus of the first two types can infect the body through microtrauma of the skin or mucous membranes. Subsequently, it enters the nerve cells and remains there until the right moment. Stress, menstruation, weakened immunity, hypothermia, emotional disorders, etc. are considered to be favorable factors for activating the virus. Relapses of the disease can be unlimited. Symptoms and treatment of herpes are presented below.
There are a lot of types of virus, as mentioned, however, their developmental symptoms are about the same. At the initial stage, burning and itching occurs, accompanied by minor pain. Sometimes a general malaise appears. The approximate duration of this phase is 6 hours.
The next stage is characterized by compaction and redness of the site of the future manifestation of the virus. About a day later, bubbles with a clear liquid appear. If the virus affects the face, then it appears in the form of a pimple rash. Bubbles burst after three days and ulcers appear in their place. The latter are a focus of infection and are quite painful. At this stage, the infection can spread especially easily. After a couple of days, the ulcers heal and turn into crusts. At this stage, the person is no longer contagious. There are times when the virus manifests itself only in pain or only in a rash.
There are only eight main types of herpes, which are most common.
1st type
Herpes simplex virus of the first type is the most common. It manifests itself as a cold on the lips, a rash in the sky, tongue and cheeks. In places of infection, bubbles with liquid appear, as well as redness and swelling. The duration of the acute period is about a week. Symptoms of infection are chills, fever, etc. Activation of the virus, as a rule, occurs against a cold or hypothermia.
Type 2 virus
Herpes simplex virus of the second type is often called genital because of its specific location. Transmitted during intercourse. It is primary and recurrent. If the infection occurs from a sick person to a healthy one, then this is primary herpes in the intimate area. Signs of such a virus are severe rashes on the genitals.
Herpes on the body
Shingles (the third type) can cause chickenpox in children. In adults, it is localized in areas of large nerve channels. It can be half of the face or the side of the body. The course of the disease is longer, up to a month. In inflamed areas, clusters of bubbles appear. Mucous herpes zoster is not striking. Herpes on the body is characterized by weakness, fever, burning and itching in places of rashes. The temperature drops after the manifestation of the rash, and the remaining unpleasant sensations accompany the entire course of the disease. Here's what herpes looks like on the body.
Epstein-Barr virus (fourth type)
It manifests itself in the form of severe sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes. The main signs of the disease are sore throat, weakness, dizziness, high fever for more than a week, malaise. Bubbles affect the tonsils. What is ocular herpes? This is the same virus that infects the eyeball.
Cytomegalovirus (fifth type)
Common pathology. It proceeds latently or affects the central nervous system and internal organs. Infection occurs through sexual contact or the use of common household supplies with an infected person. During childbirth, transfusion and lactation, infection can also occur. The activation of the virus occurs only against the background of a weakening of the body's immune properties. In this case, the functions of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and lungs are disturbed.
6th type
The herpes simplex virus of the sixth type causes lymphoma, lymphosarcoma, hemocytoblastoma, etc. The sudden development of eczema is often attributed to this particular type of herpes.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Type 7)
Latently can exist in the human body from childhood. Against the background of a decrease in the protective properties of the body, the virus is activated. For this reason, lymphocytes begin to function incorrectly, which, however, does not affect their number. The result is constant fatigue and weakness, which does not go away even after a prolonged state of rest. Gradually, impaired sleep, memory, intelligence, depression and irritability develop.
Simple virus of the eighth type
This is also herpes in the intimate area. It is localized in the cells of the genitourinary system and prostate gland. Detection is possible only with the help of a special test.
Such a pathology as viral herpes must be treated, even though the disease always manifests itself in a chronic form. An integrated approach is required in the treatment of herpes. These are antimicrobials taken orally, and local creams that relieve itching and pain, as well as antipyretic drugs. It is currently impossible to completely destroy the virus. However, strengthening the body's immune qualities is a direct path to the absence of recurrence of herpes.
Which doctor treats herpes?
Since no specific treatment is required, therapist will need to visit. If a person has a genital virus, then a urologist, gynecologist, venereologist will help. Tinea is treated by a dermatologist. But you may need to consult a dentist, ENT specialist, ophthalmologist, immunologist.
Now you know which doctor treats herpes.