Seeing a blister on his lip, people jokingly say: "You’ll kiss less." This statement is not far from the truth. Since the virus in question is easily transmitted through a kiss.
Herpes Types
Herpes is a virus that causes both lungs and serious diseases (various infectious diseases that affect the mucous membranes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs). The complexity of the damage to the body depends on the type of pathogen. There are 8 of them in humans. Namely:
- herpes simplex type 1. Its manifestations are bubble rashes or a single blister on the lip;
- herpes simplex type 2. It is manifested mainly by damage to the genitals;
- type 3 virus. It can manifest as chicken pox or shingles ;
- virus type 4 (Epstein-Barr). It manifests itself in the form of infectious mononucleosis;
- type 5 virus (Cytomegalovirus);
- viruses of type 6, 7, 8 are being studied.
A specific feature of this pathogen is that it penetrates into nerve cells and integrates into their DNA structure. After that, it is impossible to get rid of it. The virus also migrates along the nerve endings. Therefore, various rashes appear on the skin. First of all, we are interested in herpes simplex of both types, since almost the entire population of the Earth is infected with it (up to 95%), and 3 types of two species.
Infection pathways
The ways of infection with herpes are different (although the source is a person):
- airborne droplet;
- contact (those same kisses and more);
- sexual;
- during pregnancy or childbirth from the mother.
Stimulating factors
Basically, carriers do not show signs of herpes infection. But under the influence of certain factors, the development and reproduction of the pathogen is stimulated. Promote the appearance of the active phase of the disease:
- diseases that inhibit the body's defense mechanism (immunity): infections (HIV, ARI and others), oncological diseases;
- ultraviolet light in large quantities;
- hypothermia;
- stress;
- acclimatization;
- menstrual period;
- taking certain drugs;
- hypovitaminosis.
Herpes on the lips
A sign of labial herpes (simple type 1) is a single blister on the lip or multiple rashes. Infection occurs mainly in childhood. Symptoms may occur up to eight times a year. If the human immunity is very low, then this figure increases significantly, and the geography of the lesion expands (oral cavity and other parts of the face).
The first “bell” is itching and burning at the site of a future lip lesion, with further redness and swelling. Then a blister appears on the lip or several. Over time, there is a violation of the integrity of the bubbles, and then their drying. The last step is to cleanse the affected areas.
Genital herpes
Genital blisters are a sign of genital herpes (a simple type 2). The reason for its significant spread is sexual freedom. Rashes on the genitals behave the same as on the lips, but the course of the disease can be accompanied by an increase in temperature. In women, a repeated stage of rashes occurs quite often. In addition to the rash, pain appears during urination, discharge from the urethra and vagina.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is also herpes. This type of pathogen is transmitted by airborne droplets and contact routes. It is carried mainly in childhood, after which lifelong antibodies are produced. But re-infection is also possible. Chicken pox is characterized by rashes throughout the body, in the form of small vesicles (even blisters in the inguinal region and on the head). After a few days, they burst, and then become crusty. Subsequently, the skin is cleansed. An adult suffers from this disease very hard. Treatment is to combat the symptoms and consequences of the disease.
Shingles
This is a re-manifestation of chickenpox, mostly in the elderly. Foci of rashes are located along the affected nerve endings. The disease appears with a significant decrease in immunity.
In the end, I want to say that the doctor will prescribe the necessary course of treatment for you. Do not self-medicate. And remember that in spite of seemingly not too serious manifestations, herpes is not a disease with which you can “play” with various herbs and prescribe certain ointments for yourself.