Almost the entire population of the planet is infected with herpes. In half, symptoms may not appear throughout life. But the second part knows firsthand how the disease manifests itself. An activated virus often causes an exacerbation of the disease, which is characterized by the appearance on the skin of different parts of the body of unpleasant formations.
What is herpes
This is a disease that occurs as a result of infection with the herpes virus and is characterized by damage to the skin, mucous membranes, central nervous system and other organs. This disease is considered the most common. It is transmitted in various ways and always has a chronic course. Today, medicine describes almost all types of herpes virus. In total, there are about 200 varieties.
Methods of infection
Most often, primary and re-infection with herpes occurs through direct contact, through hygiene and household items, as well as by airborne droplets. In addition, scientists have proven the transmission of the disease by genital, orogenital, transplant ( organ transplantation) and transfusion (blood transfusion) routes. Once in the body, the virus remains there for life. In the environment, the pathogen can exist - at normal humidity and temperature - for no more than 24 hours. But at low rates, herpes viruses can persist much longer.
The way the virus enters the body
The causative agent of herpes simplex type I and II enters the body through microtrauma on the mucous membranes and skin. Then it reaches the nerve cells and settles in the nerve plexuses, waiting for the moment to activate.
Favorable factors influencing the “awakening” of herpes are stresses, emotional disturbances, menstruation, hypothermia, weakened immunity, etc. The reactivated virus goes back to the skin or mucous membrane, causing the disease again.
Symptoms and stages of the development of the disease
Although there are many types of herpes, the symptoms of each are approximately the same. At first, the disease can manifest itself with minor pain, itching, burning and tingling at the site of a future rash. Sometimes a person may complain of a general malaise. This stage lasts approximately 6 hours. At the next stage, redness and tightening of the skin or mucous membrane is noted. After a day, bubbles filled with a clear liquid begin to form. When a person is infected, herpes in the form of acne is observed. They last up to 3 days, depending on size and severity. Then the formations burst, and sores remain in their place. They are painful and are the focus of infection. Therefore, during this period of the disease, it is very easy to infect others with the virus. After a few days, the ulcers begin to heal, crusts form. They create a cosmetic defect, but the patient is no longer contagious. Very rarely, herpes is manifested only by pain without rashes, or vice versa - a painless rash.
Types of Herpesvirus
Despite the many varieties, 8 main types of pathogens are distinguished:
1. Herpes simplex type 1 - this group includes all types of cold sores on the lips, as well as a rash on the tongue, palate and cheeks. At the site of infection, swelling, redness with a group of blisters containing serous fluid is observed. Within a week, the patient feels discomfort, pain, burning. The main signs of infection at the onset of the disease are fever, chills, muscle aches. This is the most common type that can be diagnosed in any person, regardless of age and gender. With colds and slight hypothermia, the virus activates quite quickly. How can this and other types of herpes be recognized? The photos presented in the article illustrate the external manifestations of the disease.
2. Herpes simplex type 2 - manifested by a rash on the genitals. For this reason, it is often called genital. Infection occurs exclusively through sexual intercourse. Distinguish between primary and secondary genital herpes. Species differ in clinical manifestations. With the contact of a healthy person with a patient, primary genital herpes develops. The disease is manifested by abundant rashes on the genitals, worsening of the general condition, pain and burning in the affected areas. Secondary genital herpes is characterized by a relapsing course and may worsen several times a year.
3. Herpes on the body (type 3) - herpes zoster. In children, it can cause chickenpox. In adults under 35 years of age, this type of herpes affects the spinal and cranial nerve fibers. Inflammatory processes are localized in places of passage of large nerves. For example, the lateral part of the body or half of the face. The disease bothers the patient for a month. At the sites of inflammation, many bubbles form, which "encircle" the body. Hence the name of the disease. Damage to the mucous membranes is very rare. All types of cold sores on the body are characterized by the following symptoms: headaches and neurological pains, fever, general weakness, itching and burning in the affected areas of the skin. Unpleasant sensations persist for the entire period of the disease, and the temperature normalizes with the appearance of a skin rash. Rashes on the body are a symptom that characterizes almost all types of herpes. A photo of herpes zoster is posted below.
4. Herpes type 4, or Epstein-Barr virus - provokes the development of severe sore throat, as well as an increase in lymph nodes. The main symptoms of the disease: dizziness, sore throat, weakness, general malaise, and high fever that lasts more than a week. The main sign of the disease is the formation of characteristic blisters filled with fluid on the tonsils.
5. Herpes type 5 - cytomegalovirus - a very common disease that can occur both asymptomatically and with severe lesions of the internal organs and central nervous system. In general, infection with the virus occurs during sexual intercourse or when objects common with the patient are used in everyday life. Infection also occurs during childbirth, with breast milk and with a blood transfusion. When a person has strong immunity, the virus persists for a long time in an inactive state. With weak protection of the immune system, the infection multiplies and spreads, which affects the internal organs: lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas.
6. Herpes type 6 - provokes the development of lymphosarcoma, lymphoma, hemocytoblastoma. Often the occurrence of sudden eczema is associated with these ailments.
7. Type 7 herpes viruses cause chronic fatigue syndrome. They can persist in the human body from early childhood, without any manifestation. Under the influence of factors of a decrease in immunity, pathogens are activated. In this case, the number of lymphocytes in the blood may be normal, but due to the effects of viruses, they cannot fully function. As a result of this, a person feels tired, which does not go away for quite a long time, even after resting. Over time, there is a violation of sleep, intelligence, memory, excessive irritability and depression appear. There is also an increase in lymph nodes, impaired general health.
8. Herpes simplex type 8 - infection can only be determined by detecting its DNA in the polymerase chain reaction. The main indications for the examination are the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, organ transplantation and the presence of lymphomas in HIV-infected people. This type of virus is found in the prostate gland and cells of the genitourinary system.
Herpes in children
Infection with herpes in children is considered very dangerous. This is especially true for newborns and babies in their first year of life. Often, infection occurs still in utero (through the placenta) or when passing through the genital tract. In the latter case, pathologies may be minor. Many types of herpes in children cause dangerous complications. In infants, they can provoke visual and hearing impairment, the development of cardiovascular diseases, damage to internal organs, and neurological abnormalities.
The manifestation of the disease in childhood
The main specific manifestation of herpes is a group of small vesicles with a clear liquid that form on the child’s body. They occur primarily in the nasolabial triangle and on the oral mucosa. Children most often develop stomatitis, tonsillitis and labial herpes. Types of this ailment can conditionally be attributed to a group of herpes of a younger age.
Children's cold sores: types
Herpes stomatitis mainly occurs before the age of 3 years. During the disease, the mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips and tongue are affected. The main signs of the disease: the appearance of a characteristic rash, fever, itching, burning and pain during meals.
Older children are more likely to suffer from a pathology such as labial herpes. The species described above also sometimes occur. But shingles are more common. At first, the disease resembles chickenpox, but then there is no doubt - this is herpes. The main signs of the disease: the formation of a rash on the reddened skin; burning pain in the affected areas, which often intensifies at night; nausea; vomiting headache. With a severe form, neoplasms also penetrate deep into the skin. In this case, after drying of the bubbles, scars may remain.
Sometimes the virus can affect the cornea of the eye, causing herpes keratitis. The most common sources of infection are many types of cold sores on the face. Therefore, it is very important that parents monitor the baby's hygiene and prevent the spread of the virus to other organs. Herpes keratitis is manifested by photophobia, pain and redness in the eyes.
In childhood, many types of herpes develop, and their treatment is practically no different from adult therapy.
Herpes Treatment
Despite the fact that herpes always has a chronic form, the disease necessarily requires treatment. To effectively combat this disease, a comprehensive approach is used, including the use of antimicrobials, antipyretic drugs and local painkillers. The only medicine that would completely eradicate this unpleasant disease has not yet been developed. But nevertheless, there are funds that can strengthen the immune system, as well as facilitate the course of the disease.
Therapy during pregnancy
Alternative medicine is used to treat herpes in pregnant women. Chemicals enter the bloodstream, and with it penetrate the placenta. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is better to replace medicines with folk remedies. They not only eliminate the viral rash on the body, but also increase the protective functions of the body. Some recipes of folk healers will be described below.
Healthy diet
In addition to taking medication, it is very important to adjust the daily diet. You need to eat more foods rich in trace elements and vitamins A, C, E.
Vitamin A increases the protective functions of the skin and mucous membranes, preventing the entry of pathogens into the body from the external environment. Ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system and increases the production of interferon. The famous antioxidant is vitamin E.
The use of the required amount of zinc has a positive effect on the body's resistance to viruses and infections. Zinc also interferes with cellular oxidative processes.
Propolis and Garlic - Natural Medicines
The systematic use of propolis helps to reduce herpes infection, preventing its reproduction. It is a natural product that is widely known for its beneficial properties. Propolis can be used both in natural form and in tablet form. For external use, ointments based on it are produced.
In the fight against herpes, garlic extract is very helpful. It is used as an antiviral agent. The use of garlic can not only get rid of the infection, but also has a beneficial effect on individual organs.
Although at the moment there are a sufficient number of different drugs for the treatment of herpes (for example, the same "Herpevir", "Zovirax" or "Acyclovir"), it is almost impossible to completely cure it. Existing medicines are mainly used for temporary remission.