Raising the topic of herpes, you need to pay attention to the fact that infection with them is quite common and is not always easy to treat. Therefore, both the diagnostic process and the treatment methods should be approached thoroughly.
What should be understood as herpes
First of all, it should be noted that this disease is viral and, therefore, manifests itself in the case when the human immune system is significantly weakened. Inflammation of the genital organs, overheating or overcooling of the body, unstable physical or mental conditions can have a negative effect on the protective functions of the body.
As for the infection itself, its development is due to the influence of various viruses that unite in a whole family (hyperviruses). Diseases resulting from this pathogen can have various clinical manifestations and can affect completely different systems or organs. We are talking about the lymphatic system, liver, mucous membrane, skin, central nervous system, etc.
It is also worth noting the fact that the infection can sleep for a long time. Thus, a person can be a carrier of the virus and not even suspect about it. In some cases, more than ten years pass from the moment of infection to the apparent manifestation of herpes. It is important to know that in the process of transition from a latent disease to a clear viral activity, quite serious symptoms are observed (encephalitis, organ-common forms, etc.).
For this reason, treating herpes in adults is not an easy task.
First type of virus
Currently, there are more than 100 isolated herpetic viruses. But if you pay attention only to pathogens, you can identify 8 key types.
- Herpes of the first type. This form appears on the mucous membrane of the lips or nose. The infection time is usually from 6 months to 2 years. During this period, the disease does not manifest itself and only in rare cases can provoke the development of herpes on the lips and stomatitis.
Symptoms in this case are reduced to rashes on the lips and oral mucosa. At the same time, the fact that the external manifestations of the disease disappeared does not mean complete recovery.
Second type
This virus is also defined as genital, since it affects mainly the genitals. As a rule, they become infected during puberty. At the same time, there are no visible manifestations of infection, since the pathogen moves to the nerve plexuses located nearby (spinal sacral ganglia in the lumbar region).
Third type
The third type of virus can be defined as shingles. It leads to the development of chickenpox in children aged 10 to 14 years. The symptomatology in this case is practically always the same: before a spot becomes noticeable, gradually turning into a papule. As a result, a crust forms on the body. If the virus manifests itself at the age of 35 years or older, then it affects the spinal and cranial nerves. Therefore, the treatment of herpes in adults in this condition should take place correctly and without delay, otherwise serious complications are possible.
Type 4 virus
The fourth type. This type of infection has another name - Epstein-Barr virus. Such herpes leads to the occurrence of chronic as well as infectious mononucleosis. Moreover, it is able to provoke certain malignant neoplasms.
After infection, the pathogen multiplies in the lymph nodes, the mucous membrane of the pharynx and nasal cavity. It penetrates other organs and tissues through lymph and blood flow, as a result of which new foci of inflammation are formed.
Fifth type
Cytomegalovirus is able to provoke various types of lesions. The fact how strongly they will be expressed depends largely on the state of the immune system. Therefore, when such herpes is present in the body, treatment in adults should include the restoration of protective resources.
The most serious consequences arise when there is an infection of those who have immunodeficiency, or when the fetus is infected during pregnancy. At the same time, after the birth of a baby, the fact of intrauterine infection actually does not make itself felt.
Herpes of the sixth type
In this case, the disease can be divided into a primary infection and a neurovirulent virus, which can lead to the development of diseases of the neuroinflammatory group.
Seventh type of virus
This type of infection often causes chronic fatigue syndrome. Like other forms, the virus can be present in the body from childhood and manifest itself in adulthood due to a weakened immune system. This infection affects lymphocytes.
Eighth type
In this case, the infection is defined as HHV-8 and leads to Kaposi's sarcoma. This is a vascular multifocal tumor of malignant etiology, having 4 forms:
- AIDS-related;
- African;
- immune suppressive;
- classic.
In most cases, this type of virus is active in those who are HIV-infected.
How the virus spreads
A similar infection can be transmitted by airborne droplets and by oral route, as well as during any contact with an infected person. It is worth considering the possibility of infection in the process of organ transplantation.
It is important to know about the significant thermal resistance of the virus, which allows it to withstand temperatures up to + 50-52 ° C. On cotton and gauze, the infection can last for 6 hours, on a tree - 3 hours, and in the case of metal surfaces - 2 hours.
Herpes simplex virus type 6 is quite common in adults. Its treatment requires the participation of qualified specialists. This type of infection nests in the salivary glands and nasopharynx. Staying in latent form, the virus is in monocytes.
Possible consequences of a virus infection
Treatment of herpes simplex type 6 in adults can often take place according to the algorithm for influencing diseases such as chronic fatigue, necrotic histiocytic lymphadenitis, infectious mononucleosis , etc. This is explained by the fact that this type of herpes in its primary form is very similar to these diseases.
It should be noted that in adults, the manifestation of primary forms of herpes of the 6th type can be observed extremely rarely, since in most cases the infection itself occurs in the age period from 4 months to 4 years.
When the virus becomes persistent, the following diseases may develop:
- lymphoproliferative diseases;
- AIDS;
- optic neuritis ;
- multiple sclerosis;
- malignant lymphomas.
Quite often, this type of herpes is not defined as a separate disease. In most cases, he is assigned the status of infection, which complicates the course of other diseases, which are based on harmful bacteria and viruses.
Therefore, the treatment of herpes in adults is associated with exposure to other diseases. You can diagnose this infection using the polymerase chain reaction.
Type 6 Diagnostics
Particular attention should be paid to such a problem as type 6 herpes in adults. Symptoms, treatment and prevention of this form - all this is an urgent topic, since this type of virus is found quite often in representatives of adulthood.
In order to confirm the diagnosis of herpes infection, a polymerase chain reaction technique is used, as well as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The essence of ELISA is that antibodies to the pathogen are detected. By the class of these antibodies, it is possible to determine whether the infection has to be dealt with - chronic or primary.
In some cases, a cultural diagnostic method is used. In this case, we are talking about sowing biological fluids on nutrient media. This allows you to isolate and identify the causative agent of the disease.
Symptoms of type 6
Paying attention to the topic: "Herpes - symptoms and treatment in adults," it is worthwhile to deal with the signs that appear with an infection of this type (6th).
First of all, it should be noted that such a virus initially affects mainly T-lymphocytes. This reduces the level of general body resistance to the effects of various diseases.
It is important to know that the 6th type of herpes is divided into 2 subtypes: A and B. They belong to the same genus, but have significant differences both in structure and manifestations.
Type A makes itself felt mainly in people whose immunity is weakened. These can be patients with diagnosed hemoblastoses (tumors, diseases of the lymphatic and hematopoietic organs) or HIV infection. This form can be defined as quite rare.
As for the B-type, it is a common infection and manifests itself in people of any age. With a problem such as herpes, treatment in adults should include drugs in any case, since often you have to deal with quite serious diseases, the appearance of which provoked the virus.
As a rule, symptoms in adults make themselves felt through chronic fatigue syndrome.
In most cases, it begins as usual SARS. We are talking about a sharp increase in temperature, nasal congestion, sore throat and a slight increase in the lymph nodes located nearby.
Such symptoms are supplemented by severe fatigue and significant muscle weakness, which make the patient virtually disabled. Perhaps the manifestation of muscular-articular pain in various parts of the limbs.
If the herpes A virus appears in adults, treatment will involve overcoming diseases such as malignant tumors of the lymph nodes, lymphogranulomatosis, and infectious mononucleosis. If the patient was diagnosed with AIDS at the time of the active manifestation of herpes, then the condition can be significantly aggravated by infection.
As for multiple sclerosis, which is one of the consequences of the action of herpes, it can be defined as an autoimmune disease. In fact, this is the result of an allergy to one’s own tissues. It is the 6th type of virus that triggers such a reaction in the body. Although there are other factors that provoke this condition.
The initial signs of multiple sclerosis include staggering gait, fatigue, impaired sensitivity and coordination of movements. Such symptoms may occur periodically. The late signs of this disease boil down to double vision, muscle paresis, limb fatigue, dizziness, impaired speech, swallowing, bowel movements, urination, and a decrease in the visual acuity of one of the eyes. As a result, the patient may be immobilized. The activity of key body functions is minimized.
When type 6 herpes virus is manifested in adults, treatment can also be focused on restoring the central nervous system, the defeat of which is possible with this type of infection. Disruption of the central nervous system through insomnia, tearfulness, anxiety and irritability is manifested.
Herpes: treatment in adults
Symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient for exposure to type 6 virus (relevant for primary infection). The use of antiviral drugs in this case will not give the desired effect.
To neutralize the influence of herpes of the 6th type of both types (A, B), it makes sense to use "Foscarnet." If you have to deal only with the B-type, then you should pay attention to such a drug as Ganciclovir.
Treatment of herpes in adults with these types of virus includes the use of immunomodulators. We are talking about the following drugs: Cycloferon, Amiksin, Polyoxidonium, Likopid.
And although in many cases it is quite difficult to achieve the effect of complete cure with a herpetic reaction of the 6th type, it is necessary to conduct therapeutic measures to prevent serious complications.
Herpes Zoster (versicolor)
As a reason for the development of this disease, the activation of type 3 herpes virus can be determined. It is this infection that makes the treatment of herpes in the mouth in adults relevant, since it affects the oral mucosa and not only.
It is worth noting that only those who previously had chickenpox in a latent or typical form are vulnerable to this disease. In this condition, the central nervous system is affected, as well as the mucous membrane of the mouth and skin.
The following factors can provoke the development of this disease:
- Weak immunity, including due to old age;
- strong and stable stresses, as well as a negative emotional state;
- transplantation of bone marrow and organs;
- constant lack of sleep and increased fatigue;
- any external effect that suppresses the immune system (HIV, chemotherapy).
A topic such as herpes zoster (symptoms and treatment in adults) is more than relevant, since any type of contact is sufficient to transmit the infection. An airborne virus spread is also possible. At the first sign of infection, the treatment process must be started immediately.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
When shingles is activated, it primarily affects the nerves, reaching the very tips of them. As a result, inflammatory processes on the skin may appear.
In the places of the rash, pain and inflammation in this area of the lymph nodes are recorded. Within a week, the emerging bubbles begin to burst, they are replaced by sores, which soon become crusty.
With a disease such as herpes zoster, symptoms and treatment in adults can last from 7 to 29 days. In order to accurately determine the type of disease, an initial examination is not enough. For this reason, additional clinical studies are conducted, after which a diagnosis is made and a specific treatment plan is determined.
In order to confirm the result obtained as a result, immunofluorescence and serological types of microscopy are used. In some cases, in addition to blood, fluid can be taken from the vesicles for analysis.
Herpes Zoster Treatment
In order to effectively influence this disease, both medical and folk methods are used.
For the purpose of examination and the appointment of a course of treatment, you need to contact a dermatologist. As a rule, with this type of virus, such as herpes zoster, treatment in adults is focused on the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia, relieving the pain symptom, normalizing trophic nerve trunks and the general effect on the pathogen.
To perform these tasks, antiviral drugs such as Bonafton, Metisazon and Acyclovir may be prescribed. The use of deoxyribonuclease can also give a good effect. This drug is administered intramuscularly, resulting in a rapid relief of the process.
From the first days of the disease, laser therapy (infrared and helium-neon laser) can and should be used. With obvious signs of intoxication, detoxification therapy is carried out, after which diuretics are prescribed.
Antibiotics are prescribed only if the elements of the rash that have become the result of a disease such as herpes zoster are infected. Treatment in adults (photos will help to better understand the essence of the process) is always a complex effect that neutralizes the effects of various factors.
Herpes Sore Throat Treatment
This type of viral disease can be defined as rare, since in most cases herpetic vesicles are fixed on the oral mucosa (tongue, cheeks, palate). In the case when a cold sore throat was recorded, treatment in adults should be systemic and thorough, since this type of disease is quite serious.
Given the fact that the use of ointments is prevented by the localization of the vesicles, as a more relevant method of influencing the disease, one can determine gargling. Injectable and tablet formulations are also prescribed. To completely neutralize the disease, immunomodulatory agents (Imudon, Ribomunil, Immunal) and antiviral drugs are used.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic agents are also used. It is also possible to treat by folk methods (infusions of chamomile, linden and sage, mint with linden blossom, flax seeds, etc.).
As a result, it is worth noting that herpes is too serious a disease to ignore or treat on its own. In this case, the help of doctors is required.