Mankind has been actively fighting the herpes virus for over two thousand years. Unfortunately, so far all attempts have failed. Modern medicine cannot offer a cure that permanently eliminates the problem. Over this period of time, the virus has already managed to firmly “settle” in the organisms of 95% of the inhabitants of our planet. Each time he strikes at the most inopportune moment, when the immune system is weakened. The virus can appear on any part of the body. Why does herpes occur on the leg? Is treatment always inconclusive?
General information
Herpes is a viral disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes of various parts of the body. The causative agent is able to penetrate even into internal organs. Typically, the manifestations of this ailment can be observed on the face, less often on the trunk and limbs.
Herpes on the legs is a pathology of a viral nature, which is a one-sided rash and is accompanied by severe pain discomfort. Otherwise, this disease is called herpes zoster. According to statistics, herpes in this form is most often diagnosed in men. In children under 12 years of age, the symptoms of this disease are extremely rare. However, there are always exceptions.
If a child has contracted chickenpox and has had contact with a cold sore, the likelihood of infection is very high. In young patients, the virus may be in a passive state for a long time. More specifically, it "hides" in the cells of the spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease do not occur. Only a few years later the virus can "wake up" and begin to attack the body. In that part of the body where there is an affected nerve, it causes inflammation. Herpes on the child’s leg is usually accompanied by severe itching, pain and numerous rashes.
To avoid serious consequences, doctors advise you not to postpone the visit to the hospital. The sooner treatment begins, the faster the healing process will go.
The main ways of infection
Cold sores on the legs can occur for several reasons:
- Relapse of a disease that previously manifested in any other form.
- Direct contact with the person carrying the virus.
- It is possible to transfer the disease to the skin of the legs with poor-quality antiseptic treatment of the affected areas with the genital form of the disease. The thing is that the virus can persist not only in the vesicles, but also in those areas of the body where they burst. That is why it is so important to treat not only the sore itself, but also the places around it, and wash your hands thoroughly after the procedure.
Causes of the disease
The main reason for the development of this disease is the herpes virus type I or II. Scientists have been studying it for a long time. However, herpes on the toes and extremities in general is usually triggered by the causative agent of chickenpox called Varicella-Zoster. Determining the main reason for the development of pathology is considered the key to quality treatment.
How is Varicella-Zoster different from other herpes simplex viruses? First of all, it is capable of causing severe pains of a neuralgic nature. In addition, it is characterized by spread throughout the body. That is why it is also called herpes zoster. You can distinguish one pathology from another only after laboratory tests.
According to statistics, at present up to 95% of the population of the world are carriers of the virus of various types of the disease. The open form is not found in all. Experts identify a number of factors that contribute to the transformation of an ailment from a latent form to an open one. These include the following:
- The presence of diseases of an infectious nature, weakening the body's immune defense.
- HIV AIDS.
- Frequent stress and physical overwork.
- Poor nutrition, violation of work and rest.
- Taking medications that help suppress immunity.
Herpes on the legs can occur both during initial contact with the virus, and during its reactivation. Penetrating into the body, the pathogen remains in it forever. When favorable conditions arise, the virus reactivates and begins to manifest itself with characteristic clinical signs.
What symptoms indicate cold sores on the leg?
Photos of patients with such a diagnosis can be found in specialized directories. To start treating this disease in a timely manner, it is important to know what symptoms it is manifesting.
Herpes can develop on the skin of the legs along the branches of individual nerves. Initially, unpleasant sensations, numbness, painful discomfort appear in this area. After a short period of time, swelling and characteristic redness occurs on the skin above the nerve. After that, herpetic vesicle formations begin to form with a transparent liquid inside, which literally becomes cloudy after a few hours. Bubbles are arranged in small groups, can be combined.
After they burst, the skin begins to get wet. In place of the vesicles erosion and ulceration are formed. Herpes on the legs is dangerous because a fungal or bacterial infection can join the underlying disease. As a result, microbial eczema is formed.
If the course of the disease is not complicated by anything, rashes pass after about 14 days. Another unpleasant complication of herpes is the appearance of pain along the affected nerve. They occur after the disappearance of all symptoms and are explained by the involvement of nerve tissue in the pathological process. This complication is otherwise referred to as postherpetic neuralgia.
Some patients complain of worsening general condition, fever, nausea.
Is it possible to overcome herpes on the leg? Treatment
Photos of rashes make you think: is it possible to overcome herpes? If the disease is a manifestation of shingles, the appointment of antiviral drugs can not be avoided. Patients are usually prescribed medications such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir. The latter, according to many doctors, is the most effective remedy against the disease.
Immunomodulators (Viferon) and endogenous interferon inducers (Amiksin) are prescribed without fail. Outwardly, doctors recommend applying acyclovir-based ointments to the affected area.
Compliance with bed rest, a healthy diet, and exclusion from the diet of products that have an irritating effect on the skin (sweets, pastries, sodas, strong tea and coffee) are not the least importance in the treatment of herpes.
Help traditional medicine
How to overcome, without resorting to drug therapy, herpes on the leg? Treatment with folk remedies has recently become increasingly popular. However, resorting to such therapy is possible only after consulting a doctor. Moreover, it should not be considered the only true way to get rid of herpes. The recommendations of the doctors should be used as an adjunct to drug therapy. The following are the most popular recipes.
- To strengthen the immune system, herbalists are advised to take a therapeutic infusion of lemon balm. Two tablespoons of dry grass need to pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and let it brew. Take a decoction should be in small sips before meals three times a day.
- It is useful to take baths with the addition of sea salt.
- Herbal baths based on the fruits of hawthorn also help reduce pain discomfort and swelling with a pathology such as cold sores on the legs. Symptoms usually go away after a few days. Berries must be poured with boiling water at the rate of 25 g per liter of liquid. Take a bath is recommended no more than 30 minutes.
Preventative measures
To prevent exacerbation of the disease, doctors strongly recommend avoiding hypothermia, not overeating, playing sports and observing basic rules of personal hygiene. In a word, to do everything that directly contributes to the strengthening of immunity.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, herpes on the leg (a photo of the pathology is presented in the article) is common. Absolutely no one is immune from this disease. To reduce the discomfort from unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended that at the initial stage of the development of pathology seek help from an infectious disease doctor. Only a qualified specialist can prescribe a quality treatment, thanks to which the healing process will significantly accelerate.