Almost the entire population of the planet is infected with herpes. Half of the 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 of unpleasant formations on the skin of different parts of the body.
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. To date, almost all types of herpes virus have been described in medicine. In total, there are about 200 varieties.
Methods of infection
The most common primary and re-infection with herpes occurs through direct contact, through hygiene and household items, as well as airborne droplets. In addition, scientists have proven the transmission of the disease by genital, orogenital,transplantation (organ transplantation) and transfusion (blood transfusion) way. Once in the body, the virus remains there for life. In the environment, the causative agent of the disease is able to exist - at normal humidity and temperature - no more than 24 hours. But at low rates, herpes viruses can persist much longer.
Ways of entry of the virus into the body
The causative agent of herpes simplex type I and II enters the body through microtraumas 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 stress, emotional disorders, menstruation, hypothermia, weakened immunity, etc. The reactivated virus is sent back to the skin or mucous membrane, re-causing the disease.
Symptoms and stages of disease development
Although there are many types of herpes, the symptoms of each are about the same. At first, the disease can be manifested by minor pain, itching, burning and tingling at the site of the future rash. Sometimes a person may complain of general malaise. This stage lasts approximately 6 hours. At the next stage, redness and thickening of the skin or mucous membrane is noted. A day later, bubbles filled with a clear liquid begin to form. When the face is infected, herpes is observed in the form of acne. They last up to 3 days, depending on size and severity. Then the formations burst, and on themsores remain in 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 herpevirus
Despite the many varieties, there are 8 main types of pathogens:
1. Herpes simplex type 1 - this group includes all types of herpes on the lips, as well as a rash on the tongue, palate and cheeks. At the site of infection, there is swelling, redness with a group of blisters containing serous fluid. Within a week, the patient feels discomfort, pain, burning. The main signs of infection at the beginning of the disease are fever, chills, muscle aches. This is the most common type and can be diagnosed in anyone, regardless of age or gender. With colds and slight hypothermia, the virus quickly activates. How can you recognize this and other types of herpes? 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 referred to as genital. Infection occurs exclusively through sexual intercourse. There are primary and secondary genital herpes. Species differ in clinical manifestations. When a he althy person comes in contact with a sick person, primary genital herpes develops. The disease manifests itself in abundantrashes on the genitals, deterioration of the general condition, pain and burning in the affected areas. Secondary genital herpes is characterized by a recurrent course and may worsen several times a year.
3. Herpes on the body (type 3) - shingles. In children, it can cause chickenpox. In adults under 35, this type of herpes affects the spinal and cranial nerve fibers. Inflammatory processes are localized in the places where the large nerves pass. For example, the side of the body or half of the face. The disease worries the patient for a month. At the sites of inflammation, a lot of vesicles form, which "encircle" the body. Hence the name of the disease. Mucosal involvement is very rare. All types of herpes on the body are characterized by the following symptoms: headache and neurological pain, high fever, general weakness, itching and burning on the affected areas of the skin. Unpleasant sensations persist for the entire period of the disease, and the temperature returns to normal with the appearance of a skin rash. Rashes on the body are a symptom that characterizes almost all types of herpes. A photo of shingles is posted below.
4. Herpes type 4, or Epstein-Barr virus - provokes the development of severe tonsillitis, as well as an increase in lymph nodes. The main symptoms of the disease are dizziness, sore throat, weakness, general malaise and high fever that persists for more than a week. The main symptom of the disease is the formation of characteristic fluid-filled blisters on the palatine tonsils.
5. Herpes type 5- Cytomegalovirus is a very common disease that can occur both asymptomatically and with severe lesions of the internal organs and the central nervous system. Basically, infection with the virus occurs during sexual intercourse or when using household items that are common with the patient. Infection also occurs during childbirth, with breast milk and blood transfusions. When a person has strong immunity, the virus remains inactive for a long time. 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 onset of sudden eczema is associated with this disease.
7. Herpesvirus type 7 causes chronic fatigue syndrome. They can be stored in the human body from early childhood, without showing up in any way. Under the influence of factors that reduce immunity, pathogens are activated. At the same time, the number of lymphocytes in the blood may be normal, but due to exposure to viruses, they cannot fully function. As a result, a person feels tired, which does not go away for quite a long time, even after rest. Over time, there is a violation of sleep, intelligence, memory, excessive irritability and depression appear. There is also an increase in lymph nodes, and general he alth is disturbed.
8. Herpes simplex type 8 - it is possible to determine infection only by detecting itDNA in the polymerase chain reaction. The main indications for 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 toddlers of the first year of life. Often, infection occurs even in utero (through the placenta) or when passing through the genital tract. In the latter case, pathologies can be minor. Many types of herpes in children cause dangerous complications. In infants, they can cause visual and hearing impairment, the development of cardiovascular diseases, damage to internal organs, and neurological abnormalities.
Manifestation of the disease in childhood
The main specific manifestation of herpes is a group of small blisters with a clear liquid that form on the child's body. They occur primarily in the region of the nasolabial triangle and on the oral mucosa. Children most often develop stomatitis, tonsillitis and labial herpes. Types of this disease can be conditionally attributed to the group of herpes of younger age.
Children's herpes: types
Herpes stomatitis mostly 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 when eating.
Older children are more likely to suffer from thispathologies like labial herpes. The species described above also sometimes occur. But shingles is more common. At first, the disease resembles chickenpox, but then there is no doubt that it is herpes. The main signs of the disease: the formation of a rash on reddened skin; burning pain in the affected areas, which is often worse at night; nausea; vomit; headache. In a severe form, neoplasms also penetrate deep into the skin. In this case, after the bubbles dry, scars may remain.
Sometimes the virus can infect the corneas of the eyes, causing herpes keratitis. The most common sources of infection are many types of herpes on the face. Therefore, it is very important that parents monitor the hygiene of the baby and prevent the spread of the virus to other organs. Herpes keratitis is manifested by photophobia, pain and redness in the eyes.
Many types of herpes develop in childhood, and their treatment is practically the same as that of adults.
Cure herpes
Despite the fact that herpes is always chronic, the disease must be treated. To effectively combat this disease, an integrated approach is used, including the use of antimicrobials, antipyretics and local anesthetic creams. The only medicine that would completely eradicate this unpleasant disease has not yet been developed. But still, there are tools that can strengthen the immune system, as well as facilitate the course of the disease.
Therapy duringpregnancy time
For the treatment of herpes in pregnant women, alternative medicine is used. Chemicals enter the blood, 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 discussed below.
He althy food
In addition to taking medication, it is very important to adjust your daily diet. It is necessary 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 pathogens from the external environment from entering the body. Ascorbic acid helps to strengthen the immune system and increases the production of interferon. Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant.
The use of the required amount of zinc has a positive effect on the body's resistance to viruses and infections. Zinc also prevents cellular oxidative processes.
Propolis and garlic are 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 its natural form and in the form of tablets. For external use, ointments based on it are produced.
In the fight against herpes, garlic extract helps a lot. It is used asantiviral agent. The use of garlic allows not only to 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 "Gerpevir", "Zovirax" or "Acyclovir"), it is almost impossible to completely cure it. Existing drugs are mainly used for temporary remission.
