The last decade was characterized by the activation of such a viral disease as herpes. So, according to the latest statistics, this disease in a latent form is found in almost every third person in the world. In addition, every year more and more of its manifestations are diagnosed, for example, herpes zoster or, as it is also called, herpes on the back.
Reasons
First of all, let's clarify what is herpes? Herpes is a virus of the Herpesviridae family - Varicella Zoster, which is also the causative agent of a disease such as chicken pox. In addition, its distinguishing feature is the fact that, once inside the human body, it remains forever in it. But if the virus is initially in an inactive state, then under certain conditions it is activated.
Attention! Herpes on the body harms not only the skin, but also the nervous system.
Also the main predisposing factors are:
- Weakened cellular immunity.
- Older age (over 45).
- Conductchemical or radiation therapy for cancer.
- Blood diseases.
- Persistent stress or serious emotional distress.
- Performing organ or bone marrow transplants.
- Severe hypothermia.
- Taking hormonal drugs.
Herpes: symptoms, photos and periods of leakage
At the initial stage, this disease is characterized by the fact that it causes indigestion, weakness and body aches. It is also not uncommon for there to be a slight temperature and pain in those areas of the back, where herpetic eruptions will be formed in the future. As a rule, the initial stage lasts from 4-6 days.
After this, the active phase of the disease begins, when enlarged vesicles containing serous fluid begin to form on the body, along the course of the nerves. As practice shows, most often these rashes are localized on the projection of the intercostal nerves or on the hips. In appearance, this rash is similar to vesicles that are located on a dense and reddened skin.
Attention! When the integrity of the formations is violated, erosive spots appear that have a reddish tint.
In addition, in the places of localization of this rash there is a strong burning sensation, which increases, as a rule, at night. There have also been cases when the symptoms of herpes are characterized by a violation of tactile sensations.
After the active phase of the disease passes, the temperature begins to fall, and the general well-being of a person begins toimprove little by little. But it should be understood that the frequency of its relapses directly depends not only on the state of immunity, but also on the complex of therapeutic measures that must be carried out in order to avoid possible complications.
Diagnosis
First of all, having discovered similar symptoms, you need to pull yourself together and not think: “Oh God, I have herpes, what should I do?”. As practice shows, self-treatment most often leads to more frequent relapses, since it eliminates only the effect, but not the cause. Therefore, the best option, in this case, would be to contact a specialist who will conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, prescribe certain diagnostic procedures. The main ones include: a blood test for antibodies and cytology.
Treatment
As practice shows, after a correctly carried out diagnosis, all that is needed is home treatment of herpes, which consists in taking antiviral drugs, for example, such as Acyclovir and V altrex tablets. Also, these same antiviral drugs are also prescribed in the form of an ointment, which must be periodically applied to the affected areas of the skin (ointment "Bonafton", "Panavir"). In addition, it should be remembered that the use of glucocorticosteroid ointments or various hormonal preparations will not only not bring the desired effect, but may also cause an aggravation of the course of the disease.
You should also pay attentionto the fact that home treatment of herpes cannot be successful without the use of immunostimulants. Especially well proven preparations "Polyoxidon", "Cycloferon".
Important! The use of immunostimulating drugs haphazardly and without a doctor's prescription is not only ineffective, but also dangerous for the future he alth of the body as a whole.
When severe pain occurs, gels and ointments with acetaminophen, lidocaine, naproxen, or ibuprofen are considered appropriate as a mild pain reliever.
Practice shows that herpes on the back, the treatment of which was complex and timely, passes within 2-3 weeks. And the only reminder of it is small and subtle pain that disappears within a month.
Is it contagious
It's no secret that as soon as one of the family members or close acquaintances has this disease, it is quite natural that the vast majority of people think only about whether herpes on the back is contagious or not.
But, despite the fact that the herpes virus is considered a very contagious disease, it is this variety of it that is quite rare and, as a rule, in the autumn-spring period. It should also be remembered that people with high immunity have a very low probability of contracting this disease. But, given the current situation, we have to admit that, unfortunately, herpes on the back is diagnosed every year in an increasing number of people. And ifrelatively recently, he met only in the elderly, today even younger people are becoming his “victims”.
So, getting herpes on the back is possible if the following conditions match:
- By close contact of a person who has never had chickenpox with a sick herpes. Although, as practice shows, in the presence of strong immunity, this probability is zero.
- When the body's defenses decrease.
It should be remembered that herpes on the back is transmitted only when fresh blisters appear on the body. Once they dry out and crust over, the virus is considered inactive and therefore harmless.
Important! With prolonged contact of children with herpes patients, they subsequently develop chickenpox.
The child has herpes, what to do
As practice shows, in children, the external manifestations of the virus of the Herpesviridae family - Varicella Zoster are in many ways similar to chickenpox, which leads to the fact that most parents lose precious time, thereby prolonging the period of the disease. A distinctive feature of this disease in children is its unexpected onset, characterized by high fever, which can last from 2-4 days. Interesting is the fact that, apart from high fever, no other symptoms of malaise are observed. Further, after the temperature drops, rashes appear on the child's body, which have a pink tint. In most cases, they do not cause serious problems and over timetime can pass by themselves, but it should be borne in mind that during this period the child may refuse to eat and be capricious for any reason.
Since the mechanism of its occurrence is poorly understood, at the moment there is a discussion about whether herpes on the back in children affects the development of diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis.
Treatment with folk remedies
In the treatment of any disease, there is a traditional and non-traditional treatment. This disease was no exception. So, what does traditional medicine recommend in this case?
Herbal compresses
Brew any bitter herb (celandine, wormwood) 1 tablespoon per 200 g of boiling water. Next, wet a napkin in this infusion and s alt with a pinch of s alt. After that, we tie it to the affected area, and cover it with a towel on top. Keep for 30 minutes and remove. It is recommended to repeat 4-5 times a day.
Propolis
We buy pre-crushed propolis and fill it with hot medical alcohol. After that, we insist it in a dry and not hot room and, using a water bath, we evaporate all the alcohol from it. Next, mix it with pine resin, animal fat and wax, which is recommended to grind in advance. After that, heat the resulting mixture over low heat until a homogeneous mass and leave in a cold place for several hours. Apply the resulting ointment to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks.
Honey as a panacea for the herpes virus
Mix 100 g of honey with 1 tablespoon of ash and 3 slicesgarlic. After that, we lubricate the affected areas of the body 4-5 times a day for a week.
Also, add plenty of fruit to your diet and cut out sugar, chocolate, and alcohol.
Prevention
To the main preventive measures designed to protect as much as possible from the search for an answer to the question: “I have herpes on my back, how can I treat it?” - refer:
- Liquor restriction.
- Hardening.
- Sports.
- Proper nutrition.
- Uniform physical activity.
Remember that the danger of the herpes virus should not be underestimated and at the first sign of this disease, you should urgently consult a dermatologist.
