Almost every person on the planet is a carrier of the herpes virus. Half of the people may never know about the presence of it in their body, since it will not manifest itself. But the rest know exactly what kind of pathology it is and how it can be expressed. The virus in the active stage can cause a disease, which is characterized by the manifestation of various formations on the skin and mucous membranes. In this article, we will figure out which doctor treats herpes.
Characterization of the virus
This is a viral disease, which is characterized by damage to the mucous membranes, skin, nervous system and other internal organs. This virus is called the most common. Pathology is always transmitted in a chronic form. Medicine today has well studied all types of the herpes virus, of which there are approximately 200. Many are interested in which doctor treats herpes. More on that below.
Most often, recurrent or primary infection with the virus occurs by airborne dropletsby or in direct contact with household and hygiene items. A proven fact is the transmission of the virus through transfused blood, transplantation, as well as the genital and orogenital route.
The virus that enters the body remains in it forever. Outside the host, the virus can remain active for up to a day, provided the ambient temperature is normal. And at lower temperatures, its life span is extended. Is there eye herpes?
It is caused by several strains:
- Virus type 1.
- Chickenpox virus.
- Genital herpes.
- Cytomegalovirus.
Herpes simplex virus of the first two types can infect the body through microtrauma of the skin or mucous membranes. In the future, it enters the nerve cells and remains there until the right moment. Stress, menstruation, weakened immunity, hypothermia, emotional disorders, etc. are considered favorable factors for activating the virus. There can be an unlimited number of relapses of the disease. The symptoms and treatment of herpes are presented below.
There are a lot of types of the virus, as mentioned, but their development symptoms are about the same. At the initial stage, there is a burning sensation and itching, accompanied by minor pain. Sometimes there is a general malaise. The approximate duration of this stage is 6 hours.
The next stage is characterized by thickening and reddening of the site of the future manifestation of the virus. Abouta day later, bubbles with a clear liquid appear. If the virus infects the face, then it manifests itself in the form of a pimple rash. The bubbles burst after three days and ulcers appear in their place. The latter represent a focus of infection and are quite painful. At this stage, the infection can spread especially easily. After a couple of days, the ulcers heal and turn into crusts. At this stage, the person is no longer contagious. There are cases when the virus manifests itself only as pain or only as a rash.
There are only eight main types of herpes that are most common.
1st type
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common. Manifested by a cold on the lips, a rash on the palate, tongue and cheeks. Bubbles with fluid appear at the sites of infection, as well as redness and swelling. The duration of the acute period is about a week. Symptoms of infection are chills, fever, etc. Activation of the virus, as a rule, occurs against the background of a cold or hypothermia.
Virus of the second type
Herpes simplex virus type 2 is often called genital due to its specific localization. Transmitted during intercourse. It is primary and recurrent. If the infection occurs from a sick person to a he althy one, then this is primary herpes in the intimate area. Signs of such a virus are severe rashes on the genitals.
Herpes on the body
Shingles (the third type) can cause chicken pox in children. In adultslocalized in areas of large nerve canals. It can be half of the face or the side of the body. The course of the disease is longer, up to a month. Bubbles appear in inflamed areas. Mucous zoster does not affect. Herpes on the body is characterized by weakness, fever, burning and itching in places of rashes. The temperature subsides after the onset of the rash, and the rest of the discomfort accompanies the entire course of the disease. This is what herpes looks like on the body.
Epstein-Barr virus (fourth type)
Manifested in the form of severe tonsillitis and enlarged lymph nodes. The main signs of the disease are sore throat, weakness, dizziness, fever for more than a week, and malaise. Bubbles affect the palatine tonsils. What is ocular herpes? This is the same virus that infects the eyeball.
Cytomegalovirus (fifth type)
Common pathology. It proceeds latently or affects the central nervous system and internal organs. Infection occurs through sexual contact or sharing household items with an infected person. During childbirth, transfusions and lactation, infection can also occur. Activation of the virus occurs only against the background of a weakening of the body's immune properties. This disrupts the functions of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and lungs.
6th type
The sixth herpes virus causes lymphoma, lymphosarcoma, hemocytoblastoma, etc. The sudden development of eczema is often attributed to this typeherpes.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (type seven)
Latently can exist in the human body from childhood. Against the background of a decrease in the protective properties of the body, the virus is activated. For this reason, lymphocytes begin to function incorrectly, which, however, does not affect their number. The result is constant fatigue and weakness, which does not go away even after a long state of rest. Gradually develops a violation of sleep, memory, intelligence, depression and irritability.
Simple virus type 8
This is also herpes in the intimate area. It is localized in the cells of the genitourinary system and the prostate gland. Detection is possible only with the help of a special test.
Such a pathology as viral herpes needs to be treated, even though the disease always manifests itself in a chronic form. The treatment of herpes requires an integrated approach. These include oral antimicrobials, topical creams that relieve itching and pain, and antipyretic drugs. To date, it is impossible to completely eradicate the virus. However, strengthening the immune qualities of the body is a direct way to the absence of relapses of herpes.
Which doctor treats herpes?
As no specific treatment is required, a visit to a GP will be required. If a person has a genital virus, then a urologist, gynecologist, venereologist will help. Shingles is treated by a dermatologist. But you may need to consult a dentist, ENT, ophthalmologist, immunologist.
Now you know which doctor treats herpes.
