Raising the topic of herpes, you need to pay attention to the fact that infection with it is quite common and is not always easy to treat. Therefore, both the diagnostic process and the treatment methods should be approached thoroughly.
What is meant by herpes
First of all, it should be noted that this disease is viral and, therefore, manifests itself when the human immune system is noticeably weakened. Inflammation of the genital organs, overheating or hypothermia, unstable physical or mental states can have a negative impact on the protective functions of the body.
As for the infection itself, its development is due to the influence of various viruses that are combined into a whole family (hyperviruses). Diseases resulting from this pathogen can have different 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 be dormant for a long time. In this way,a person can be a carrier of the virus and not even know it. In some cases, more than ten years pass from the moment of infection to the visible manifestation of herpes. It is also important to know that in the process of transition from a latent disease to overt viral activity, quite serious symptoms are observed (encephalitis, general organism forms, etc.).
For this reason, the treatment of herpes in adults is not an easy task.
First type of virus
Currently, there are more than 100 isolated herpes viruses. But if you look only at 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 time of infection 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
Symptomatology in this case is reduced to rashes on the lips and oral mucosa. At the same time, the fact that the external manifestations of the disease have disappeared does not mean a complete recovery.
Second type
This virus is also defined as genital, because it mainly affects the genitals. As a rule, they become infected during puberty. In this case, 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 asshingles. It leads to the development of chickenpox in children aged 10 to 14 years. The symptomatology in this case is actually always the same: first 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 and older, then it affects the spinal and cranial nerves. Therefore, the treatment of herpes in adults in this condition should be carried out competently and without delay, otherwise serious complications are possible.
Virus of the fourth type
The fourth type. This type of infection has another name - the Epstein-Barr virus. Such herpes leads to the occurrence of a syndrome of chronic, as well as infectious mononucleosis. Moreover, it is able to provoke certain malignant neoplasms.
After the moment of infection, the pathogen multiplies in the lymph nodes, mucous membrane of the pharynx and nasal cavity. It penetrates into other organs and tissues through the lymph and bloodstream, resulting in the formation of new foci of inflammation.
Fifth type
Cytomegalovirus is capable of provoking 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 involve the restoration of protective resources.
The most serious consequences occur when infection occurs in those who haveimmunodeficiency, or infection of the fetus during pregnancy. At the same time, after the birth of a child, the fact of intrauterine infection actually does not make itself felt.
Herpes type six
In this case, the disease can be divided into an infection of the primary infection and a neurovirulent virus that 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 since childhood and manifest itself already in adulthood due to a weakened immune system. This infection affects lymphocytes.
Eighth type
In this case, the infection is identified as HHV-8 and results in Kaposi's sarcoma. This is a vascular multifocal tumor of malignant etiology, which has 4 forms:
- AIDS-associated;
- African;
- immunosuppressive;
- classic.
In most cases, this type of virus is active in those who are infected with HIV.
How the virus spreads
This infection can be transmitted by airborne droplets and 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 wool and gauze, the infection can last for 6 hours, on a tree - 3 hours, and in the case ofmetal surfaces - 2 hours.
Herpes virus type 6 is fairly common in adults. Its treatment requires the participation of qualified specialists. This type of infection nests in the salivary glands and nasopharynx. Being in a latent form, the virus is in monocytes.
Possible consequences of infection with the virus
Treatment of type 6 herpes in adults can often be carried out according to the algorithm of exposure to diseases such as chronic fatigue, necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis, infectious mononucleosis, etc. This is explained by the fact that this type of herpes in the primary form is very similar to these diseases.
It should be noted that in adults, the manifestation of primary forms of herpes type 6 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, it is assigned the status of an infection, which complicates the course of other diseases based on harmful bacteria and viruses.
Therefore, the treatment of herpes in adults is associated with an impact on other diseases. This infection can be diagnosed using polymerasechain reaction.
Diagnostic Type 6
It is necessary to pay special attention to such a problem as type 6 herpes in adults. Symptoms, treatment and prevention of this form - all this is a hot topic, since this type of virus occurs quite often in adults.
In order to confirm the diagnosis of herpes infection, the polymerase chain reaction technique is used, as well as enzyme immunoassay. The essence of ELISA is that antibodies to the infectious agent are detected. By the class of these antibodies, you can determine which infection you have to deal with - chronic or primary.
In some cases, a cultural method of diagnosis is used. In this case, we are talking about the sowing of biological fluids on nutrient media. This allows you to isolate and identify the causative agent.
Type 6 symptoms
Paying attention to the topic: "Herpes - symptoms and treatment in adults", it is worth understanding the signs that appear with this type of infection (6th).
First of all, it should be noted that such a virus initially affects mainly T-lymphocytes. This reduces the overall resistance of the body 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 may 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 was provoked by the virus.
Typically, symptoms in adults make themselves felt through chronic fatigue syndrome.
In most cases, it starts like a regular 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 signs are complemented by severe fatigue and significant muscle weakness, which make the patient virtually unable to work. Possible manifestation of muscle and joint 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 the infection.
As for multiple sclerosis, which is one of the consequences of herpes, it can be defined as an autoimmune disease. In fact, this is the result of an allergy to one's ownhuman tissues. It is the 6th type of virus that triggers such a reaction in the body. Although there are other factors that provoke such a state.
The initial signs of multiple sclerosis include unsteady gait, fatigue, impaired sensitivity and coordination of movements. These symptoms may appear intermittently. Late signs of this disease are reduced to double vision, muscle paresis, limb fatigue, dizziness, impaired speech, swallowing, defecation, urination, and decreased visual acuity in one of the eyes. As a result, the patient may be immobilized. At the same time, the activity of key body functions is minimized.
When the herpes virus type 6 is manifested in adults, treatment can also be focused on restoring the central nervous system, which can be affected by this type of infection. There is a violation of the central nervous system through insomnia, tearfulness, anxiety and irritability.
Herpes treatment in adults
To influence the type 6 virus, symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient (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 a drug such 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 a complete cure for type 6 herpes reaction, it is necessary to carry out therapeutic measures to prevent serious complications.
Herpes zoster (shingles)
As the cause of the development of this disease, you can determine the activation of the herpes virus type 3. It is this infection that makes the treatment of herpes in the mouth relevant in adults, as it affects the oral mucosa and not only.
It is worth noting that only those who have previously had latent or typical chickenpox are vulnerable to this disease. In this condition, the central nervous system is affected, as well as the oral mucosa and skin.
The following factors can provoke the development of this disease:
- weak immunity, including due to advanced age;
- strong and stable stress, as well as a negative emotional state;
- bone marrow and organ transplant;
- constant lack of sleep and increased fatigue;
- any external influence that suppresses the immune system (HIV, chemotherapy).
Such a topic as herpes zoster (symptoms and treatment in adults) is more than relevant, since any type of contact is enough to transmit the infection. Airborne transmission of the virus is also possible. At the first sign of infection, the treatment process should be started without delay.
Symptoms anddiagnostics
When shingles is activated, it first of all affects the nerves, reaching to their very tips. As a result, inflammatory processes on the skin may appear.
In places of rash, pain and inflammation are recorded in this area of the lymph nodes. Already within a week, the bubbles that have appeared begin to burst, they are replaced by sores, which soon become covered with a crust.
For 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, a primary examination is not enough. For this reason, additional clinical studies are being conducted, after which a diagnosis is made and a specific treatment plan is determined.
Immunofluorescent and serological microscopy is used to confirm the final result. In some cases, for analysis, in addition to blood, liquid can be taken from the vials.
Treatment of herpes zoster
In order to effectively influence this disease, both medical and folk methods are used.
For the purpose of examination and appointment of a course of treatment, you need to contact a dermatologist. As a rule, with such a type of virus as herpes zoster, treatment in adults is focused on the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia, the removal of a pain symptom, the normalization of the trophism of the nerve trunks and the general effect on the pathogen.
To perform these tasks, antiviral drugs such as Bonafton, Metisazon and"Acyclovir". A good effect can be given by the use of deoxyribonuclease. 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 performed, after which diuretics are prescribed.
Antibiotics are prescribed only if the elements of the rash were infected, resulting from a disease such as herpes zoster. Treatment in adults (photos will help to better understand the essence of the process) is always a complex effect that neutralizes the impact of various factors.
Treatment of herpes in the throat
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 herpes in the 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 hindered by the localization of bubbles, gargling can be identified as a more relevant method of influencing the disease. Injectables and tablets are also prescribed. To completely neutralize the disease, immunomodulatory drugs ("Imudon", "Ribomunil", "Immunal") and antiviral drugs are used.
Also applyanti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic agents. Perhaps treatment through folk methods (infusions of chamomile, linden and sage, mint with lime blossom, flax seeds, etc.).
As a conclusion, 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.
