Herpes without misconceptions: why it’s dangerous, how to treat it and why you shouldn’t cauterize it

Symptoms of herpes

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the type of pathogen and the location of the affected area. Infection with all strains of herpesvirus is characterized by redness of the skin or mucous membranes and the appearance of blisters. Pain and burning may be felt in the inflamed area. But you can’t puncture the blisters, as this will worsen the course of the disease.

After two or three days, the bubbles begin to burst. In their place, ulcers form. The affected area on the lips is covered with a crust, and on the mucous membranes it is filled with fibrinous tissue. If antiviral treatment is not carried out, the disease will reappear when immunity decreases.

Often, when the disease occurs, the body temperature rises to 37–38 degrees. Therefore, in everyday life it is often called a cold. But herpesvirus is not the cause of acute respiratory diseases. Treatment of labial herpes with cold remedies is ineffective. It is necessary to determine the type of herpes virus and undergo a treatment regimen prescribed by a doctor.

Herpes lips

Infection with herpesvirus type 1 often results in blisters on one or both lips. A day before their formation, the patient may feel general weakness. The bubbles burst on their own on the second or third day. Instead, a crust appears that cannot be peeled off. It disappears on its own after seven or ten days.

In the eye area

The herpes virus can cause inflammation of one or both eyes, as well as the eyelids. Touching this area with unwashed hands often causes damage to this area. Symptoms of the disease are:

• pain or stinging in the eyes;
• increased photosensitivity;
• redness of the mucous membranes;
• formation of blisters on the eyelids.

Advanced herpes in this case is dangerous. Complications of the disease can cause complete loss of vision and the formation of scars on the eyelids. When the first symptoms of eye damage appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Herpes face

Lesions may occur on the forehead, chin, both cheeks, the back and tip of the nose, and on the ears. Often the affected area appears where there have already been microtraumas on the skin.

In the oral cavity

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity is called “herpetic stomatitis”. This disease in children is accompanied by gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). When the bubbles with liquid burst, erosions are formed, covered with a whitish coating. Redness is observed around the erosion zone. A person experiences pain while eating and brushing his teeth.

Genital herpes

The disease affects the pubis, buttocks, genitals and anus. Clusters of bubbles with liquid inside appear on the skin. The area around them turns red, pain, itching, and irritation appear. Genital herpes is transmitted through barrier-free sexual intercourse. The cause of infection can be touching the groin area with unwashed hands.

Possible complications

The herpes virus should not be perceived as an unpleasant but harmless “sore.” This is a rather insidious disease that poses a particular danger to pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems (patients with cancer, people with HIV and AIDS).

The virus is not limited to superficial tissues - it easily penetrates into internal ones. The main targets of herpes are the mucous membranes, skin, eyes (conjunctivitis can also be a consequence of herpes), as well as the central nervous system and brain. Lymph nodes and internal organs can be affected by the virus. Due to the fault of the pathogenic microorganism, the functioning of the liver, lungs, intestines and kidneys can be disrupted.

The consequences of herpes can be stomatitis, infertility, miscarriage, congenital deformities in children, encephalitis, inflammation in the joints, prostatitis, benign and malignant tumors. Scientists, based on research, associate the development of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease with herpes.

If a person’s immune system is weakened, other infections, both viral and bacterial, can “join” herpes, and this, in turn, puts an increased burden on the heart.

Classification of herpes viruses

Researchers have identified 8 strains of herpesvirus that can infect humans:

• First. Causes inflammation of the lips and mouth (labial herpes). In rare cases, it can cause genital rashes.
• Second. Affects the genitals and groin area. Causes genital or vaginal herpes. Less commonly, it is the causative agent of oral herpes.
• Third. Causes chickenpox and shingles.
• Fourth. Known as Epstein-Barr virus. Causes mononucleosis, lymphomas and carcinomas.
• Fifth. Cytomegalovirus. Causes mononucleosis, hepatitis, herpetic retinitis.
• Sixth and seventh. Roseoloviruses. They cause roseola, exanthema. May be one of the causes of chronic fatigue.
• Eighth. Causes lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Castleman's disease.

The causative agent of herpes simplex is herpesvirus type I or II. There is a misconception that the disease cannot be cured. In fact, herpes is curable. Although modern medicine cannot completely remove the virus from the body, it is possible to suppress its vital activity so much that it stops causing inconvenience.

Causes of exacerbation of herpes

When self-treating herpes, there is a chance of relapse. Incorrect selection of a course of therapy suppresses the virus temporarily. The occurrence of relapses is provoked by the following factors:

1. Re-infection after interaction with a sick person.
2. Reduced immunity.
3. Prolonged hypothermia of the body.
4. Exposure to direct sunlight.
5. Microtraumas of the skin and mucous membranes.
6. Physical fatigue, lack of sleep.
7. Nervous overstrain.
8. Women have menstruation.

Most people infected experience relapses once or twice a year. With weak immunity, relapses are possible 5–20 times a year. This is how recurrent herpes type 1 manifests itself, treatment of which is possible only under the supervision of a doctor.

How to get rid of a herpes scar on the lip at home?

To eliminate scars, products that we use in everyday life are suitable. They are rich in vitamins and affect not only the scar, but also the skin in general. It is important to use them as additional agents and not as monotherapy. For example, after cosmetic procedures you can additionally use:

• Lemon juice. Brightens the skin and works as a mild acid peel.
• Parsley decoction. A good lightening agent. After preparation, the infusion is poured into an ice tray and placed in the freezer. In the future, cubes are used as pigmentation appears.
• Cucumber juice. Apply a slice to the damaged area to help prevent the skin from drying out.

Herbal infusions

Traditional medicine is rich in recipes that will help get rid of scars. The disappearance of wounds and spots from herpes is accelerated by herbal decoctions:

• chamomile and celandine - heal;
• St. John's wort - starts the regeneration process;
• calendula - helps relieve itching and soothe the skin.

Herbs help lighten the skin and partially eliminate pigmentation formed after herpes.

Diagnosis of the disease

The presence of herpesvirus in the body can be detected using various methods. We list the effective methods that are used in our modern laboratory:

1. Polymerase chain reaction. Allows you to determine the DNA of the virus in the taken material.
2. Linked immunosorbent assay. Detects the presence of antibodies that are formed in the body when infected with a virus. The stage of the disease can be determined by the concentration of antibodies.
3. Immunofluorescence reaction. The biomaterial is treated with an active substance that makes the antigens glow.
4. Cultural technique. Sowing biomaterial on a nutrient medium. Studying the development of the virus under a microscope.
5. Serological analysis. Detects class G and M antibodies and their avidity. Often used to diagnose genital herpes. The biomaterial is blood taken from a vein.

With any diagnosis there is a chance of getting a false positive result. An accurate diagnosis is made after several studies.

How to find out if there is a virus?

Already during the initial examination of the patient, the doctor can determine the presence of herpes (often people who have visual manifestations of the disease seek medical help). But in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the degree of development of the infection, laboratory tests are prescribed.

Tests are important when planning pregnancy, since the virus is dangerous to the fetus. Tests are also required for patients preparing for transplantation.

There are several diagnostic methods - which one will be optimal in a particular case, the doctor will tell you. The presence of the herpes virus and its type can be determined by blood tests (enzyme immunoassay, PCR analysis, immunofluorescence reaction) and scrapings (culture method, immunofluorescence reaction). The most accurate, but also the most time-consuming and expensive method is the cultural method, which involves “growing” a virus obtained from a patient’s biomaterial in laboratory conditions.

Diagnosis of herpes

Treatment methods

There is no single way to quickly cure the virus: herpes occurs differently in different people. The treatment method depends on the strain, location of the affected area and other factors. At Polyclinic +1, doctors select a suitable herpes treatment regimen for each patient. Comprehensive treatment of infection with drugs prescribed by a doctor gives quick results.

Creams and ointments

The most popular drug is Acyclovir. It is available in the form of a cream or ointment with an active ingredient content of 5%: Acyclovir-Sandoz, Zovirax, Acyclovir-hexal. For treatment, it is better to use creams rather than ointments. Creams are better absorbed into the affected areas. The drugs must be applied to the affected area five times a day for seven days.

Despite its prevalence, acyclovir is considered an obsolete drug. It copes poorly with relapses of the disease, eliminates symptoms, but does not suppress the virus inside the body. In 30% of patients, treatment with acyclovir does not produce results.

A more modern drug is penciclovir. Fenistil Pentsivir is manufactured on its basis. This cream contains propylene glycol + cetomacrogol. They accelerate the penetration of the active substance into the skin. Only 0.2% of strains are resistant to Fenistil Penciclovir. The reproduction of the herpes virus stops on the second day after applying the cream, making the healing process faster. But the drug has a drawback: it is not suitable for children under twelve years of age.

Pills

When a treatment regimen for herpes in adults is drawn up, drugs can be prescribed in tablet form. The use of potent tablets is permitted for the treatment of adolescents over twelve years of age. When treating young children, parents should use the Viferon ointments and suppositories listed above.

The action of acyclovir in tablets is similar to the action of the ointment of the same name. The tableted drug is inexpensive and available in almost every pharmacy. It is approved for use in the treatment of children under twelve years of age.

Valaciclovir is used to synthesize acyclovir. It is contained in the drug Valtrex. When the tablet enters the body, valacyclovir is converted to acyclovir. This technique increases the concentration of the drug in the body. The effect of taking valacyclovir can be compared with intravenous administration of acyclovir. It is suitable for people with normal immunity.

Famciclovir is the most effective medicine for herpes. After administration, famciclovir is almost completely absorbed and quickly turns into active penciclovir, which allows you to get rid of symptoms and suppress the activity of the herpes virus. Famciclovir is contained in the drugs Famvir and Favirox. A single dose of three tablets is allowed to quickly stop inflammation. Famciclovir is suitable for adults with weak immune systems.

Folk recipes

Traditional recipes help eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but do not fight the herpes virus as the cause. Here are examples of common recipes:

• Apply lemon balm essential oil to the affected area every two hours.
• Lubricate the area of ​​inflammation with Kalanchoe juice three times a day.
• The affected area can be lubricated with crushed garlic cloves three times a day. If garlic causes a burning sensation, you should choose a different recipe.
• A mixture of bee honey and apple cider vinegar, taken in a ratio of 1 to 1, can be applied to the inflamed area. Treat the skin three times a day.

We do not recommend treatment solely according to traditional recipes. To eliminate symptoms and suppress the activity of the herpes virus, use medications prescribed by an experienced doctor.

LekOboz recommends:

In addition to antiviral drugs, in the first 3 days of illness, take a multivitamin containing 600–800 mg of vitamin C and 600 mg of B vitamins. This will reduce pain and speed up the healing of ulcers.

Article on the topic

It is impossible to get rid of the herpes virus - there is no cure. How to fight it? Take immunomodulatory medications as prescribed by your doctor. The goal of such treatment is to bring the virus to a state of hibernation and at the same time eliminate disorders of the immune system.

Plant extracts of eleutherococcus, ginseng, echinacea, mumiyo, pantocrine help increase the duration of the relapse-free period. It makes sense to take them as a course. But they are ineffective for relieving exacerbations.

Treatment of herpes virus by a specialist

The symptoms of herpes can be similar to those of other diseases. For example, genital herpes can be confused with other sexually transmitted diseases. The cause of inflammation in the mouth is not only herpetic stomatitis, but also aphthous stomatitis. In this regard, when the first signs appear, you should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of all forms of herpetic infection in our clinic “Polyclinic +1” is carried out by highly qualified dermatologists, venereologists, and gynecologists. They will conduct a thorough diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy with modern antiviral drugs. An integrated approach helps not only to suppress the activity of the herpes virus, but also to increase the body's defenses and achieve stable remission. When treating herpes during pregnancy, our doctors always take into account the possible risks to the fetus.

Attention! Self-administration of medications can be harmful if the diagnosis is made incorrectly. If you self-medicate incorrectly, you can harm your health by starting the course of the disease. To avoid relapses and complications, you should take medications under the supervision of a doctor.

Cost of treatment at Polyclinic +1

Prevention methods

What is herpes - it is a viral disease. It is transmitted by using other people's things, kissing, and unprotected contact. Preventive measures are aimed at preventing infection with the virus:

• Wash dishes thoroughly after other people.
• Do not take other people's towels, combs, toothbrushes and other personal hygiene items.
• Women should not use other people's lipsticks, glosses, or balms.
• Avoid touching your face and groin area with unwashed hands.
• Damage to the skin must be treated with disinfectants.
• Take vitamins regularly to strengthen your immune system.
• Avoid unprotected sexual contact with strangers.

When in contact with people who have visible symptoms of herpes, the risk of becoming infected is higher. But even if a person is a hidden carrier of the infection, he can become infected. Therefore, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene.

Advantages of "Polyclinic +1"

• The consultation is conducted by experienced dermatologists and venereologists.
• Receive test results and make a diagnosis within 1 day.
• Official license to provide paid medical services.
• Possibility to take tests and undergo treatment anonymously.
• Convenient location in the center of Moscow, 5 minutes from Novokuznetskaya and Tretyakovskaya metro stations.
• Doctors are available daily from 9:00 to 21:00, including on weekends.
• Free parking is available for visitors (notify the administrator in advance).

conclusions

Only an experienced doctor can select an effective treatment regimen for herpesvirus. When deciding how to treat herpes on your own, you risk not getting the desired result, and sometimes even causing complications. Make an appointment with a doctor at the phone number indicated on the page to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and forget about relapses.

The article was checked for compliance with medical standards by a leading specialist at the Polyclinic+1 clinic, a dermatovenerologist, urologist, and mycologist.

Malashenko Vladimir Alexandrovich