Symptoms of herpetic infection and methods of treating the disease

Herpes infection is a chronic disease caused by the herpes virus. The pathogen is detected in half of children before the age of three, the rest become infected later. 95% of the population is diagnosed with herpesvirus of various types.

What is a herpetic infection

Herpes infection is the collective name for eight varieties of the herpes virus that exist in nature and infect the human body. According to the classification of herpes infection, there are:

1. The first type of virus provokes labial herpes, a characteristic rash appears on the lips and wings of the nose. It is transmitted by airborne droplets and household contact.
2. The second type is genital herpes, which affects the genitals and is transmitted through sexual contact.
3. The third type is herpes zoster, which appears on the body as chickenpox or shingles.
4. The fourth type is known as the Epstein-Barr virus, the disease occurs in the form of infectious mononucleosis.
5. The fifth type, cytomegalovirus, is extremely dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause severe pathologies in the fetus.
6. Types of herpes six to eight have not yet been studied enough; doctors suggest that the pathogen can provoke chronic fatigue syndrome, a sudden rash on the body, Kaposi's sarcoma, and also be involved in multiple sclerosis, cervical carcinoma, etc.

Most often, the body is affected by herpes of the first and second types, and many people have also encountered chickenpox, which occurs mainly in childhood. Other types of the virus are much less common.

The herpes virus was first isolated more than a hundred years ago. Scientists have described it as an extremely small pathogen that contains DNA.

When penetrating into a favorable environment - the host's body - the herpes virus actively multiplies, creating hundreds of copies inside itself.

Overview of Herpes Virus Infection

Causes

The immediate cause of the disease is the penetration of the herpes virus into the body. Ways of transmission of the herpes virus to a healthy person:

1. Tactile contact - infection is possible when a person touches active viral particles, for example, when smearing burst herpes vesicles on a sick person.
2. Airborne - the virus is released into the air when coughing or sneezing.
3. Sexual contact - from an infected sexual partner, since the pathogen is contained in semen and the vaginal environment, as well as through tactile contact, if the patient develops a rash on the genitals.
4. From mother to fetus - there is a risk of developing congenital herpes infection. Infection occurs in several ways: ascending (when the virus infects the ovum, rising from the vagina to the embryo), transplacentally (penetrating the placenta), intranatally (during labor), postnatally (if the virus is activated in the first hours or days after birth).
5. Autoinoculation – self-infection is possible when a person scratches the vesicles and transfers the virus on their hands to other parts of the body, for example, the genitals.
6. The transfusion route of transmission is through blood transfusion.

Primary infection

It is enough for a person to encounter a primary herpes infection once, and the pathogen firmly lingers in his body - through the skin, microcracks, and especially wounds and scratches, the pathogen penetrates the human blood and affects the nervous system, hiding in the nerve ganglia. A person is most contagious in the first two years after the virus enters the body. Subsequently, the body suppresses its activity, it becomes less aggressive and dangerous. A herpetic infection can be congenital if it is acquired during childbirth or transmitted in utero.

Causes of relapses

Activation of the virus occurs under unfavorable circumstances, when a person’s immunity sharply decreases. Before this, the virus is in a hidden, latent state, and may not manifest itself for a long time.

With strong immunity, patients may not even suspect for several years that they are carriers of the herpes virus. If the immune system is severely weakened and a large number of viral particles enter the blood, generalized herpes is possible, which can be fatal.

Sometimes congenital herpetic infections end this way if the child is weak (underweight, premature birth, concomitant pathologies).

Herpes virus - who is to blame and what to do

Symptoms and localization for different pathogens

Labial herpes

The symptoms of the herpes virus directly depend on what type of pathogen the patient is infected with. The most typical form that most patients are accustomed to seeing is labial herpes.

The disease has a second “popular” name - cold, fever, since herpes often accompanies hypothermia, decreased immunity after an infection.

Activates during the cold season.

It mainly appears on the face, affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and lips. The course of the virus is typical - the skin begins to itch, swelling appears, and after a few hours you can notice small vesicles.

The rashes on the skin increase in size within 2-3 days, after which they burst, and the ulcers heal. Inside these vesicles are thousands of living, active viral particles that the immune system fights.

The vesicles open on their own at the stage when the viral particles are already inactivated and are not dangerous. The disease caused by the herpes simplex virus lasts from 7 to 12 days.

Labial herpes on the lips

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Genital herpes

The second type of virus is called genital - this type of herpes is characterized by lesions of the skin of the genital organs. Typical rashes appear on the surface of the labia of women, in the perineum, and on the head of the penis. The prodromal period is characterized by the same symptoms.

Since when localized in the genital area there is a risk of injury to the vesicles, the infection in skin diseases often spreads to the inner side of the thighs, near the anus. The area of ​​the rash turns red, becomes hot to the touch, and touching it is painful.

The duration of herpes is the same - one and a half weeks.

Genital herpes

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Varicella-Zoster virus

Herpes of the third type is the causative agent of chickenpox, which affects most children in childhood. The pathogen causes the appearance of blisters on the body with transparent contents inside.

Rashes are characterized by widespread skin manifestations - the rash can be found throughout the body.

In most children, chickenpox does not cause serious symptoms - the temperature rarely rises above low-grade fever, the child may refuse to eat, and in the first days looks drowsy and lethargic. After a couple of days, when the vesicles stop appearing, the patient’s condition returns to normal.

Herpesvirus of the third type hides in the body, and with a decrease in immunity it can be a repeated infection in the form of herpes zoster - with this manifestation, the vesicles are usually localized in the lumbar region, they are crowded and merge into herpetic conglomerate islands. Herpes zoster provokes an increase in body temperature, enlarged lymph nodes, and neuralgic pain. Usually, after a few days when active treatment begins, the general symptoms subside, and the vesicles themselves on the body disappear within a few weeks.

Photo No. 1 - herpes zoster, photo No. 2 - chickenpox

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Epstein-Barr

Herpes type 4 occurs in the form of infectious mononucleosis. Mononucleosis occurs predominantly in children and young people.

When the virus becomes active, patients complain of a sharp deterioration in their health – body temperature rises, fever, headaches and fever begin.

Typical symptoms include sore throat, muscle pain, nausea and loss of appetite. The liver and spleen may enlarge, and signs of jaundice may appear.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in children: symptoms (temperature), consequences, prevention, vaccination

Cytomegalovirus

The fifth type of herpes virus is called cytomegalovirus. Often it remains in the body without visible manifestations, and during an exacerbation, the course of this type of herpes is more similar to infectious mononucleosis. At the initial stage, patients develop chills, fever, and a febrile state.

The lymph nodes swell, and the throat becomes painful when swallowing, swelling and redness. As the disease progresses, muscle pain appears, dry mouth appears, shooting pain appears in the salivary glands, and the mucous membrane itself turns red.

Patients find it difficult to swallow and breathe.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus

Other types of herpesvirus

The sixth type of herpes is the most mysterious form of the disease. The manifestations of this type of herpes are very diverse, so diagnosing the pathology can be difficult.

Patients may be diagnosed with redness of the pharynx, fever, catarrhal otitis, swelling of the eyelids, lymphadenopathy, encephalitis, febrile convulsions.

Doctors suspect that persistent herpesvirus infection may be associated with the appearance of pathologies such as hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, hemophagocytosis, and eosinophilia.

During primary infection, herpes occurs as mononucleosis, accompanied by fever and intoxication.

Herpetic infection can provoke chronic fatigue syndrome, encephalitis, febrile convulsions.

Herpes type eight is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. The pathogen primarily attacks the lymphatic system and manifests itself as malignant lesions of the skin.

Symptoms of the disease are bluish-brown spots on the legs and feet. The rash transforms into clearly defined nodes, their size can reach from one to five centimeters.

The nodes are able to connect with each other, and after some time ulcers appear in their place.

Types of herpes and their symptoms - Galina Vinogradova

How is diagnosis done?

Diagnosis of infection can be made using direct types. To do this, samples are taken (scraped) directly from the surface of the skin - from the skin, mucous membranes, blood and sperm. Cultural analysis allows you to determine the presence of pathogen DNA, but a positive result for the virus can only be obtained in the active phase of the disease.

The polymerase chain reaction method can determine the type of herpesvirus in the blood, but only if there is a relapse of the disease. PCR has a huge disadvantage - it produces false results. For chronic herpetic infection, the method has unreliable results.

Serological research methods are enzyme immunoassay and immunoblotting. Today, these are one of the most accurate methods for determining the pathogen, or rather, not the virus itself, but antibodies to it.

Treatment methods

Antiviral drugs and immunomodulatory agents are mainly used to treat herpes infection. Complications of herpetic infection are relieved with symptomatic medications - analgesics, antipyretics, external preparations for healing the skin. The most effective therapy against herpes are:

1. Acyclovir is an effective antiviral agent, available in the form of ointments and tablets. It is well tolerated and has few negative consequences. Apply the ointment every three hours to the surface of the skin with the rash. Tablets are taken 2 to 5 times a day, as recommended by a doctor.
2. Valtrex is available exclusively in tablet form. The drug is more effective than Acyclovir. The tablets should be taken three times a day at equal intervals, the course of therapy is up to 7 days.
3. Allomedin is a new drug whose action is based on stimulating local immunity. It is best to use at the initial stage of the appearance of herpes. The surface of the skin should be treated with gel 2-3 times a day.

For recurrent herpetic infections, patients are recommended, in addition to immunomodulators, fortified preparations, local products to improve skin regeneration with vitamins A and E.

Possible complications

Among the many complications of herpes infection in adults and children, the following complications can be identified:

• damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa - ulcers, erosions;
• eye lesions – keratitis, herpetic conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis;
• damage to the central nervous system - herpetic encephalitis, peripheral neuritis, paralysis, paresis;
• urogenital lesions – herpetic urethritis, cervicitis, erosions;
• herpetic pneumonia and hepatitis;
• damage to the joints and urinary system;
• malignancy of tumors.

Prevention

Prevention of herpes infection consists of a few simple steps that people can take to avoid contracting herpes initially or triggering a recurrence:

• wash your hands with soap after contact with skin that shows signs of a herpetic rash;
• use personal hygiene products;
• with active genital herpes, refrain from intimate contact so as not to infect your partner;
• Boost your immunity in every possible way - eat right, exercise, harden yourself.

Almost every person has a herpetic infection in the body, but this does not mean that the patient needs to wait for frequent relapses. With strong immunity, the body can weaken the virus and make it practically inactive.

Source: https://herpes.center/gerpesvirus/gerpeticheskaya-infekciya

Herpetic infection in adults: types, symptoms, prevention

Herpes infection affects people regardless of age and gender. Millions of people are carriers of the virus. Visible manifestations of herpes form when an infected person's immunity declines. The virus has several varieties, the general code according to ICD 10 is B00. Herpes is a lifelong disease that cannot be cured.

Etiology

Herpes infection is a viral disease. Eight of its varieties are dangerous for humans:

• Type 1 - herpes simplex;
• Type 2 - genital form;
• Type 3 - causes chickenpox and herpes zoster (herpes zoster);
• Type 4 is called the Epstein-Barr virus and is the cause of infectious mononucleosis;
• type 5 - human cytomegalovirus;
• Type 6 - manifested by sudden exanthema;
• Types 7 and 8 of the virus contribute to the development of a pathological condition - chronic fatigue syndrome.

Herpesvirus enters the human body upon contact with its carrier . The main ways to acquire it:

• airborne;
• contact;
• domestic;
• from infected mother to fetus (vertical);
• during donor blood transfusion, organ transplantation.

After infection, viruses begin to actively multiply in the cells of their carrier, have the ability to remain in his body in a latent form for a long period, and persist in organs.

Types of virus and their features

Herpes infection in adults and children manifests itself with similar symptoms. The disease can be recognized by the following signs:

• Redness of the skin or mucous membranes, pain in the inflamed area.
• Increasing itching, burning of the skin.
• Rashes in the form of many grouped colorless or yellowish bubbles, inside of which there is liquid. After some time, they begin to burst, and the rashes become crusty.
• Possible increase in body temperature.
• Fatigue, exhaustion.

A weakened immune system can cause such symptoms. Herpesvirus infection usually affects the patient under favorable conditions:

• development of colds, viral or infectious diseases;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• increased physical activity;
• frequent exposure to stressful situations;
• change in diet or quality of food;
• getting injured.

Herpes simplex

A simple type of disease is designated as HSV-1; it has several varieties depending on the location of the rash - lips, oral cavity, eyes.

The appearance of a rash on or around the lips, near the nose and on its wings, and chin is noticeable to others, so many believe that only such signs indicate a disease and are not dangerous to the health of their owner.

Characteristic blisters may appear on the hands and skin of the legs.

Infection with herpes simplex can be felt by changes in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, on which signs of herpetic stomatitis appear.

The patient develops vesicles on the inside of his lips, cheeks, and palate, the development of which ends with tissue rupture and the formation of erosions. Such lesions indicate aphthous stomatitis.

The patient experiences complications when eating, painful sensations accompany him for several days.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 can affect the eyes. The patient has superficial or deep lesions of the eye - keratitis, which are characterized by the following symptoms:

• pain;
• clouding of the eye cornea;
• the appearance of small ulcers;
• redness of the sclera;
• increased lacrimation.

Patients note a significant decrease in vision. This occurs due to an increase in intraocular pressure or deformation of the cornea - perforation, which leads to the development of inflammatory processes in the eyeball, often of a purulent nature. HSV, which affects the eyes, can cause the development of cataracts.

Genital virus

HSV type 2 is genital herpes. A simple type of virus is transmitted through contact and sexual contact. Infection of a partner most often occurs when the pathogen begins to recur in its carrier.

The main symptom of the disease is characteristic rashes (vesicles) on the mucous and soft tissues of the genital organs. The rash is accompanied by itching and burning of the affected skin. The patient feels discomfort when urinating, which is described as tingling.

Another sign is enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area.

Chicken pox

Chickenpox is the result of type 3 herpes virus entering the body. It infects humans by airborne droplets through the nasopharyngeal mucosa. In exceptional cases, infection through domestic contact is possible through close contact with a carrier.

During pregnancy, the mother can infect the fetus through the placenta. The greatest danger of pathogen transmission exists in the first 20 weeks of intrauterine development. The situation is dangerous for the baby when the mother becomes infected with the virus a week before giving birth.

In most cases, the disease spreads among children of preschool or primary school age. After the incubation period, lifelong immunity is established .

After a type 3 herpetic virus enters the body, the process of its spread begins. It penetrates the epithelial cells, accumulates in them, then attacks the lymph nodes and, through the bloodstream, internal organs.

The incubation period after infection can last up to 3 weeks. During this time, the health status of the infected person often does not change. Some patients note slight deterioration associated with the accumulation of fatigue.

The appearance of characteristic signs of the disease - skin rashes - is accompanied by other symptoms:

• increased body temperature;
• feverish condition;
• intoxication of the body, indicated by vomiting and nausea.

A characteristic rash appears on any part of the body. At first these are small red rashes, then papules form in their place. In patients, the rash may appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals, and rarely on the cornea of ​​the eyes.

After some time, the rashes transform into small vesicles containing liquid, then they open and become covered with a crust.

Simultaneous skin manifestations are observed, relating to different stages of their development.

Signs of the disease clearly appear in adult patients. With significantly reduced immunity, the rashes can become erosive or ulcerative in nature and even develop into a gangrenous form.

Shingles

The zoster virus provokes the appearance of signs of shingles. This disease affects the skin and nervous system. It is most often diagnosed in people over 50 years of age, but infection can also occur at a younger age. The reasons for the activation of the virus are:

• decreased immunity;
• deterioration of the environmental situation in the region of residence;
• development of infectious and viral diseases.

Shingles often appears after a course of chemotherapy in cancer patients. Medical research confirms that most people who have previously had chickenpox develop the disease.

Signs of the disease are pronounced. The onset is accompanied by noticeable pain and burning on the skin, where rash elements subsequently appear. Their localization often projects the location of nerve endings on the body. Areas susceptible to rashes:

• face and lower jaw;
• neck;
• back of the head;
• torso (between the ribs);
• hands;
• buttocks;
• genitals;
• legs.

Shingles develops in 3 stages - the onset of the disease, the appearance of rashes, and the period of crust formation.

The initial period lasts from 2 to 4 days. Patients note signs of intoxication of the body:

• increased weakness;
• headache;
• increased body temperature;
• disorders of the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms are accompanied by itching, burning, and pain in the affected areas of the skin. The lymph nodes are enlarged and painful. The process of urination is difficult.

Then rashes appear on the skin - lesions consisting of small spots. After a day, vesicles filled with clear liquid form on the affected area. In severe cases, blood may be present in the blisters; often the rash in such cases turns black. The rash is similar to the manifestations of chickenpox; it begins to encircle the patient’s body.

After 7-14 days, the affected area becomes covered with a crust. It may be yellow or brown. After it falls off, the site of the rash becomes pigmented.

Shingles is accompanied by severe pain even with a light touch to the affected area . Pain is a consequence of damage to nerve endings, increasing their sensitivity at the site of the rash.

Infectious mononucleosis

Epstein-Barr virus, or herpes type 4, causes the development of infectious mononucleosis.
Routes of infection: airborne, contract or hemolytic. The incubation period lasts 1-3 weeks. Symptoms of the disease may appear suddenly or increase gradually. The main ones are:

• weakened state;
• increased body temperature;
• the appearance of catarrhal signs - nasal congestion and swelling, swelling of the tonsils, changes in the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx;
• there is an increase in lymph nodes (cervical, submandibular, occipital);
• enlarged liver and spleen (in severe cases).

3-5 days after infection, a rash appears in the form of pigment spots, their color varies from light pink to burgundy. They can be located on the torso, limbs, face, and disappear on their own after a few days.

Cytomegalovirus infection

Cytomegalovirus infection belongs to the genus of the herpesvirus family. Adolescent children and adults are often susceptible to infection. Infection occurs by contact - through saliva, breast milk, blood, sperm. Children often become infected at home by sharing toys or other objects with the carrier.

The disease is characterized by a long incubation period—up to two months. After a latent course, a sharp, unexpected manifestation of the symptoms of herpes virus type 5 is observed:

• weakness and fever;
• muscle pain;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

If the immune system is strong, the body is able to overcome the disease on its own. In patients with a weak immune system, the infection is accompanied by serious dysfunction of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and the lungs and retina of the eyes are affected.

Diagnosis of herpetic infection

Diagnosis of herpetic type infection can be carried out in several ways:

• visual examination of the patient, collecting anamnesis and identifying characteristic symptoms of infection;
• serological studies;
• PCR blood test;
• linked immunosorbent assay;
• carrying out an immunofluorescence reaction;
• cultural method.

The choice of diagnostic method depends on several factors - time limitations for obtaining results, availability of equipment. In some cases, several studies are prescribed at once to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of herpes virus infection should be carried out under medical supervision; independent actions can lead to complications and aggravation of the patient’s condition.

The patient must understand that it is necessary to treat herpes throughout his life, since it is impossible to completely get rid of the virus.

Therapy is aimed at suppressing severe symptoms and preventing their recurrence.

Doctors suggest using conservative treatment, the effect of which can be enhanced by folk remedies and fortification of the patient’s body. When prescribing drugs and other methods, an individual approach is used.

For remission and prevention of re-exacerbation, the patient is prescribed medications:

• antiviral - popular and effective Acyclovir, Valtrex, Famvir;
• to restore the functions of immune defense, immunomodulatory agents are used - Derinat, Likopid;
• ointments and other topical medications are used to treat rashes on the external parts of the body - Acyclovir, Zovirax, Fenistil Pencivir;
• antibiotics to combat concomitant diseases;
• for irrigation and localized treatment of foci of infection, traditional brilliant green (diamond green), zinc ointment, alcohol solutions based on propolis or lemon balm are used;
• medications that have an analgesic effect - Ketorolac, Ibuprofen;
• interferon inducers are used to suppress the activity of viruses;
• Vitamins of groups B, C, E strengthen and consolidate the therapeutic result.

Prevention

To prevent infection with a herpes infection or to prevent the reactivation of its pathogen, you must follow some rules. Prevention of primary infection is as follows:

1. Strict compliance with hygiene rules. Adults should develop in their children the habit of washing their hands after visiting public places, the toilet, before eating, and using only individual hygiene items - a toothbrush, a towel.
2. Timely and regular cleaning of premises. Particular attention is paid to treatment in children's institutions during the period of intensification of the virus and seasonal exacerbations, when confirmed cases of infection are identified.
3. Sexual contact must be protected. This approach will also eliminate infection with other sexually transmitted infections that cause significant harm to health.
4. Vaccination. The vaccines used are Vitagerpavak, Varilrix (protection against type 3 virus) .

If herpes has already infected a person’s body, and he is a carrier of the virus, efforts should be aimed at preventing relapses of its exacerbation. For these purposes it is required:

• support immunity;
• undergo preventive treatment of chronic diseases and vaccinations;
• visit your doctor regularly.

The patient also needs to get rid of bad habits that create favorable conditions for the virus to multiply.

Source: https://kozhainfo.com/gerpes/infektsiya-u-vzroslyh.html

Herpetic infection

Herpetic infection is a chronic recurrent infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and characterized by predominant damage to the integumentary tissues and nerve cells. The main route of transmission of herpes infection is contact, but airborne and transplacental transmission of the virus is possible. A distinctive feature of herpes infection is the ability of viruses to persist for a long time in the nerve ganglia. This leads to relapses of herpes during periods of decreased body defenses. Manifestations of herpes infection include herpes labialis, genital herpes, visceral herpes, generalized herpes, herpetic stomatitis and conjunctivitis.

Herpetic infection is a chronic recurrent infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and characterized by predominant damage to the integumentary tissues and nerve cells. Currently, there are two types of herpes simplex virus.

Type I of the virus primarily affects the mucous membranes and skin of the mouth, nose, eyes, and is transmitted primarily through household contact; type II causes genital herpes and is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. The reservoir and source of herpetic infection is a person: a carrier or a patient.

The release of the pathogen can continue for a very long time.

The transmission mechanism is contact; the virus is released onto the surface of the affected mucous membranes and skin. In addition to the main routes of transmission for type I of the virus, airborne droplets and airborne dust can also occur, and type II can be transmitted vertically from mother to child (transplacentally and intranatally).

Viruses that have entered the body tend to persist for a long time (mainly in ganglion cells), causing relapses of infection during periods of weakening of the body's defenses (colds, vitamin deficiencies).

Herpetic infection is classified according to the predominant damage to certain tissues: herpes of the skin, mucous membrane of the mouth, eyes, acute respiratory viral infections, genital herpes, visceral herpes, herpetic damage to the nervous system, herpes of newborns, generalized form.

Herpetic infection

The incubation period of herpetic infection is usually 2-12 days, the onset can be either acute or gradual, often the primary infection goes completely unnoticed by the patient, and the course of the disease becomes recurrent.

Relapses can occur 2-3 times a year, or extremely rarely - 1-2 times every 10 years or less.

Relapses tend to develop against a background of weakened immunity, so clinical manifestations of herpes often accompany ARVI, pneumonia, and other acute infections.

Herpetic skin lesions are localized mainly on the lips and wings of the nose. First, itching and burning are subjectively felt in a localized area of ​​the skin, then this area thickens, vesicles are formed on it, filled with transparent contents, which gradually become cloudy.

The blisters break open, leaving behind shallow erosions and crusts that heal after a few days without consequences. Sometimes bacterial flora penetrates through damaged skin, causing secondary suppuration and complicating healing. Regional lymphadenitis may be observed (the nodes are enlarged and slightly painful).

There are no general symptoms observed, or the disease occurs against the background of other infections that cause additional symptoms.

Herpetic lesions of the oral mucosa are characterized by the occurrence of acute or recurrent stomatitis. The disease may be accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication and fever. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity is covered with groups of small vesicles filled with transparent contents, which quickly open and leave painful erosions.

Erosion in the oral cavity can take up to 2 weeks to heal. The disease can occur in the form of aphthous stomatitis (the formation of aphthous stomatitis occurs - single, slowly healing erosions of the oral mucosa). In this case, general clinical manifestations (intoxication, hyperthermia) are usually absent. Herpetic stomatitis is prone to recurrence.

Herpes of the ARVI type often occurs without characteristic blistering rashes on the mucous membranes and skin, resembling the clinical picture of other respiratory viral diseases. In rare cases, a herpetic vesicular rash forms on the tonsils and back of the throat (herpangina).

Genital herpes usually manifests itself as local rashes (vesicles mainly form on the glans penis and the inner surface of the foreskin in men and on the labia majora and minora in women) and general symptoms (fever, intoxication, regional lymphadenitis). Patients may notice pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region, and burning and itching in the areas where the rash is localized.

Ophthalmoherpes manifests itself as a rash on the cornea, which subsequently causes the formation of ulcerative defects, a decrease in the sensitivity of the cornea, which contributes to deterioration of vision. Herpes of the posterior parts of the eyeball is rare. Chronic recurrent herpes of the eye can lead to persistent clouding of the cornea and blindness.

Herpetic infection of the nervous system occurs as serous meningitis (expressed in the form of general and meningeal symptoms, proceeds benignly), or encephalitis (severe intoxication, fever reaches extremely high numbers, convulsive symptoms, various paresis, paralysis and disorders of consciousness are noted). Herpetic encephalitis leads to death in 30% of cases; after treatment, it leaves serious consequences in the form of persistent paralysis and paresis, and dementia.

Visceral forms of herpes occur in accordance with the clinical picture of inflammatory diseases of the affected organs. These can be herpetic pneumonia, hepatitis, pancreatitis, nephritis, esophagitis, adrenal herpes. With herpetic lesions of hollow organs accessible to endoscopy, vesicular rashes and erosions may be observed on the mucous membrane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQNs9l4A31A

In newborns and patients with severe immune deficiency, a generalized form of herpetic infection may develop, characterized by a high prevalence of skin manifestations, lesions of the mucous membranes and internal organs against the background of general intoxication and fever. The generalized form in AIDS patients often occurs in the form of Kaposi's eczema herpetiformis.

One form of herpes infection is herpes zoster. The onset of the disease is often preceded by prodromal phenomena - general malaise, headaches, a rise in temperature to subfebrile levels, and dyspeptic symptoms. There may be a burning sensation and itching in the area of ​​projection of the peripheral nerve trunks.

The prodromal period lasts from one day to 3-4 days, and may differ in varying intensity of symptoms depending on the condition of the patient’s body.

In many cases, an acute onset is noted: the temperature rises sharply to febrile levels, general intoxication is noted, and herpetiform rashes appear on the skin along the innervation of the spinal ganglia.

The process can spread within one or more nerve trunks. Most often, the rashes are localized along the projection of the intercostal nerves or branches of the trigeminal nerve on the face; less often, damage to the extremities and genitals is noted.

The rashes are groups of vesicles with serous contents, located in areas of hyperemic, dense skin. In the area of ​​the rash there is a burning sensation and intense pain of a vegetative nature. The pain occurs in attacks, often at night.

Disorders of tactile sensitivity in the area of ​​innervation of the affected nerves, radicular paresis of the facial and oculomotor nerves, bladder sphincter, muscles of the abdominal wall and limbs may be observed.

The abortive form of herpes zoster infection occurs in the form of a short-term papular rash without the formation of vesicles. In the bullous form, herpetic vesicles merge, forming large blisters - bullae.

The bullous form can often progress to the bullous-hemorrhagic form, when the contents of the bullae become hemorrhagic in nature.

In some cases, the bullae merge along the nerve fiber, forming a single extended ribbon-shaped bubble, which leaves a dark necrotic scab after opening.

The severity of shingles depends on the location of the lesion and the state of the body's defenses. Lichen is especially severe in the area of ​​innervation of the nerves of the face and head, and the eyelids and cornea of ​​the eye are often affected.

The duration of the course can range from several days (abortive form) to 2-3 weeks, in some cases dragging on for up to a month or more.

After suffering from herpes zoster, relapses of herpetic infection in this form are quite rare.

Diagnosis of herpetic infection is carried out using virological analysis of the contents of vesicles and scraping of erosions.

Isolation of the herpes simplex virus does not provide sufficient diagnostic data on the activity of the process.

Additional diagnostic methods include RNIF of fingerprint smears (giant multinucleated cells with Cowdry type A inclusions are detected), RSC, RN, ELISA in paired sera.

Study of immunoglobulins: an increase in the titer of immunoglobulin M indicates a primary lesion, and immunoglobulin G indicates a relapse.

Recently, a common method for diagnosing herpes infection is PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

The variety of clinical forms of herpetic infection determines the wide range of specialists who treat it. Treatment of genital herpes is carried out by venereologists, and in women - by gynecologists. Neurologists treat herpetic infections of the nervous system.

Treatment tactics for herpetic infection are selected depending on the clinical form and course of the disease. Etiotropic therapy may include acyclovir and other antiviral drugs. In mild cases, local treatment is used (ointments with acyclovir, Burov's fluid).

Glucocorticosteroid ointments are contraindicated.

General treatment with antiviral drugs is prescribed in courses, for primary herpes - up to 10 days, chronic recurrent herpes is an indication for long-term treatment (up to a year).

For frequently recurrent herpes, immunostimulating therapy is recommended for the period of remission. Immunomodulators, adaptogens, immunoglobulins, vaccination, and intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI) are prescribed. Physiotherapy is widely used: ultraviolet irradiation, infrared irradiation, magnetic therapy, EHF, etc.

A herpetic infection with damage to the central nervous system has an unfavorable prognosis (herpetic encephalitis has a high risk of death, it leaves behind severe persistent disorders of the innervation and functioning of the central nervous system), as well as herpes in people suffering from AIDS. Herpes of the cornea of ​​the eye can contribute to the development of blindness, and cervical herpes - cancer. Herpes zoster often leaves behind various sensitivity disorders and neuralgia for some time.

Prevention of herpes type I corresponds to general measures for the prevention of respiratory diseases, herpes type II corresponds to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Secondary prevention of relapses of herpes consists of immunostimulating therapy and specific vaccination with an inactivated herpes vaccine.

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/infectious/herpetic-infection

Herpetic infection

The cause of herpes infection is 8 viruses, two herpes simplex viruses, as well as Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus, herpes zoster and unnamed numbers. Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes damage to the skin of the red border of the lips, type 2 – the mucous membrane of the genitals, but in life there is no strict localization, and the genital virus lives on the lips and the labial virus lives on the genitals.

How contagious is herpes?

The estimated incidence of herpetic viral infection is 17 people per 100 thousand population, for some reason in the North-West and the Urals it is twice as high.

In terms of contagiousness, the herpes virus is much more dangerous than HIV, it is very tenacious, it doesn’t care about “minus” and “plus” 70°, it survives in a room for a day, so it’s easy to become infected by the secretions of blisters on a towel and from splashes of saliva.

Of the ten, seven adults “received” a herpes infection from an asymptomatic carrier who, without breaking the skin, secretes the virus from time to time.

What are the symptoms of herpes in adults?

Most infected people remember well the first episode of the disease, it is the most vivid, every seventh person experiences relapses of “fever” six times a year, but the majority of infected people suffer from rashes on the lips or genitals from time to time.

• The first sign of the disease is local swelling of the skin or mucous membrane; before this, itching and burning may appear in this area; this stage lasts for several hours.
• Gradually, against the background of redness, the growth of tiny bubbles begins, filling with a yellowish secretion.
• The blisters are easily injured, burst and erosion spreads in their place - as if the skin has been torn off, the pain is intense but tolerable.
• Erosion is covered with a gray coating, from which brown crusts form; they tighten the skin, often burst and bleed. Complete cure occurs in 3 to 7 days.
• An enlarged and painful lymph node may be palpable on the affected side.
• With profuse rashes, a general reaction of the body may develop: a moderate increase in temperature, aches in the muscles and joints, and headache.

The entire course is quite painful, and not only at the site of the skin lesion, but with genital herpes, pain with numbness can spread to the inner thigh, groin and buttock area. Bubbles on the urethral mucosa cause burning pain every time you urinate.

It is impossible to cure a herpes infection, but years can pass between relapses; the virus carrier is contagious. Our infectious disease doctors at the Center for Infectious Diseases will tell you what to do to avoid becoming a source of problems for other people, help alleviate the symptoms of the disease and prevent relapses.

A herpetic infection only enters the body once and never leaves it. But herpes manifests its pathological essence in favorable conditions: against the background of a chronic serious illness, immune disorders, after a cold and stress. And sometimes without any external reason.

What viruses cause different types of herpes?

In total, only eight viruses out of several dozen cause the appearance of herpes in the human body, numbering them with proper names. Herpes simplex, a regular occurrence in 95% of adults, is caused by type 1 “labial” and type 2 “genital,” but both can form lesions in the upper and lower half of the body.

Chickenpox and herpes zoster are caused by type 3 “varicella zoster”, cytomegalovirus infection is caused by type 5, and “Espstein-Barr virus” is number 4. Viral particles 6, 7 and 8 have been little studied; it is known that herpes virus type 6 in children causes to sudden roseola, is also found in adults, but it is not clearly defined for what pathology it is responsible.  

What types of herpes occur in adults?

The infectious agent easily coexists with relatives, so almost all those who have had chickenpox have pathogens of types 1 and 2. If the infection occurs simultaneously, then it is a coinfection; if it occurs sequentially, it is a superinfection.  

• The labial type causes herpes of the face, but can also affect the genitals, and the sexual or genital type can also lead to herpetic rashes on the wings of the nose and in the eye.
• Ophthalmoherpes or ocular and ear herpes are typical manifestations of herpes zoster, but herpes simplex viruses are also often the cause.
• Herpes zoster infection manifests itself on the body and limbs, occurs on one half of the face and in the mouth, where labial type 1 usually “reigns,” and the genital type can also cause blisters in the lumbar region.  

And these are typical types of herpes infection, because manifestations with less or more pronounced symptoms are considered atypical.

What treatment for herpes is indicated for adults?

At the first stage, during an exacerbation, specific antiviral drugs are needed, there are several groups of them and different forms; individual selection is required. Be sure to try to reduce painful manifestations and prevent complications and secondary bacterial infection.

At the second stage, immunotherapy is carried out and should not be neglected, since relapses are common for this diverse infection.

The standards offer more than a dozen groups of medications; what is needed and what is unnecessary can only be decided by consulting a doctor. The infectious diseases specialist at the Medicine 24/7 clinic not only received specialization, but also successfully treated hundreds of patients. If you need help, make an appointment by calling +7 (495) 230-00-01  

How contagious is herpes?

The estimated incidence of herpetic viral infection is 17 people per 100 thousand population, for some reason in the North-West and the Urals it is twice as high.

In terms of contagiousness, the herpes virus is much more dangerous than HIV, it is very tenacious, it doesn’t care about “minus” and “plus” 70°, it survives in a room for a day, so it’s easy to become infected by the secretions of blisters on a towel and from splashes of saliva.

Of the ten, seven adults “received” a herpes infection from an asymptomatic carrier who, without breaking the skin, secretes the virus from time to time.

Source: https://medica24.ru/zabolevaniya/gerpeticheskaya-infektsiya