Skin diseases herpes body. What does herpes look like on the body? Types of herpes on the body

After examining skin rashes accompanied by itching and other unpleasant symptoms, doctors can diagnose herpes. Herpes on the body is dangerous because it invades and destroys tissue from the inside.

Only in a hospital setting can a doctor determine how to treat and according to what scheme.

How does it manifest?

Almost everyone knows what this disease looks like on the skin. Herpetic rash of all types forms similar rashes.

Bubbles form on all parts of the body, especially often their locations appear in the cheeks and lips. The viruses that cause different types of disease are so similar that the differences cannot be seen even under a powerful electron microscope.

initial stage- These are small blisters filled with a clear liquid that becomes cloudy after a couple of days. They itch, gradually bursting and forming wounds on which a crust forms. These sores never heal, so the disease manifests itself painfully in humans.

With good immunity, the disease can go away without treatment within one or two weeks. If the immune system is weakened, a person suffers from allergies, then healing of wounds takes a long time, and herpes ulcers form.

With herpes, a sick person can infect people from his social circle. The infection spreads when herpetic blisters burst and sores form. If the immune system is weakened, then herpes formations quickly spread throughout the body, the skin is affected in large areas.

If a rash accompanies an acute respiratory infection, its appearance may be mistaken for a sign of recovery. This is wrong. In this case, viral herpes is a complication caused by a cold, acute respiratory infection.

Why does it happen?

Herpes is a viral disease It is common among both adults and children, but not everyone knows whether it is dangerous for others and under what conditions it can appear.

Not knowing whether herpes is contagious or not, patients do not comply with quarantine and other precautions. In this case, the health of others depends only on their immunity: with weakened immunity, the body is more susceptible to infection.

How is vaginal herpes treated? What are the dangers of illness during pregnancy?

Great influence on the course of the disease provides immunity stability. The disease can be severe or mild, depending on the number of rash areas on the patient's body.

Immunity can decrease for various reasons. One of the most common is allergies. With frequent contact with an allergen, not only body rashes form, but other inconveniences also appear. Skin lesions cause severe discomfort, causing further weakening of the immune system. This course of the disease is typical for both adults and children.

With a decrease in hemoglobin, missing iron (iron deficiency anemia) a rash develops on the lips.

If an adult has a herpetic rash, this indicates the body’s persistent struggle with its cells, a kind of

self-destruction. This struggle gradually depletes the body's internal strength and weakens the immune system.

Sometimes strains enter the body during the first year of a child’s life through contact with sick people.

Breastfeeding does not cause herpes transmission, since the virus does not penetrate milk. When feeding, a child can only become infected through contact.

The localization of the pathogen in the nervous system makes it impossible to get rid of it. If the body is healthy, then HSV remains in a latent state, without bubbles.

Doctors consider favorable circumstances for development:

Constant stress.
Immune deficiency.
Periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Diabetes mellitus and consequences.
Taking certain types of medications.
If the body is exposed to severe hypothermia or overheating.

The strains are resistant to changes in environmental temperature. When cooled to -70°C, the strain dies in a few days; heating to +55°C is faster.

Herpes on the body - photo

Where could it be?

Located on the chest, abdomen, neck, under the armpit, on the surfaces of the mucous membranes. Spread to all parts of the body indicates reduced immunity and a significant titer of antibodies to the virus.

Varieties of herpes are sometimes localized to specific areas of the body. Localization is an indicator of the body’s successful fight.

There are such types:

Zoster is localized on the sternum, on the back, on the shoulder.

How does herpes zoster manifest itself and is it dangerous in adults? Causes and symptoms

Genital herpes can be seen in the buttocks, thighs, and lower back. In women it appears on the abdomen and thighs as a relapse at the end of menstruation. Rash in the abdominal area may be a sign of approaching menstruation.

The rash is considered especially dangerous during pregnancy., since it can provoke neonatal herpes, which is the cause of death in 90% of those infected during pregnancy.

Herpes zoster may appear on the chest, hips, back, and spine. It is caused by the chickenpox virus. Sometimes . It affects not only adults, but also children. The virus attacks the fibers of the nervous system, causing severe pain and scratching.

The third type (Zoster) can form in the legs and feet, causing pain when walking.

The formation of minor blisters on the skin and lips does not cause associations with serious pathological processes in patients. Herpes on the body is formed as a result of decreased functionality of the autoimmune system and associated diseases.

Viral infections, upon penetration into the body, are integrated into cellular structures for the purpose of further reproduction. Average statistics report that the herpes virus is present in 90% of the population and is dormant. Any deviations and weakening of the body provokes its activation with the subsequent formation of rashes on the skin.

The main route of transmission of the pathogen is from person to person. The total incubation period is one calendar month. The virus can be transmitted:

while talking, coughing or sneezing;
when using common hygiene items;
during unprotected sexual intercourse;
at the moment of kissing.

When passing through the birth canal, the baby can become infected from an infected mother. The first signs of the disease may appear within several months of the baby’s life.

Types of herpes

Experts divide the infection into eight independent types, each of which has its own symptomatic characteristics.

the first type - refers to simple forms of herpes, manifests itself in the form of blisters on the mucous membrane of the lips;
the second is also a simple form of the disease, affecting the genital area;
third - provoked by the chickenpox virus, causing the formation of herpes zoster and chickenpox;
fourth - to become the primary source of mononucleosis of infectious etiology, the secondary name of the pathology is the Epstein-Barr virus;
fifth, cytomegalovirus occurs during infection.

The remaining three types of anomaly have not been fully studied. Experts suggest that their appearance is provoked in patients by certain ailments of the nervous system.

Causes of herpes on the body

The main primary sources of the pathological process are considered:

disturbance of the stability of the psycho-emotional background that occurs against the background of constant stressful situations;
incorrectly selected wardrobe or work characteristics - stable overheating or hypothermia of the body;
frequent infections by infectious diseases;
chronic diseases in the acute phase;
complicated course of diabetes mellitus;
the need to take medications that provoke a decrease in the functionality of the autoimmune system.

Herpes on the skin of the body is a problem for women during pregnancy, patients after surgery or organ transplantation.

Patients with diagnosed HIV infection are at high risk for developing the disease. A weakened immune system is unable to resist an activated virus.

Main and accompanying symptoms

Characteristic symptomatic manifestations of the process are rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. Herpes on the back - photo can be seen below.

Additional signs of viral infection include:

increased body temperature;
recurrent headaches;
feverish conditions with severe chills;
constant weakness;
muscle pain;
nausea and vomiting.

The severity of intoxication depends on the degree of damage to the body by the disease - the more the pathogen has spread throughout the body, the more pronounced the symptomatic manifestations will be.

The development of a pathological deviation begins with the formation of reddish-pinkish spots of various shapes. After a short period of time, they degenerate into rashes - in the form of bubbles with yellowish-transparent contents. The formations spontaneously open and are covered with a grayish-yellowish crust. A few days before the spots develop into a rash, the patient feels itching, tingling and burning in the problem areas.

The common form of the disease is characterized by the simultaneous appearance of rashes on different parts of the body. The total process time can last up to several months. In immunodeficiencies, the disease occurs in a complicated form, with frequent deaths. In this case, the virus can be detected in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, etc.

Infection of newborns poses a real danger - mortality rates reach 60%. The primary sources of the disease in this situation are intrauterine penetration of the virus or infection during the passage of the birth canal.

Diagnostics

When visiting a medical facility, a specialist conducts a visual examination. The initial diagnosis is made based on the nature and location of the bubbles. To clarify the type of viral infection, the patient is sent for diagnostic examinations. Prescribed including:

clinical blood tests;
PCR diagnostics;
virological technique - isolation of the virus in cultures of sensitive tissues (fibroblasts, chicken embryos);
cytomorphological method – staining smears of biological material;
serological technique - to identify existing antibodies.

After receiving the test data, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes symptomatic therapy.

Treatment methods for herpes on the body

After diagnosing the pathology, the patient is recommended to undergo certain types of therapy. The main goal of treatment is to prevent relapses and quickly relieve the main manifestations of the disease.

How to treat herpes on the skin of the body? For example:

medications;
therapeutic nutrition;
physiotherapeutic procedures;
compliance with hygiene requirements;
homemade recipes.

The latter refer to auxiliary measures and cannot form the basis of therapy.

Drugs

Uncomplicated forms of the disease require the prescription of tablets and ointments for local application. Antiviral creams are applied to damaged areas up to five times a day. Therapy for herpes infection is carried out:

Alpizarin;
Acyclovir;
Valacyclovir;
Virolex;
Zovirax;
Minaker;
Penciclovir;
Famvir;
Famciclovir.

Severe forms of the disease require the use of systemic medications. Symptoms of the disease are relieved:

antihistamine medications;
painkillers;
antipyretic medications.

Antiseptic solutions are used for preventive treatment of affected areas. Their use helps to avoid secondary infection and suppuration. Therapy is carried out:

hydrogen peroxide;
aqueous solution of Furacilin;
Chlorhexidine;
Miramistin;
a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

When treating herpes, the use of antipsoriasis ointments and antibacterial agents is prohibited. This type of medication suppresses local immunity, which can provoke an increase in the intensity of the ongoing process.

Additional means of therapy are immunomodulators and multivitamin complexes. Their use will increase the functionality of the autoimmune system and prevent secondary infection.

Diet

To speed up the recovery process, patients are recommended to switch to a specialized table. Food products enriched with lysine and arginine are added to the main menu. These elements improve the process of tissue regeneration and promote the production of specific antibodies. The necessary substances are contained in:

fermented milk products;
fish;
chicken eggs;
meat.

To fight disease, the body needs a large amount of vitamins. Their shortage is compensated by:

bran;
green vegetables;
white cabbage;
pumpkin;
fresh fruits.

During the treatment period, prohibited foods include:

all confectionery products;
chocolate;
fried potatoes;
tomatoes;
citrus;
pumpkin and sunflower seeds;
candies;
peanut.

If the disease lasts for a long time, coffee drinks, alcoholic and low-alcohol products, and carbonated waters are prohibited.

Physiotherapy

This type of procedure is prescribed in childhood or old age, with herpes zoster. Physiotherapeutic procedures are used as immunostimulants. The effect is exerted on the affected areas of the skin using ultraviolet irradiation or laser therapy.

In addition to stimulating local immunity, physiotherapy has a slight analgesic and bactericidal effect.

Home techniques are used to suppress the symptomatic manifestations of the disease and speed up the recovery process. To treat infection use:

lotions with celandine juice - procedures are carried out up to three times a day;
lemon balm tincture - used for three weeks, helps calm the nervous system, eliminating the main cause of herpetic disease;
pieces of ice - previously wrapped in cloth, are applied to the affected area three times a day, for ten minutes.

Any folk methods are not a panacea - for a complete recovery it is recommended to combine them with official medications. They often provoke allergic reactions and require caution when used.

Hygiene rules

The disease belongs to pathologies with a high level of infection. Infection most often occurs when a vesicle with serous fluid forms. The formation of a crust on its surface transfers the disease to the safety stage - at this moment, sub-infection is recorded extremely rarely.

To avoid transmitting the virus to family members and third parties, you must adhere to the following safety rules:

refuse to use common hygiene items - towels, washcloths, etc.;
reduce any contact with the sick person - especially tactile;
avoid frequent contact with liquids and detergents - soap, shampoo;
stop using scrubs, peelings, etc.;
when the process worsens, showering is limited to once every two days;
During the treatment, all clothing should be made from natural materials - especially underwear.

Prognosis and prevention

The disease often becomes chronic, with stages of remission and exacerbation. Prevention is based on recommendations for preventing relapses:

control over the level of immunity;
transition to a rational daily menu;
seasonal vitamin therapy;
hardening procedures;
frequent walks in the fresh air;
feasible sports activities.

Persons who have not previously been infected should know what a herpes infection looks like and prevent communication with potential carriers of the disease.

Conclusion

Some types of the disease do not require specialized therapy, while others require increased attention and compliance with all specialist recommendations. The most dangerous forms of the pathological process are:

chicken pox;
shingles;
genital herpes - especially in pregnant women.

It is impossible to expel the herpes virus from the body, but one should strive to suppress its activity. Without compliance with the requirements, all medications will not have the desired result. At the first manifestations of the disease, the patient should seek professional help to identify the pathogen that has entered the body and prescribe therapy.

From this article you will learn:

herpes virus: types, what causes it,
herpes - symptoms and causes of the disease,
how to treat herpes - photos, medications.

Herpes is a viral disease in which characteristic blistering rashes appear on the skin and mucous membranes. There is a whole family of herpeviruses, but people most often have to deal with the herpes simplex virus (Herpes Simplex), which occurs on the skin of the face, the red border of the lips, and also on the mucous membranes. There are 2 types of herpes simplex -

herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) –
causes damage to the skin of the face, red border of the lips, mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes,

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) – causes so-called genital herpes.

The herpes simplex virus is clinically manifested by the formation of a group of crowded blisters located on an inflamed base (skin or mucous membrane). The blisters are first filled with transparent contents, and their appearance is always preceded by itching and burning, sometimes general manifestations - malaise, chills, low-grade fever.

Herpes: photo

What does herpes look like: at the beginning of the disease, you can observe the formation of blisters, which after a few days burst with the formation of erosions. If herpes has formed on the skin or the red border of the lips, then the surface of the erosions becomes covered with crusts. If we are talking about the mucous membrane, then in this case the surface of the erosions becomes covered with a yellowish fibrinous film over time.

Herpes: causes

Where does herpes come from?
Initially, a child is born with immunity to the herpes virus. Specific antibodies to the herpes virus, which the child received with the mother’s blood, gradually disappear from the child’s blood. This occurs approximately within a period of 6 months to 3 years maximum. During this time, the child becomes infected with the virus from his parents, but as long as a high titer of antibodies in the blood remains, clinical manifestations of the disease do not occur.

How is herpes transmitted?

through kissing (touching the face to the skin of the face),
while eating from one dish or one spoon,
when you use someone else's towel for drying,
when you use personal items that have been in contact with a person with herpes, or even just a “carrier.”

The most contagious are people with clinical manifestations of herpes. As soon as the blisters dry out, the risk of infection from such a person decreases. However, infection is possible even from a person who does not have any clinical manifestations, but is a carrier of the virus (that is, during contact even with the apparently healthy skin of such a person).

What causes an exacerbation of herpes?

After infection, the herpes virus penetrates nerve cells and spreads along the nerve trunks, through which the virus enters the nerve ganglia, where it will persist throughout life as a dormant infection.

However, when exposed to certain factors (which are described below), the virus is activated and again moves along the nerve trunks to the surface of the skin, where it causes blisters, ulcers and sores. Relapses can occur once a year or twice a year (sometimes more often), depending on the state of the immune system and nervous system.

Factors that cause recurrence of herpes –

contact with a person with clinical manifestations of herpes,
decreased immunity due to influenza or ARVI,
hypothermia,
decreased immunity due to HIV, hepatitis, steroid use, chemotherapy,
physical fatigue and emotional stress,
cuts and scratches of the skin in this place,
in women, the predisposing factor is menstrual periods,
prolonged exposure to the sun.

Herpes: symptoms

A striking hallmark of herpes is the appearance of a group of blisters filled with liquid. Before they break out, there is always an incubation period (lasting from several hours to a day), when there are no clinical manifestations yet, but the virus has already been activated. During this period, you may experience itching or burning of the affected area of the skin. Further symptoms depend on the location of the rash...

Herpes on the red border of the lips (Fig. 7-9) –
lips and skin around the mouth are the most common localization of herpes. The blisters that appear on the skin and red border of the lips burst and dry out after 2-3 days. The affected surface becomes covered with crusts that last for 7 to 10 days. Under no circumstances should the crusts be peeled off, because... Removing the crusts can also lead to a new outbreak of herpes.
Herpes on the skin of the face (Fig. 7-9) –
foci of herpes can appear on any part of the facial skin, which is usually associated with a violation of the integrity of the skin (scratches, cuts, abrasions). Typical localization is herpes on the cheeks and nose, earlobes, chin, and forehead. The skin around the eyes can also be affected, but we have identified this type of lesion in a separate column.
Herpes of the cornea of the eye, skin around the eyes (Fig. 13-15) –
The herpes simplex virus can spread to one or both eyes, and most often this happens when you spread the virus with unwashed hands that have recently touched herpes-infected skin. Most often, the virus infects the upper layer of the cornea, causing keratitis. Less commonly, the conjunctiva, iris, and retina are affected. Associated rashes may appear on the skin of the eyelids, forehead and nose.
Symptoms: pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light in one eye (if one eye is affected), feeling of “sand in the eyes.” It must be borne in mind that eye herpes is very dangerous, and untimely or incorrect treatment can lead not only to dryness of the cornea and the appearance of scars on it, but also to deterioration of vision, constant pain, and even blindness and loss of the eye.

Common Herpes Symptoms –
Primary herpes can occur with symptoms similar to influenza or ARVI: fever, muscle pain and even swelling of the cervical lymph nodes. But such acute symptoms are observed only in 10% of all patients.

Herpes: treatment

How to get rid of herpes forever - currently there is no vaccine or drug that would allow you to permanently cope with herpes. After infection, the herpes virus remains forever in the nerve trunks. However, there are special medications that will help reduce healing time, reduce pain, and some can even reduce the risk of recurrence.

Features of the treatment of herpes in children and adults –
herpes - treatment in adults and middle-aged/older children is no different. The choice of medications will depend solely on the severity of the manifestations of herpes and the state of the immune system.

When treating young children, it must be taken into account that it is difficult for them to take tablet medications, including treating the oral mucosa with gel. Therefore, antiviral agents in the form of suppositories are used in young children, for example.

1. Treatment of herpes on the skin and red border of the lips -

Treatment of herpes of this localization is carried out with antiviral drugs:
→ means that are applied to the lesion (creams, gels, ointments),
→ means that are taken orally (tablets),
→ less often by means for intravenous administration.

Antiviral creams, ointments and gels –
The most common drug in Russia is antiviral. Preparations based on acyclovir: Acyclovir cream 5% (Russia), Acyclovir ointment 5% (Russia), Zovirax cream (UK), Acyclovir-hexal cream (Germany), Acyclovir-Sandoz cream (Switzerland)…
Creams and ointments with acyclovir should be applied to the lesion 5 times a day for 7 days (there are no contraindications based on age). It should be noted that the cream form is more preferable to the ointment, because antiviral substances from the cream penetrate the skin a little better than from the ointment. Acyclovir is mainly effective in patients who have only contracted herpes for the first time.
Disadvantages of drugs based on acyclovir –
acyclovir is a fairly old drug. Despite its widespread use in pharmacies, this drug is ineffective in approximately 10-30% of patients due to the insensitivity of the virus strains to acyclovir. In addition, the components of the drug penetrate very poorly through the skin to the site of virus reproduction, and acyclovir itself has a very low tropism for the herpes virus.
Modern antiviral agents in the form of creams –
These drugs include Fenistil-Pencivir cream based on the antiviral component Penciclovir (Fig. 18). The drug not only has several times greater effectiveness, but also extremely low resistance of virus strains to this drug (about 0.2%). Contained in the composition, cetomacrogol and propylene glycol, facilitate the penetration of active components through dead layers of skin and crusts as much as possible.
Above we talked about the penciclovir-based Fenistil-Pencivir cream, which is applied topically to the skin of the face and the red border of the lips. Preparations based on famciclovir are essentially tablet analogues of penciclovir, only they are no longer used topically in the form of a cream, but internally in tablets (Fig. 22).

Acyclovir and its modern analogues:

Important: tablet preparations, as well as those for intravenous administration, should be prescribed only by a doctor. For patients with a suppressed immune system, it is advisable to use only drugs based on Famciclovir (both for treatment and for the prevention of outbreaks). For patients with normal immunity, tablets based on Valaciclovir can be used (both for treatment and prevention), but monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

2. Treatment of herpes in the oral mucosa -

Treatment of herpetic stomatitis can be carried out at home, but you must be sure of the correct diagnosis. Children are most often susceptible to this localization of herpetic infection, so parents often make a diagnosis on their own and begin the wrong treatment. From experience, we can say that herpetic and aphthous forms of stomatitis are often confused, which are treated in completely different ways.

How to distinguish aphthous form from herpetic form –
with the herpetic form of stomatitis, numerous blisters appear, which burst after 1-2 days, and in their place multiple small erosions appear. In the aphthous form of stomatitis, the cause of which in most cases is an allergic reaction, only 1 erosion appears (maximum two or three), but of a very large size (Fig. 23).

Important: if you find it difficult to make a correct diagnosis, even after reading an article with photographs of different forms of stomatitis (the link to which we provided above), be sure to contact only a dentist. If a child gets sick, there is no point in contacting pediatricians, because... From experience, we can say that pediatricians do not even know that there is not one, but several forms of stomatitis, and that they are treated completely differently. Therefore, you should only call a pediatric dentist from a pediatric dental clinic at your place of residence.

Prevention of herpes –

The best prevention of herpes is the ability to avoid physical contact with a person who has active clinical manifestations of this disease. In addition, you cannot use other people’s personal belongings of a sick person, such as: lipstick or lip balm, dishes, forks/spoons, towels. If one of your family members is sick, everyone should wash their hands regularly with soap.

You should also avoid triggers such as stress or excessive tanning. If you notice that herpes breaks out with enviable regularity precisely after prolonged exposure to the sun, be sure to use sunscreen and special lipstick with protection from ultraviolet radiation. Abrasions and cuts of the skin in the mouth and red border of the lips are one of the predisposing causes of repeated outbreaks of herpes.

If you have damaged your skin or lip rim, treat your skin with antiviral cream for prevention. If you often suffer from colds, consult an immunologist to correct your immune system, and always support your body with vitamin preparations in the autumn-spring period. We hope that our article: Herpes virus symptoms and treatment was useful to you!

Sources:

1. Add. professional,
2. Based on personal experience as a periodontist,
3. National Library of Medicine (USA),
4. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (USA),
5. “Diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and lips” (Bork K.).

Many-sided and dangerous

Herpes infection is characterized by enviable resistance and a large number of varieties. The insidiousness of the virus lies in the fact that it does not disappear forever after the illness, but, defeated and humiliated by the immune system, hides in the nodes (ganglia) of the nervous system and waits for the right moment.

According to WHO, more than 90% of the inhabitants of our planet have had contact with pathogens and may be carriers of the virus. Moreover, it even affects animals, producing fatal modifications for them, which, fortunately, are harmless to humans. That is, the enemy is working to capture a wide area, is actively mutating and has plans to conquer the world.

In medicine, it is customary to distinguish 5 types of herpes:

— Type I- a so-called “cold” that occurs in the area of the nasolabial triangle: itchy and tingling small blisters that eventually merge and form a scab. The vile virus thus seems to intend to destroy the self-esteem of its carrier - it proudly peeks out from under the nose, creating an unkempt appearance. I have often heard from patients the funny complaint “the lip is covered with slate.” A petty bully and mischief maker can easily be treated with antiviral creams.

— Type II is caused by a variety of herpes simplex and is known to the general public under the pseudonym “genital herpes.” It is classified as a group of sexually transmitted diseases, but contact and household infection, as well as transmission from mother to child during childbirth, cannot be excluded. Finds itself in rashes on the causative places: skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, thighs, tailbone, buttocks. Treatment is under the supervision of a venereologist, urologist, and gynecologist.

— III type, the same one that we will pay closer attention to, herpes zoster is the well-known chickenpox. Doctors strongly recommend that you get it in childhood, when the immune system is more mobile and the thymus gland readily produces T-lymphocytes. The defeated chickenpox virus remains forever in the body of its host in a latent form. With any weakening of the immune system and re-infection with a more recent version, Zoster, which was peacefully dormant in the ganglion, becomes more active and unfolds grandiose activities.

— IV and V the types have certain specifics: roseola rosea is classified as a group of childhood diseases, and cytomegalovirus and EBV are included in the section of atypical viruses and have a special clinical picture and treatment. But these are also serious infections.

Herpes zoster in all its glory

Any type of herpes virus has clearly thought-out tactics of behavior. First of all, it tries to penetrate the nervous system, since it knows that this is a vulnerable and important part of the person that will not be targeted by an aggressive immune response. During an exacerbation, it appears on the skin precisely along the projection of the nerve fibers and causes unbearable pain. The disease has a long course and a number of features:

in the initial stage, which lasts 3-5 days, the clinical picture is characterized by a symptom complex very common to many other diseases: a sharp rise in temperature to high values, weakness, body aches, signs of intoxication. This greatly complicates the differential. diagnosis, and the virus gains additional time.
the acute period can last up to 20 days. First, round pink spots appear, similar to lichen; they are localized along the intercostal nerves, on the face, thighs, elbows, and armpits. Soreness and intoxication intensify. The rashes are unbearably itchy.
at the site of redness, vesicles (bubbles) filled with liquid form, which begin to burst on the 27-28th day from the onset of the disease, forming wounds. At this stage, it is important to prevent the addition of a secondary bacterial infection. Otherwise, suppuration will occur, which is always a threat of sepsis with a large area of wounds.
The ulcers heal within 30-40 days, leaving areas without pigmentation in their place. These are scars. In general, pain during an exacerbation of herpes zoster can persist for up to 120 days.

How to escape

It should be noted that the term “herpes virus treatment” has its own nuances. Basically, we are talking about alleviating symptoms, stopping the acute phase and preventing the development of complications. Medical science has not yet found a way to permanently get rid of the presence of herpes in the body.

However, there is an effective scheme of complex therapy, which includes the following principles:

Taking antiviral drugs with systemic antiherpetic activity. Treatment of infection with isoprinosine shows excellent results. This is a powerful immunomodulator that helps lymphocytes activate their own function of suppressing RNA synthesis of the herpetic cell, as well as cope with factors inhibiting natural defense. The dosage of the drug in adults and the duration of use is strictly determined by the doctor, and on average ranges from 500 mg (the weight of one tablet) to 3-4 times a day. On average, the daily dose can be limited to six tablets. In addition to the main course of antiviral drugs, local application of an antiherpetic ointment (for example, based on acyclovir), which will hit the enemy in the periphery, is recommended.
To protect against the bacterial threat, treatment with local antiseptics is necessary. Solutions of chlorhexidine and furatsilin cope with this task, and especially brave people do not neglect dyes: brilliant green, fucorcin and methylene blue. The choice in this case is only a matter of taste.
Hyperthermia and pain can be relieved with any usual antipyretics: ibuprofen, nimesulide, aspirin, paracetamol. And antiallergic drugs successfully relieve debilitating itching.
The disease is accompanied by severe intoxication, so do not forget about drinking plenty of fortified drinks and just water at room temperature. This will allow you to quickly remove harmful substances from the body that are formed after the death of the virus.

Antibiotics are prescribed only when there is a bacterial infection and only by the attending physician.

As an auxiliary and maintenance therapy

Prohibited Methods

Although the Zoster virus is called shingles, it has nothing in common with a fungal infection. The disease bears this name solely because of the external similarity of the rashes at a certain stage of development with fungal skin lesions. And since viruses and fungi play on different teams and according to different rules, antifungal drugs do not cure shingles and can cause harm.

Unbearable itching can bring to mind memories of a wonderful ointment that brilliantly and quickly relieves similar phenomena in eczema and skin forms of allergies. This refers to any ointment with hydrocortisone. It is strictly not recommended to use it against herpes infection, since the principle of action of steroids is based on suppressing inflammation by suppressing the immune system. In areas deprived of natural protection, herpes feels very happy and multiplies tirelessly.

Complications and prevention

The disease, left untreated in the active stage, progresses rapidly and threatens with dangerous complications:

eye damage. The infection spreads freely to the cornea and nearby muscles, generally leading to blindness.
inflammation of the membranes of the brain. Herpes Zoster simply loves nerve cells and its intense interference with their vital functions leads to irreversible neurological disorders, including paralysis.
damage to any organs and systems. Shingles is not just a rash on the skin; the infection firmly establishes itself in the body and, looking for vulnerable spots in the internal organs, begins to destroy them.

It must be remembered that activation of herpes infection in the body always occurs against the background of immunodeficiency conditions, therefore preventive measures consist of maintaining the body’s natural defenses. A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, work and rest schedule, reducing mental stress, giving up bad habits are the key to excellent well-being and confidence in your health.

However, there are reasons for decreased protection that are difficult to influence: nervous strain, previous illnesses, pregnancy, advanced age, forced use of immunosuppressants. In this case, it is necessary to monitor your own well-being and immediately consult a doctor at the first signs of illness. Timely treatment and compliance with all recommendations will help reduce discomfort and reduce the risk of relapse.

Be healthy, dear readers, and don’t forget to pamper your immune system.

Sources:

1. O. L. Ivanov. Medical reference book “Skin and venereal diseases”, chapter IX “Viral diseases”, 2007.

Herpes– a disease caused by viruses of various types; lesions can be localized on the genitals, mucous membranes and throughout the body, leading to unpleasant sensations and physical discomfort.

It is impossible to completely get rid of herpes pathogens, therapy is aimed at suppressing their activity and putting them into a dormant state. The herpes virus can remain in the body for a long time without leading to the development of a clinical picture.

The first symptoms appear suddenly and require immediate medical attention: depending on the stage at which measures are taken, the effectiveness of treatment and the speed of relief from the main symptoms depend.

Herpes - what kind of disease?

Herpes is a viral disease that has its own classification depending on the clinical manifestations and location of the lesion.

To suppress the activity of the virus, complex treatment is used, including the use of antiseptics, antiviral drugs in various forms and means for symptomatic therapy.

Depending on the form of herpes, infection can occur in the following ways:

Airborne path: in a room with normal temperature conditions and air humidity levels, the pathogen can maintain its vital activity for no more than a day;
Personal hygiene items, which were used by people infected with an active form of herpes;
Blood transfusion and through open wounds or minor violations of the integrity of the skin;
Mucosal contacts and unprotected sexual intercourse.

Causes of the disease

The cause of the disease is the entry of the herpes virus into the body. For a long time it may not manifest itself in any way.

The pathogen is activated under the influence of the following factors:

Exacerbation of various diseases in a chronic form;
Disorders of the immune or endocrine system;
Systematic exposure to low temperature conditions;
Complications arising from diabetes mellitus;
Stress factors, emotional stress;
Taking hormonal-type pharmacological drugs;
Infectious lesions of the body;
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer;
Pregnancy;
Having bad habits;
Deficiency of vitamins and nutrients in the body.

Symptoms and features of the disease

The clinical picture of herpes occurring on the body includes the following symptoms:

The severity of herpes symptoms on the body depends on the general health and immune system of the person.

Herpes on the back and lower back

The back and lower back are the most vulnerable areas of the body where herpes most often appears, since its causative agent is.

This form is called herpes zoster, and can affect all people who had chickenpox in childhood. The disease is not considered severe or dangerous, but it can cause severe physical discomfort to the patient.

The main features and symptoms are described below:

Localization of lesions on the buttocks most often occurs due to the activity of the herpes virus type 2, but they can also be caused by other types of pathogens if, due to violation of hygiene rules, they were transferred from other parts of the body.

The symptoms look like this:

Herpes on legs, feet and toes

In some cases, the rashes do not spread throughout the body, but are localized on the legs; the activity of the chickenpox virus, as well as herpes type 1 or 2, leads to a similar clinical picture.

People who are actively involved in sports are prone to this form, since infection can occur through microscopic damage to the epidermis on the lower extremities, for example, on the soles of the feet and fingertips.

The symptoms are as follows:

Herpes on the arms, hands and fingers

Rashes that do not spread throughout the body, but only affect them, are a sign of infection with herpes simplex type 1 or 2.

The development of the disease is described below:

When herpes is localized on the hands, the patient does not have a fever or general deterioration in health.

Herpes that affects the body can be localized on the stomach - this form of the disease is more severe than rashes on the arms, legs and buttocks.

The causative agent is the varicella zoster virus, the features of the clinical picture depend on the stage of the disease.

At the first stage, when the virus activity increases, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

After 5 days, the causative agent of the disease begins to multiply in the body, during this period a new stage is distinguished, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

Increased body temperature, severe weakness of the body;
Increased itching, especially at night. When scratching, there is a risk of secondary infections;
The appearance of blisters, their drying with subsequent formation of crusts occurs after 5-7 days.

Diagnosis of herpes on the body

If herpetic rashes occur on any part of the body, you should contact a dermatologist.

The following diagnostic methods are practiced:

If the rash spreads to the genital area, additional consultation with a gynecologist or urologist may be required.

If necessary, the dermatologist can refer you for examination to a pulmonologist, gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist.

Treatment of herpes on the body

It is impossible to completely get rid of the causative agent of the disease; therapy is aimed at suppressing its activity, which leads to the disappearance of symptoms. Treatment is complex and is prescribed by a specialist depending on the characteristics of the disease and the location of herpes.

Features of treatment:

When treating herpes on the body, it is prohibited to use hormonal drugs, as this can cause serious health problems;
Therapy is prescribed taking into account the patient’s age, stage of the disease, extent of lesions and other factors. The entire process is prescribed and supervised by a doctor;
Antibiotics are also not used to treat herpes on the body, experts prescribe them only in rare cases when the disease is severe, when foci of purulent inflammation appear on the skin or mucous membranes.

Below we discuss the main groups of drugs and examples of drugs that are prescribed only after consultation with specialists.

Antiviral drugs

Antiviral drugs form the basis of the course of treatment for herpes on the body for any location of the rash.

Their action is aimed at suppressing the activity of the causative agent of the disease, which leads to a decrease in the severity of symptoms, gradual recovery and minimizing the risk of relapse.

Effective treatments for herpes are:

Valaciclovir— is available in the form of tablets based on the substance of the same name, its concentration is 500 mg in each tablet. Used to treat herpes on the body in patients over 12 years of age. When treating genital herpes, 4 tablets are prescribed per day, they should be taken in 2 doses. The duration of the course is no more than 10 days. In case of relapses, a repeat course lasting 3 days is prescribed, the dosage is reduced to 2 tablets per day. If the rash is localized on the back and lower back, 2 tablets are prescribed every 8 hours for a week, treatment begins 2 days after the rash appears. If the patient has HIV infection, the dosage should not exceed 2 tablets per day. The cost of a package containing 10 tablets is 450-500 rubles ;
- is a budget antiviral drug based on acyclovir, it can be used to treat any form of herpes over the age of 3 years. Tablets are prescribed for adults to take 4 times a day, 800 mg, with a break of at least 6 hours between doses. Duration of treatment – 5 days. For children over 6 years old, the same dosage is prescribed, but taken 4 times a day. At a younger age, 400-200 mg of the drug is prescribed. Instead of tablets, you can use a 5% cream, which is applied to the rashes on the body every 4 hours. Depending on the dynamics, the duration of the course varies from 5 to 10 days. The cost of the drug is from 20 to 50 rubles .

It must be remembered that all of the listed drugs stop the process of reproduction of the herpes virus, but do not protect other people from infection, therefore, if localized in the genital area, you should refrain from sexual intercourse until complete recovery.

Immunomodulators

Another important component of drug therapy in the treatment of herpes on the body are drugs that have a stimulating effect on the immune system.

These include:

Imunofan- in the form of a solution for subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. The daily dosage is 50 mcg, 1 injection is given daily, the course duration is 15-20 days. If you are prone to relapses of herpes, you can repeat the course after 2-4 weeks. The drug is used to treat adults and children over 2 years of age. The cost is from 400 rubles ;
Arbidol— is available in the form of umifenovir-based tablets, which should be taken before eating. The product is intended for adults and children over 2 years of age. For those over 12 years of age, take 2 tablets 4 times a day, with a 6-hour break between doses. The duration of the course is 5 days. For the treatment of herpes in children under 12 years of age, the dosage is determined individually by a specialist. Packaging cost is from 250 rubles .

Antihistamines

The use of antihistamines on the body is necessary to suppress itching, burning and other manifestations of physical discomfort.

The following remedies are prescribed:

- these contain 10 mg of loratadine, they can be used to treat children from 2 years of age. Over the age of 12 years, 1 tablet per day is prescribed, the duration of the course is determined by the speed and duration of the therapeutic effect. For children under 12 years of age and patients with severe liver damage, the dosage is adjusted individually. A package containing 10 tablets costs from 220 rubles ;
Cetirizine- is another modern antihistamine in tablet form containing 10 mg of cetirizine. The product can be used to eliminate itching on the body when treating herpes in patients over 6 years old, provided that the body weight is more than 30 kg. It is allowed to take no more than 1 tablet per day. Average cost of packaging 150 rubles ;
Desloratadine— in the form of tablets, it is used to treat patients over 12 years of age. The daily dosage is 1 tablet, the duration of the course is individual and depends on the symptoms. To eliminate itching when treating herpes in childhood, pediatricians sometimes prescribe Desloratadine in syrup form. The cost of the product is from 130 rubles .

Treatment of herpes on the body with folk remedies

Traditional medicine knows a large number of ways to combat the manifestations of herpes that occur in various parts of the body, but they are allowed to be practiced only after agreement with a specialist and confirmation of the diagnosis.

Below are some effective home techniques:

Features of treatment of herpes on the body in pregnant women

If the herpes virus enters a woman’s body before conception, the risk of infecting the child is minimal, since maternal antibodies provide reliable protection.

If infected already during pregnancy, the risk of transmitting the pathogen to the fetus increases significantly, which can create a threat of miscarriage or provoke pathologies of further development.

On the body during pregnancy should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, since there is a ban on the use of many pharmacological drugs.

A pregnant woman may be offered the following treatment options:

Features of the treatment of herpes on the body in children

Antiviral and immunostimulating drugs are also used to treat herpetic rashes on the body in children, but only a pediatrician should prescribe them.

Some features of the treatment of the disease in childhood are discussed below:

After recovery, the child’s diet is adjusted to include fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in vitamins.

The most effective prevention of herpes is maintaining a normal immune system.

The set of preventive measures includes: