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Sneaky and highly contagious: here are two adjectives that briefly describe Herpes Simplex, an infection caused by a virus which bears the same name. It is very common among the population because of its contagiousness, and once contracted, the virus remains in the nerve cells, even if there are no obvious symptoms. It can therefore become dormant, just like Shingles, and appear again often in the same area, for specific triggers.
It can manifest itself in several parts of the body, although it mainly affects the mouth (HSV-1) and genitals (HSV-2). Potentially, it can affect anyone and at any age. In fact, the factor that determines the transmission of the virus is the direct contact with an affected person.
How to recognize hence Herpes Simplex e what remedies can they be taken to prevent this infection? We talked about it with Doctor Irina Poleva, Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology.
What is that
«Herpes Simplex is one skin manifestation characterized by appearance of vesicles which quickly become yellowish crusts, preceded by itching or tingling », explains the doctor.
Exist two kinds Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), namely:
- L’Herpes Simplex type 1 (HSV-1), most often responsible for cold sores, an infection that occurs with the appearance of blisters around the lips, but sometimes also in the ear, nose and oral cavity;
- L’Herpes Simplex type 2 (HSV-2), mostly responsible for genital herpes. The latter manifests itself through vesicles in the area of the genitals and transmission usually occurs sexually.
Symptoms
«In a first phase, one can perceive a sensation of itching / tingling in the affected area (lips, face for the labial form, or buttocks and genitals in the genital form). Afterwards, a redness with small blisters which break quickly giving rise to yellowish crusts », continues Dr. Poleva.
In some cases then (this is mostly the first infection), they can also occur other symptoms flu like:
- headache;
- temperature;
- muscle pains;
- fatigue.
In the presence of these signs it is good to talk to a specialist for an accurate diagnosis. In this way, you also have the option of protect loved ones from a possible contagion.
Causes
“The cause of Herpes Simplex is a virus, namely Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It is a very frequent virus, present in almost 80% of the adult population. Once it has entered our body, it remains forever in latent form living in some structures of the spinal cord. It occurs on the skin following specific triggering factors », continues the expert.
It is transmitted for direct contact of the skin through:
Treatments
«Most of the time the herpes episode resolves spontaneously within 7-10 days. It is useful to apply one antiviral ointment in the very first stage, e the antibiotic one in the crusting phase, to have a faster resolution ».
The diagnosis of Herpes Simplex infection occurs following a normal medical examination. In this context, in fact, the specialist carries out a careful observation of the symptoms. There is no real cure, antiviral drugs do not eliminate the infection and are used orally in exceptional cases. Medicines for local use can treat symptoms with the purpose of reduce inconvenience caused by the symptoms themselves and the infection.
Prevention
«The transmission of the virus occurs through contact with the person-carrier, therefore, the only way to prevent contagion is to avoid contact. However, the manifestations of this infection are typically mild and shouldn’t prevent healthy socialization. Furthermore, the awakening of the virus is linked tolowering of the immune defenses following periods of stress, illness, an incorrect lifestyle. Therefore, it is possible to act preventively by taking care of health in terms of healthy nutrition, respect for the hours of sleep, regular physical activity and psycho-physical balance. All this helps to keep the virus at bay ”, concludes the expert.
In general, therefore, it can happen several times in the course of one’s life, to experience the typical symptoms of this infection. However, this is a transient event that can be treated with specific drugs, to be taken after consultation with your doctor.
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