Is it really herpes virus?

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herpes virus

The sores and blisters of herpes are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can involve either the oral area or the genital region. Commonly, HSV type 1 is involved in the oral infections, while type 2 is involved in sexual contact and genital spread. In either case, a complete workup by Best Dermatologist in Model Town Lahore is mandated:

What is herpes infection?

Herpes simplex is a very common infection, throughout the world, primarily because it stays in the body for life. The outbursts of herpetic lesions occur time and again for the patient, especially during periods of poor immunity. In fact, more than 50 percent of the American population has oral herpes, while the percentage of genital herpes is around 16 percent. 

If the blisters and the sores are centered around the mouth area, we call it oral herpes; if the blisters involve the genital area, this is called genital herpes. These outbreaks come and go, and may involve type 1 or type 2 herpes virus.  

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex?

Both the types of herpes virus—HSV 1 and HSV 2 spread through direct skin contact. In most cases of oral herpetic lesions, type 1 virus is involved; the type 2 virus, on the other hand, is more commonly involved in genital lesions. 

If someone gets an active sore, they would be shedding the virus and during this episode they can transmit the infection through bodily secretions and direct contact with the site of infection. Other forms of spread include: shared lip balms, shared utensils and shared razors. 

HSV-2 virus is also transmissible through contact with bodily secretions during an active infection, as well as, through skin-to-skin contact and penetrative sex. 

What are the symptoms of herpes simplex?

Often, herpes simplex presents with very mild or unnoticeable symptoms. In the primary infection, the symptoms can appear anywhere between few days to few weeks after contracting the virus. These include:

  • Fever
  • Lack of appetite
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Body aches
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Shooting pain at the site of infection 
  • Itching at the site of infection 
  • Pain during urination in genital herpes 

For recurrent herpes simplex, the episodes can be spaced far apart, every few months or so. With time, these episodes become less frequent and improve rapidly. The symptoms of recurrent infection include:

  • Tingling 
  • Pain
  • Burning
  • Itching

These symptoms can appear before the onset of blisters and herald the onset of infection. 

What are the causes of herpes simplex?

As mentioned before, the primary culprits of herpes simplex infection are the two herpetic viruses that reside in the body and attack when the defenses of the body are down. 

Who is at risk of developing herpes simplex?

As mentioned before, herpes simplex virus stays in the body for life. Therefore, anyone can contract herpes simplex regardless of their age. Many people do not realize they have contracted HSV until much later. 

The virus generally remains dormant, and causes disease only during periods of:

  • Fatigue
  • Stress
  • Periods of immunosuppression—such as during cancer treatment, intake of steroid medication, chemotherapy and AIDs.
  • General illness 
  • Trauma to the affected region 
  • Menstruation
  • Mothers can also pass herpes to their babies during childbirth

How is herpes simplex diagnosed?

The diagnosis of herpes simplex is based on the appearance of the blisters by a seasoned healthcare provider. For confirmation, culture of the fluid from the sore is taken and sent for analysis. 

What are the treatment options?

There is no cure for complete relief from the virus, however, treatment with antiviral medication like acyclovir and valacyclovir, help to shorten the duration of infection, decrease the frequency, reduce transmissibility and attenuate the disease severity. 

For complete cure of herpes simplex virus, compliance to medication is a must. Patients need to follow the instructions of their clinicians like Best Dermatologist in DHA Karachi for complete recovery.