Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This disease includes a viral infection that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or intimate contact. The herpes virus spreads from the skin and / or mucus from one person to another.
There are two types of herpes, namely HSV-1 and HSV-2. In some rare cases, both viruses can infect the same area. In fact, herpes can infect other parts of the body, such as the fingers and eyes. Once a person becomes infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, the virus remains in the body for life.
While in the body, the immune system suppresses the virus so that it is inactive, but it is still present in the nerves deep in the skin. Even though the immune system is strong, the herpes virus has the potential to reproduce and be active again.
Summary from publications MIT Medical, University of California Berkeley, Cornell Health, And Association of the American Academy of DermatologyHere is an explanation on how to treat herpes.
How to Treat Herpes
There is currently no complete cure for herpes. Herpes treatment is done with antiviral drugs to relieve symptoms. How to cure herpes This is done by taking prescription antiviral drugs, including:
- Asiklovir (Zovirax).
- Famsiklovir (Famvir).
- Valasiklovir (Valtrex).
All three drugs are available in pill form.
Herpes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with the use of antiviral drugs. These drugs help speed up the relief of symptoms, reduce their severity, and help reduce the chances of relapse.
Consult a doctor about the right antiviral medication. Pain medications are also often needed during herpes. Some commonly used pain relievers include pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
The doctor will guide the patient through the entire process and create a treatment plan that includes symptom identification, prevention, and treatment recommendations.
Symptoms of herpes
Symptoms of herpes depending on the type of herpes virus it infects and which part of the body is affected. Many people with HSV-1 or HSV-2 do not experience any symptoms during their illness.
With an asymptomatic infection, a person unknowingly spreads the virus to others. Symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2 herpes usually look the same. The main difference is that HSV-2 infection in the genital area is more likely to recur than HSV-1 infection.
Symptoms of herpes in the mouth are:
- Pain, burning, tingling or itching in the lips or mouth.
- Cold sores on the lips, around or in the mouth. At first, these sores may look like shallow blisters that later harden. Without treatment, the wound will last several days or weeks before it heals on its own.
Symptoms of genital herpes can include:
- Pain, burning, tingling, or itching in or around the genitals, buttocks, or on the inside of the thighs.
- Small blisters on or around the penis, vagina or anus that usually break and form small scabs before healing within a few days.
- A burning sensation when urinating if the sore is near the urethra (the hole through which urine exits the body).
Most people with genital herpes have no lesions or symptoms. Many people don’t realize they have genital herpes until blood tests show they have antibodies to the virus.
Studies show that having genital herpes is at an increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This is because herpes causes open sores on the genitals, making it easier for the HIV virus to enter the body.
Some things that can trigger a herpes relapse are:
- Fatigue.
- Disease.
- Fever.
- Sun exposure.
- Period.
- Operation.
Herpes Diagnosis
Herpes is diagnosed by a doctor to determine if a person is infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2. Diagnosis is made by carrying out laboratory tests using samples of herpes sores.
However, not everyone who suffers from herpes has symptoms. Therefore, the doctor may use a blood test that can detect antibodies to the herpes virus. Blood tests can show if a person has herpes.
Blood tests also determine the type of HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. However, blood tests cannot tell which parts of the body will be exposed to the virus.
