Herpes Infections
Herpes Infections
Herpes infection is caused by Herpes simplex virus which causes painful itchy sores and eruptions on the body. It is a contagious infection. Herpes infection is caused by group of viruses - Herpes simplex virus and Herpes zoster.
A) Herpes simplex virus
Herpes simplex viruses are of two types 1 and 2 ( HSV-1 and HSV-2).
HSV-1- They usually produces cold sores (fever blisters) around the mouth and face but they can be seen on the genitals too. This is less common type of virus.
HSV-2 - It is the most commonest type of virus which produces genital herpes. It is a contagious virus and transmitted sexually .
How do HSV-1 and HSV-2 transmit ?
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 transmit by contact with the infectious area. If a partner is infected with HSV-2 then it is likely to transmit the virus through open skin pores. HSV-1 also transmit to genitals by oral-genital contact .
Clinical presentation of HSV-1 and HSV-2
HSV-1 - The blisters and sores are seen around the nose and cheeks and on the lips.
The blisters bursts and becomes very painful open sores and later disappear in 1-2 weeks.
Sometimes it caused difficulty in swallowing food and foul breath.
Mild fever with chills, bodyache and muscle pain is present.
The recurrence of herpes may occur any time but with low intensity.
HSV- 2 - HSV-2 virus causes genital infection.
Stages of HSV-2 infection (genital herpes)
1) Initially the genital skin becomes red and very painful to touch. It itches along with pain.
2) As the redness starts the swelling in the area increases. Sometimes there is no swelling in some people.
3) Later that infected area gets filled with fluid ad forms blisters. The blister may be single or numerous.
4) The blister develop into skin lesion which breaks in 3 to 5 days. Later the skin becomes sore and more red. This is the most painful stage.
5) Finally the sores begin to heal by forming the scabs over the sores. The sores dry out and new healed skin appears. At this stage the sore heals because the immunity is improved but the virus still remains in the body.
The herpes infection can recur anytime with less severe intensity.
B) Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster is also called as Shingles. Herpes zoster is caused by the virus called varicella zoster virus which causes chicken pox.
Causes and Risk factor
The herpes zoster occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus gets active in the body. Once a person or child gets the chickenpox the varicella virus remains in the body in dormant stage. But as the immunity weakens due to any cause the virus gets active and that time this person suffers from shingles or herpes zoster. The immunity is weakened in people due to diseases (HIV) or medicines.
How does herpes zoster virus transmit?
It is transmitted by personal close contact like using same clothes or eating in the same dish with the infected person. It is not a sexually transmitted virus.
Clinical presentation of Herpes Zoster
1) The initial symptom is severe pain and burning on the skin.
2) Later rash develops around face, mouth, eyes, back and chest.
3) Usually rash appear as narrow thin area from back (spine) to the chest or abdomen.
4) The rash is followed by small blister which breaks and later begin to dry and forms the scab. This scab falls of in 1-2 weeks and new healed skin appears.
5) Mild fever with chills may be present along with the rash.
6) Pain on the face and back, muscular pain and headache is present.
Red Signal of herpes Infection
The outbreak of herpes infection can occur anytime hence warning signs help to start the treatment soon. These warning signs are seen few hours to a week prior to the actual herpes symptoms.
1) Severe itching and burning at genitals.
2) Tingling sensation at the affected parts.
3) Burning urination due to open sores of herpes around the genitals.
4) Pain in the genital area.
What are treatment and precautions for herpes?
There is no cure for herpes but many medicines are available to reduce the painful symptoms of herpes. As the virus always remains in the body it is difficult to get complete cure from the disease.
1) The antiviral medicines like Acyclovir, Famvir, etc are prescribed for 5-7 days depending on the body weight and severity of disease.
2) Anti-viral ointment is prescribed for local application at the infected area.
3) If itching is present then antihistaminic are prescribed.
4) Cold compression helps to reduce the pain.
5) The infected part of the skin must be kept clean and hygenic. The infected or contaminated items like clothes, utensils, personal care items must be washed thoroughly or can be disposed if possible.
6) If herpes zoster is seen in people who have never been infected by the chickenpox in childhood then they must be isolated as the intensity of virus and lesion is too contagious.
7) Prevent the spread of herpes by avoiding personal contact and sexual contact with the infected person.
8) Vaccine - Herpes simplex and herpes zoster vaccine is available in the market. These vaccines are different from chickenpox vaccine.
9) Homeopathy for herpes - With complete patient history homeopathic remedy is prescribed. Some common remedies are Ranunculus bulbosa and Apis mellifica.
10) Relax, sleep well, reduce the stress level, exercise and proper nutritious food helps to gain immunity and lowers the recurrence of herpes.
Dietary Management for Herpes
Nutritional approach towards herpes virus reduction is very important. A diet rich in Lyssin is essential and beneficial for people suffering from Herpes.
What is the source of Lyssin?
The meat, fish, poultry and dairy products contain more lyssin. Milk, yogurt, cheese are rich in Lyssin. For vegetarian fruits like avocado, legumes and beans are the only source of Lyssin.
What are the foods to avoid?
Reduce the intake of eggs, ice cream, sour cream and bacon as they contain less Lyssin and more fats. Avoid chocolate, wheat germ and nuts as they dont contain Lyssin.
Herpes during pregnancy
It is very likely that pregnant women to transmit the herpes to unborn child or during delivery to her born child. But it very rarely seen that newborn baby is infected with herpes too. If the herpes is active during the delivery then doctors usually prefer caesarean section instead of normal delivery. If the virus is not active during delivery then normal vaginal delivery can be done without any transfer of virus to the baby. Also the pregnant women is given anti-viral medications orally till the delivery if the herpes sores are present on genitals. Usually women develop antibodies against the herpes virus and thus even baby has those antibodies which helps to reduce the chance of contracting the herpes. But if baby hasn't develop those antibodies then baby may suffer from serious herpes infection called as congenital herpes.
Women can even breast feed the baby unless the lesions or sores are not present on the breast. If only breast is infected with herpes and has lesions then do not breast fed the baby fro that side of breast. Women can breastfeed the baby from another breast where the lesions are not present.
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