| Herpes Infection |
| Written by Johh Taylor | |
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Herpes simplex is basically a viral disease which is caused by both the type one and type 2 herpes simplex viruses. The infection through herpes virus is mainly categories into one of the many varied disorders which are based on the place of infection. However the oral herpes is a noticeable symptom on which is colloquially known as fever blisters or cold sores that mainly infects the mouth and face. Moreover oral herpes is also a common form of herpes infection. There are also some genital herpes infections which are also called as herpes but is the second most common type of herpes. Some other disorders such as herpes gladiatorum, herpetic whitlow, cerebral herpes infection encephalitis, ocular herpes, neonatal herpes, Mollaret’s meningitis and even Bell’s palsy could be caused through herpes virus.
The herpes viruses often cycle between the periods of active diseases which presents as blisters that contain infectious virus which can last from 2 to 21 days. It is also followed by remission period and during this time the patient would start experiencing evacuation of sores. The genital herpes is often asymptomatic even though the viral shedding might still occur. However after initial infection this virus might also move to other sensory nerves where they might become latent or reside for life long. Some causes of recurrence are actually uncertain but there could be some potential triggers identified in your body. However over time these active disease episodes could also reduce in severity and frequency. Is herpes infection contagious?The herpes simplex infection is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with a body opening or through body fluid from an infected person. The transmission might also take place through direct skin to skin contact through episodes of asymptomatic shedding. Therefore some barrier protection methods could be the most consistent methods to prevent transmission of this herpes virus. However it could only reduce rather than completely eliminating the risk factor. The oral herpes can be easily diagnosed in the patient suffering through visible ulcers and sores. Some early stages of genital herpes and orofacial herpes are a bit harder to diagnose for which laboratory tests might be required.The symptoms of herpes infectionIt is studies that the herpes infection or virus can reoccur at any time of you life cycle but herpes symptoms will usually be the most severe during the first attack. This is because the body does not have the right defense against this unknown virus in the body. Moreover the attack could also last for a long time.The primary herpes infection might usually affect different parts of the body while causing different visible symptoms. These symptoms can include ulcers appearing in the mouth, finger infection, keratitis or ulceration in the eyes, encephalitis or infection that covers the brain and also Vulvo vaginitis or genetial herpes symptoms. Apart from this some main symptoms of herpes are eruption of pimples or blisters which often crust over and scab off after some time. There could also be flu like symptoms such as body ache, fever and swelling of lymph nodes located in the groin. Even though these symptoms are often severe to moderate they can even be very mild that the person suffering from this infection might not notice them. However in some cases the herpes infection symptoms might also be mistaken for mild abrasions, insect bites and yeast infections. A few people might also get a warning sign before the attack. These are often known as prodromes, which consist of tingling, itching and painful feeling in the area where these lesions develop. Moreover the attack could also fallow after a couple of days. Diagnosis and treatment of herpes infectionThere is a sample take from the infected area of the person for tests to be conducted in the laboratory. So, when the virus is blemished with dye in order to identify the virus. Moreover there are also blood tests conducted which might be done to identity antibodies present in the blood or the ones which are produced even when no signs and symptoms are present or visible. However when it comes to treatment of this herpes infection, there is still no studies treatment that can cure this infection. However the symptoms can be easily controlled with the help of medication.One of the most commonly used medications for the treatment of herpes virus is famciclovir, valayclovir and acyclovir. These drugs or tablets are easily absorbed in the blood which helps in fighting the symptoms shown by this infection. You can take these drugs less often so that it does not cause any side effects. However treatment can be offered in two simple ways which include suppressive therapy and episodic therapy. The episodic therapy is offered when the infection is active or when the symptoms are visible, while the suppressive therapy basically means taking antiviral therapy even during dormancy times. |
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