How do you identify oral herpes. What are the main symptoms of cold sores. What causes herpes simplex virus outbreaks. When should you seek medical care for oral herpes. How is oral herpes diagnosed and treated. What are effective home remedies for cold sores. How can you prevent spreading oral herpes.

Understanding Oral Herpes: The Basics of Cold Sores

Oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This condition affects millions of people worldwide, causing painful sores around the mouth and lips. But what exactly is oral herpes, and how does it manifest?

Oral herpes is primarily caused by two types of herpes simplex virus:

• HSV-1: Responsible for about 80% of oral herpes cases
• HSV-2: Causes the remaining 20% of infections

The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva, mucous membranes, or skin. Most people contract the virus during childhood or early adulthood, often without realizing it.

The Three Stages of Herpes Infection

Once the herpes virus enters your body, it progresses through three distinct stages:

1. Primary infection: The virus enters and reproduces in the skin or mucous membranes
2. Latency: The virus moves to the dorsal root ganglion in the spine, where it becomes inactive
3. Recurrence: The virus reactivates due to certain triggers, causing new outbreaks

Recognizing the Symptoms of Oral Herpes

How can you tell if you have oral herpes? The symptoms of cold sores are often quite distinctive:

• Tingling or burning sensation before sores appear
• Clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters
• Painful, shallow ulcers on a red base
• Crusting or scabbing of sores as they heal
• Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck

These symptoms typically last for 2-3 weeks. In addition to the sores, you may experience fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and irritability.

Where Do Cold Sores Typically Appear?

Oral herpes sores can occur in various locations around and inside the mouth:

• Lips
• Gums
• Front of the tongue
• Inside of the cheeks
• Throat
• Roof of the mouth
• Chin and neck (in some cases)

What Triggers Oral Herpes Outbreaks?

While the herpes virus remains dormant in your body after the initial infection, certain factors can trigger a recurrence:

• Stress (emotional or physical)
• Weakened immune system
• Hormonal changes
• Exposure to sunlight or wind
• Fever or illness
• Certain foods or medications

Understanding your personal triggers can help you manage and potentially reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Diagnosing Oral Herpes: When to Seek Medical Care

In most cases, oral herpes can be diagnosed based on the characteristic appearance of the sores. However, there are situations where you should seek medical attention:

• If you’re unable to eat or drink due to pain
• If you show signs of dehydration
• If you’re unsure about the cause of the sores
• If the patient is an infant under 8 weeks old
• If you have a weakened immune system

How Do Doctors Diagnose Oral Herpes?

While visual examination is often sufficient, doctors may use additional tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Viral culture from a sample of the sores
• Tzanck smear (a staining test)
• Antigen and antibody studies
• Blood tests for antibodies

Treatment Options for Oral Herpes

While there’s no cure for oral herpes, various treatments can help manage symptoms and speed up healing:

Self-Care at Home

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Applying ice or warm compresses to sores
• Using over-the-counter antiviral creams

Medical Treatments

• Prescription antiviral medications (oral or topical)
• Pain management medications
• Antiviral supplements (in some cases)

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health.

Preventing the Spread of Oral Herpes

While oral herpes is highly contagious, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmission:

• Avoid kissing or intimate contact during outbreaks
• Don’t share personal items like utensils, towels, or lip balm
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area
• Avoid touching or scratching the sores
• Use sunscreen on your lips to prevent sun-triggered outbreaks

Can Oral Herpes Be Prevented Entirely?

While it’s difficult to completely prevent oral herpes infection, especially given its prevalence, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Practice good hygiene
• Avoid close contact with people who have active cold sores
• Strengthen your immune system through a healthy lifestyle
• Consider using barrier methods during intimate contact

Living with Oral Herpes: Long-Term Outlook

For most people, oral herpes is a manageable condition. While recurrences can be frustrating, they often become less frequent and less severe over time. Many individuals find that with proper management and preventive measures, they can significantly reduce the impact of oral herpes on their daily lives.

Emotional Impact of Oral Herpes

It’s important to acknowledge that living with oral herpes can have emotional implications. Some people may feel embarrassed or anxious about outbreaks. If you’re struggling with the psychological aspects of oral herpes, consider:

• Joining a support group
• Speaking with a therapist or counselor
• Educating yourself and others about the condition
• Focusing on overall health and well-being

Advances in Oral Herpes Research and Treatment

The field of herpes research is continually evolving, with scientists working on new treatments and potential vaccines. Some areas of current research include:

• Gene editing techniques to target the dormant virus
• Development of therapeutic vaccines
• Novel antiviral compounds
• Immunotherapy approaches

While a cure for oral herpes remains elusive, these advancements offer hope for improved management and potentially prevention in the future.

Participating in Clinical Trials

If you’re interested in contributing to oral herpes research, you might consider participating in clinical trials. These studies help researchers develop new treatments and better understand the virus. To find clinical trials:

• Consult with your healthcare provider
• Check reputable clinical trial databases
• Contact local research institutions or universities

Always ensure you understand the risks and benefits before participating in any clinical trial.

Oral Herpes in Special Populations

While oral herpes affects people of all ages, certain groups may require special consideration:

Oral Herpes in Infants

Neonatal herpes is a serious concern, as it can lead to severe complications. If you have active herpes lesions during childbirth, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section to prevent transmission. Infants with oral herpes require immediate medical attention.

Oral Herpes in Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may experience more severe and frequent outbreaks. They may require more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring.

Oral Herpes in the Elderly

Older adults may have more difficulty managing oral herpes due to age-related changes in immune function. They may also be more susceptible to complications and drug interactions.

Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Oral Herpes Management

While conventional treatments are the mainstay of oral herpes management, some people explore complementary approaches:

• Stress reduction techniques (meditation, yoga)
• Dietary changes (lysine-rich foods, avoiding arginine-rich foods)
• Herbal remedies (lemon balm, propolis)
• Essential oils (tea tree oil, peppermint oil)

It’s important to note that while some people find these approaches helpful, scientific evidence for their effectiveness is often limited. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying alternative treatments.

The Role of Diet in Oral Herpes Management

Some studies suggest that dietary factors may influence herpes outbreaks. While more research is needed, some dietary considerations include:

• Increasing intake of lysine-rich foods (fish, chicken, eggs)
• Reducing consumption of arginine-rich foods (nuts, chocolate, oats)
• Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins C and E
• Maintaining overall balanced nutrition

Remember, dietary changes should complement, not replace, conventional treatments for oral herpes.

The Social Aspects of Living with Oral Herpes

Living with oral herpes can present social challenges, particularly in romantic relationships. Open communication is key to navigating these issues:

Disclosing Oral Herpes to Partners

Deciding when and how to disclose your oral herpes status to a romantic partner can be daunting. Consider the following tips:

• Choose a comfortable, private setting for the conversation
• Provide accurate information about transmission risks and management
• Be prepared to answer questions and address concerns
• Respect your partner’s need for time to process the information

Combating Stigma and Misconceptions

Despite its prevalence, oral herpes still carries some social stigma. To combat this:

• Educate yourself and others about the condition
• Challenge myths and misinformation when you encounter them
• Support advocacy efforts for herpes awareness and research
• Remember that having herpes doesn’t define you as a person

By fostering understanding and open dialogue, we can work towards reducing the stigma associated with oral herpes and other sexually transmitted infections.

Oral Herpes

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Robert Brennan on March 22, 2023

• Oral Herpes Overview
• Oral Herpes Causes
• Oral Herpes Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Oral Herpes Treatment Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• More

Oral herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus causes painful sores on your lips, gums, tongue, roof of your mouth, and inside your cheeks. It also can cause symptoms such as fever and muscle aches.

• The herpes simplex virus affects only humans. Mouth sores most commonly occur in children aged 1-2 years, but they can affect people at any age and any time of the year.
• People contract herpes by touching infected saliva, mucous membranes, or skin. Because the virus is highly contagious, most people have been infected by at least 1 herpes subtype before adulthood.
• After the herpes virus infects you, it has a rather unique ability to proceed to 3 stages.
  • Primary infection: The virus enters your skin or mucous membrane and reproduces. During this stage, oral sores and other symptoms, such as fever, may develop.
    • The virus may not cause any sores and symptoms. You may not know that you have it. This is called asymptomatic infection.
    • Asymptomatic infection occurs twice as often as the disease with symptoms.
• Latency: From the infected site, the virus moves to a mass of nervous tissue in your spine called the dorsal root ganglion. There the virus reproduces again and becomes inactive.
• Recurrence: When you encounter certain stresses, emotional or physical, the virus may reactivate and cause new sores and symptoms.

Herpes simplex is a DNA virus that causes sores in and around your mouth. Two herpes subtypes may cause these sores.

• Herpes simplex virus, type 1 or herpes-1, which causes 80% of cases of oral herpes infections
• Herpes simplex virus, type 2 or herpes-2, which causes the rest

• Incubation period: For oral herpes, the amount of time between contact with the virus and the appearance of symptoms, the incubation period, is 2-12 days. Most people average about 4 days.
• Duration of illness: Signs and symptoms will last 2-3 weeks. Fever, tiredness, muscle aches, and irritability may occur.
  • Pain, burning, tingling, or itching occurs at the infection site before the sores appear. Then clusters of blisters erupt. These blisters break down rapidly and, when seen, appear as tiny, shallow, gray ulcers on a red base. A few days later, they become crusted or scabbed and appear drier and more yellow
• Oral sores: The most intense pain caused by these sores occurs at the onset and make eating and drinking difficult.
  • The sores may occur on the lips, the gums, the front of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the throat, and the roof of the mouth.
  • They may also extend down the chin and neck.
  • The gums may become mildly swollen and red and may bleed.
• Neck lymph nodes often swell and become painful.
• In people in their teens and 20s, herpes may cause a painful throat with shallow ulcers and a grayish coating on the tonsils.

When to call the doctor

• Because the sores are painful, you may have difficulty eating or drinking. To prevent dehydration, call your doctor as soon as you cannot eat or drink.
• Call your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms, which suggest dehydration, occur:
  • A decrease in urination (fewer wet diapers in infants)
  • Drowsiness
  • Irritability
  • Dry mouth
• Call your doctor if you or your children are not sure what the sores are.
• If your child is younger than 8 weeks, notify your doctor when sores appear. Severe infection or disease complications occur more commonly in infants. For instance, besides affecting the mouth, the herpes simplex virus may go to the brain and produce damage.
• People whose immune systems are weakened should also call their doctor when sores appear. Your immune system protects you from infection or fights infection. If your system is weakened, you are more likely to have severe infection or disease complication.

When to go to the hospital

Signs and symptoms of dehydration may warrant going to a hospital’s emergency department.

A doctor will base a diagnosis on information you provide and on physical examination. The characteristic appearance of the herpes sores leaves little doubt. Further testing is usually not necessary.

If you require a definitive diagnosis, for instance, if your infection involves other organ systems, the doctor may conduct laboratory tests.

• A sample from the sores to identify the virus
• A culture analysis
• A staining test called the Tzanck smear
• Antigen and antibody studies
• Blood sampling for antibody studies

• Use acetaminophen (Feverall, Panadol, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin) for fever and muscle aches.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Treatment includes medication for fever and taking plenty of fluids.

• A topical anesthetic such as viscous lidocaine (Dilocaine, Nervocaine, Xylocaine, Zilactin-L) may be prescribed to relieve pain.
• Oral or IV medication does exist for herpes but is not recommended for people with a normal immune system. It is used only for people with weakened immune systems, infants younger than 6 weeks, or people with severe disease.
• Some people may require hospital admission:
  • Those with severe local infection
  • People whose infection has spread to other organ systems
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Dehydrated individuals who need IV hydration
  • Infants younger than 6 weeks

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use pain medications as instructed by the doctor.
• Use medications to control fever.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Avoid touching saliva, skin, or mucous membranes that have sores.

The sores and symptoms of oral herpes completely clear up in 2-3 weeks. But the sores may reappear under certain stressful situations.

Media file 1: Oral Herpes. Clusters of blisters erupt on the lips, tongue, and inside the mouth. Most people have been infected by at least 1 herpes subtype before adulthood.

herpes labialis, herpes gingivostomatitis, herpes pharyngitis, cold sores, fever blisters, herpes simplex virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes-1, herpes simplex virus, type 2 or herpes-2, herpes blister, oral blister, oral herpes

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How Do I Know if I Have Mouth Herpes? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

November 11, 2015

If you are wondering, “How do I know if I have mouth herpes?” recognizing signs and symptoms will help you determine the right treatment. Whether it is your first outbreak or one of many, it can be difficult to tell exactly where you contracted oral herpes and how long your symptoms will last.

Common Questions and Answers about Mouth Herpes

Oral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth, or gums due to the herpes simplex virus. It causes small, painful blisters commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. As many as 50% to 80% of adults in the U.S. have oral herpes.

What Causes Mouth Herpes?

When people hear the word “herpes,” they might only think of the sexually transmitted disease. However, there are different types of the herpes virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores and fever blisters, while herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes.

How Does it Spread?

Oral herpes is transmitted through direct contact between the infected person’s contagious area and another person’s mucous membrane tissue, such as the mouth or genitals. If a cut is present, the virus enters through broken skin. However, a person does not have to be showing any symptoms to transmit mouth herpes.

What are Effective Treatments for Mouth Herpes?

While there is no cure for herpes, home remedies and medication can help a painful outbreak of mouth herpes. Home remedies include:

• Applying ice or a warm washcloth to the sores to help ease pain.

• Washing the blisters gently with germ-fighting (antiseptic) soap and water. This helps prevent spreading the virus to other body areas.

• Avoiding hot beverages, spicy and salty foods, and citrus.

• Gargling with cool water or eating popsicles.

• Rinsing with salt water.

• Taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

If you need to seek medical treatment or want answers to the question, “How do I know if I have mouth herpes?” come to FastMed. Our friendly medical professionals can help you determine if you have mouth herpes and recommend a treatment plan to have you feeling better fast in no time.

About FastMed

FastMed Urgent Care owns and operates nearly 200 centers in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that provide a broad range of acute/episodic and preventive healthcare services 365 days a year. FastMed also provides workers’ compensation and other occupational health services at all its centers, and family and sports medicine services at select locations. FastMed has successfully treated more than six million patients and is the only independent urgent care operator in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas to be awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information about locations, services, hours of operation, insurance and prices, visit www.fastmed.com.

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Questions about genital herpes | Art-Med

Is genital herpes dangerous for the fetus and how to treat it during pregnancy? Is it possible to infect a sexual partner in the absence of herpetic eruptions? Doctors of medical clinics “Art-Med” answer questions about genital herpes.

At 13 weeks I caught a cold, there were signs of genital herpes (most likely primary, because there was no such thing before, there was only herpes on the lips). Prompt possible consequences, and infection of a fruit is how much probable. It was treated: suppositories Viferon-3, ointment Viferon – locally, Epigen-spray, Likopid.

Primary manifestations of genital herpes during pregnancy is not a very favorable phenomenon, as the likelihood of possible intrauterine infection of the fetus increases. You need to pass a number of additional examinations. To this end, you need to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist for examination and consultation as soon as possible.

I am 19 years old and I have had erosion for two years already, but at first I was told that it is small and does not need to be treated yet. Later she grew up, I was biopsied and found the herpes simplex virus. I know that this virus is found in 2 types. I have never had manifestations of herpes either on the lips or on the genitals (at least visible), I have sex with only one partner, there was no one before him and he also had one. Periodically he has herpes on his lip. Where could I get this virus from and how will it manifest itself later? My mother also sometimes has herpes on her lip.

Almost all people are infected with the herpes simplex virus. Clinical manifestations depend on the state of the immune system. If the immune system is good, then there will be no herpetic eruptions. With any decrease in immunity – with stress, infectious diseases, climate change – they can appear. With genital herpes, rashes are possible not only on the external genital organs, but also on the walls of the vagina, the cervix – that is, they will be visible only during a gynecological examination.

Once, six months ago, my perineum itched a lot, unbearably, then it went away. Then, in the place of scratching, hard balls began to appear inside. Pass the next day. Recently I woke up at night from unbearable scabies, went to the shower and sat under water for more than an hour. Pain under water is not felt. The labia minora swelled up very strongly, reddened and itched. A few days later, ulcers emanating from the hair root appeared on the labia majora at the site of hair growth, it was also itchy. White cheesy discharge came out. Microcracks appeared. Later, menstruation began, it became much easier. I went to the gynecologist, took a smear, and a few days later the doctor told me that I had an absolutely healthy smear and I was not sick with anything, maybe an allergy. And it happened again, half a year later. What could it be?

What you describe may be a manifestation of genital herpes, vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush), allergies (think about eating something unusual on the eve of complications) and other diseases. A comprehensive examination is required.

I am 11 weeks pregnant, but at the time of conception (without knowing it) I took Zovirax tablets for herpes for 2 weeks. The doctor advises to terminate the pregnancy. What is your opinion?

The opinion is unequivocal – pregnancy should not be terminated for this reason. It is known that various effects on the fetus, including the use of drugs in the period before the delay of menstruation, usually do not have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. That is, this situation does not increase the general population risk of having a handicapped child. It is better to discuss in detail your individual prognosis of the offspring and the tactics of examination during pregnancy at an internal medical genetic consultation.

Genital herpes was detected, but not by analysis, but simply by a doctor visually examined. I just finished taking medication: erythromycin, Wobenzym, nystatin and dalacin suppositories for ureaplasma and gadnerella. Treatment was prescribed again: immunal, Viferon No. 1, acyclovir ointment. Will it harm the child? And how could herpes develop against the background of antibiotics and Wobenzym? There was no sexual contact for a month. The doctor suggests an exacerbation.

Wobenzym and antibiotics do not affect viruses at all. It is possible that the herpes virus entered your body earlier. Unfortunately, you did not indicate your current gestational age. Usually, to confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests are performed to confirm the presence of the pathogen in the focus of infection. It’s strange that you didn’t. Specific questions concerning the necessity and expediency of prescribing any drugs are resolved strictly individually and only on the basis of clinical examination data. You can get all the necessary consultations and examinations at the ART-MED Medical Center.

I am 14 weeks pregnant. 3 times during this period I had an exacerbation of herpes (fever on the lip). Tests for genital herpes are negative. In general, exacerbations of this infection happen to me very often, several times a year, taking immunostimulating drugs did not give a result, so there was no way to insure for the period of pregnancy. I heard that with non-primary herpes, there is no danger of anomalies. Is it so? And the second. PCR analyzes revealed gardnerellosis. The doctor said that the treatment is carried out no earlier than 20 weeks. What threatens a child with gardnerellosis and herpes?

Indeed, as a rule, manifestations of recurrent herpes do not lead to the development of abnormalities in the fetus. The causative agent that you have identified by PCR is called Gardnerella vaginalis. This microorganism is very often found in the composition of the microflora in healthy women and in itself does not pose a danger. However, under certain circumstances, when there is a weakening of the body, this microbe, together with others that are also normally components of the vaginal environment, can cause an inflammatory process. In this regard, it is not the microbe that should be treated, but the disease, if any. Any inflammatory disease caused by microbes or viruses poses a certain danger during pregnancy in terms of the possibility of intrauterine infection, placental insufficiency and a number of other complications. Therefore, if there is a disease caused by these pathogens, it must be treated. If the pathogen is detected, but there is no disease, then there is nothing to treat. A person is simply a carrier of this infection and that’s it.

I have such a problem, literally every two or three months (I can’t say for sure) before, after, during menstruation, the entrance to the vagina starts to itch, this irritation makes me a little sore. Sometimes all this happens with the release of a white or colorless liquid. Itching and pain continues sometimes for a week, and sometimes up to a month. Everything passes by itself, without the use of any drugs, creams, ointments. What could it be?

What you describe may be a manifestation of genital herpes, endometriosis, inflammation of the vagina of any etiology, diabetes mellitus. You need an examination.

I am 14 weeks pregnant, after testing, the results were obtained: Anti-Rubella IgG – 52.0, anti-Toxo IgG – 41.0, anti-HSV I IgG – 8.1, anti-CMV IgG – 27.0. How dangerous are these diseases for a child and how should they be treated?

The data you provided indicate that IgG antibodies to the rubella pathogen, as well as to toxoplasma, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus, were found in your body. Antibodies are substances that are produced in the body in order to protect it from the effects of certain microorganisms. Probably in your life there were episodes when you had contact with these pathogens, which you might not even suspect. At present, it is most important to make sure that you do not have diseases caused by the listed pathogens in order to decide whether appropriate treatment is necessary. You can get all the necessary consultations and examinations at the ART-MED clinic.

I have herpes type II and candidiasis. I consulted with an immunologist-infectionist. Previously, relapses were frequent, now they have not been for a year. Can I, in the absence of a recurrence of the disease, infect my partner through normal contact and if he does cunnilingus to me?

In the absence of herpetic eruptions, you cannot infect your sexual partner through any kind of contact.

My pregnancy is 15 obstetric weeks, during the examination they found a weakly positive herpes virus in the blood and genital herpes. The doctor prescribed intramuscular injections of 3 ml 5 times with immunoglobulin. I also went to the therapist, she said that it’s better not to do it, since these injections can both increase immunity and lower it, in general, give a side effect and adversely affect the fetus. What to do, and herpes should be treated and at the same time scared for the child?

Unfortunately, you did not specify which doctor of which specialty prescribed immunoglobulin for you. It should also be emphasized that therapists have very little idea of ​​the complications and changes that can occur during pregnancy, including those in the immune system. Indeed, there is a method for administering immunoglobulin for a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. However, with such treatment, a number of conditions should be observed: 1) the drug is not administered intramuscularly, because it has no effect; 2) in the presence of strict indications, an intravenous drip of “Normal human immunoglobulin” is prescribed, 25 ml three times a day, in three courses, after strict coordination of such treatment with the doctor observing you. In addition, other drugs are additionally prescribed for such diseases; 3) For the final decision on treatment, you need a clinical examination by a qualified obstetrician-gynecologist.

I am 9 weeks pregnant. And there was recurrent genital herpes. How it can affect the health of the child. And where should I go with this problem?

Most likely this will not affect the child in any way. The real danger that can arise with a recurrence of herpes is the threat of termination of pregnancy. In any case, you need to contact a qualified obstetrician-gynecologist for examination. You can get all the necessary consultations and examinations at the medical center “ART-MED”.

My pregnancy is 7-8 weeks. I am very worried about the fact that I have recurrent genital herpes and there has already been an exacerbation during pregnancy. How should I behave? How to understand whether everything is in order with the baby and how big is the chance of giving birth to a healthy child with such a disease? At the end of September I would like to go to the sea, I will return at the 12th week of pregnancy, is it advisable to do an ultrasound before the trip (at the 8-9th week), and then, as expected, on the 12th?

The presence of recurrent genital herpes with frequent exacerbations during pregnancy poses a certain danger in terms of possible intrauterine infection of the fetus. You need the supervision of an experienced and qualified specialist for a dynamic assessment of the nature of the development of pregnancy. The doctor observing you will have to draw up a pregnancy management plan and prescribe all the necessary examinations. It is advisable to do an ultrasound before your planned trip. You can get all the necessary consultations, examinations and ultrasound at the ART-MED medical center.

Before pregnancy, I was treated for herpes for a year, the infectious disease specialist wrote in the conclusion that the risk is minimal. Ultrasound showed the gestational age of 15 weeks and the thickness of the placenta 20 mm. The doctor says that normally the placenta should be 15 mm, and its thickening is a sign of intrauterine infection. Is it so? What could be the consequences?

The thickness of the placenta steadily increases as the pregnancy progresses. At 15 weeks, its thickness, according to generally accepted standards, ranges from 13.8 to 23. 1 mm, averaging 17.7 mm. In your case, the thickness of the placenta is within the acceptable range of fluctuations. It should also be noted that an increase in the thickness of the placenta is far from the only and not the most reliable sign of intrauterine infection. Taking into account the presence of the herpes virus in you (it is impossible to get rid of the virus even despite the previous treatment), it is advisable for you now to undergo an appropriate examination and, if necessary, take a set of preventive measures. You can get all the necessary consultations and examinations at the medical center “ART-MED”.

For 10 days I had a temperature of 37.5 to 39.5 C, there was no pain, I was treated in gynecology for endometritis. But the doctors at the discharge said to look for the cause of the disease themselves. 3 days after discharge, rashes appeared on the external genitalia similar to herpes. Blood analysis showed the presence of herpes lgG 4.39. The temperature after discharge periodically rises to 37. 5 C, which treatment is more effective for such a disease, what is the likelihood of this disease in her husband? What is the reason for the appearance of herpes on the genitals in only one partner?

You still haven’t been diagnosed! Do not engage in virtual diagnostics and treatment, but visit specialists, primarily a gynecologist and a therapist. With personal contact and direct examination, it is easier to diagnose the disease, it is necessary to prescribe an examination and treatment. As for genital herpes, its exacerbation occurs against the background of immunosuppression after any illness. Your husband also has this infection, but in order for it to manifest itself, it is necessary to weaken the body’s defenses.

Is herpes on the labia majora dangerous during pregnancy? How to be in such a situation? My husband has nothing.

Genital herpes is important in the long term of pregnancy. If at the time of delivery, less than 4 weeks have passed since the last exacerbation (rash), then doctors will recommend delivery by caesarean section. This is due to the fact that herpetic infection of newborns is a very dangerous disease and can lead to the death of a child. And you can infect your baby when he passes through the birth canal.

I am planning a pregnancy. I have genital herpes (recurrent). There were no exacerbations for 3 months. Is there a need to do an immunogram to find out the state of your health?

It is advisable to evaluate the level (titer) of antibodies in the blood and the type of antibodies (M or G) that you currently have. And also do a smear analysis to detect the herpes virus in the genital tract.

I am 27 weeks pregnant, my gynecologist sent me for a consultation with an infectious disease specialist about the herpes virus in the blood. At the doctor’s appointment, I said that when I was pregnant, I had herpes on my lips twice and I did not treat it with anything. The infectious disease specialist wrote me candles “Viferon – 1” and “Viferon – 2” into the anus. Please tell me, can they be used during pregnancy and how will the virus affect the child? I know that the virus passes through the placenta, how can I find out if the baby has a pathology?

Herpes simplex virus has the potential to interfere with fetal development, but the risk of such an event is usually low. More accurately, your question can be answered by knowing the results of a blood test – what type of virus? Is there a process activity? The drug “Viferon” does not adversely affect the fetus.

Periodically occurring rash in the region of labia minora is very disturbing. The rash is accompanied by itching, when the blisters burst there is a slight bleeding. At the same time, no suspicious discharge from the vagina is observed. The interval between the rash can be a month. The duration of the rash is a week. I’ve been suffering for 2-3 years now. The usual reception at the gynecologist (smear) shows that everything is fine. What could be the problem? What tests would you recommend for me? Maybe this is a hidden form of some kind of venereal disease? I am 24 years old.

What you are describing is very similar to an exacerbation of genital herpes. If there are rashes, contact a gynecologist to clarify the diagnosis, the doctors of the ART-MED clinic are ready to help you.

I would like to know your opinion about Viferon, because during my pregnancy I had a rash of genital herpes and the doctor prescribed the use of viferon at the 28th week, now the 28th week has gone and I have been using it for the 3rd day and I am worried if it will harm the baby, can it pass through the placenta?

At the specified gestational age, Viferon-1 is indeed successfully used in obstetric practice as one of the components of complex therapy for clinical manifestations of the herpes simplex virus to strengthen the immunity of a pregnant woman.

I plan to get pregnant in autumn. When passing the tests, CMV IgG result was 9.32, Herp II IgG result was 5.3. The antenatal doctor said that no treatment was needed. Is the doctor right?

The figures you gave indicate that your body has antibodies to cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus type 2, which may be due to the presence of these viruses in your body in an inactive state. In this condition, treatment is not carried out. Therapeutic measures are performed only in the case of an active clinical process caused by these viruses, which in turn is accompanied by an appropriate clinical picture and other indicators of laboratory tests. In your case, in order to make sure that the process is not currently active, you should take smears for research on these viruses. You can get all the necessary consultations and examinations at the ART-MED Medical Center.

At 18.5 weeks I had tests: AFP = 2.3 mM (normal up to 2), HCG = 1.4 mM (normal up to 2). Now 22 weeks pregnant. At 10 and 17 weeks I had herpes on my nose (I’ve been sick of it since childhood). For the first 3 months of pregnancy, I went to work (I work at a chemical enterprise where it stinks of paints and solvents). What kind of examination and for how long do I need to go through to be sure of the health of the child. After I found out that AFP is elevated, I can’t find a place for myself.

A moderate increase in the level of AFP does not always indicate the presence of developmental anomalies in the fetus – more often this is due to the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy, and can also be observed during normal pregnancy. To exclude gross anomalies in the development of the fetus, you need a qualified ultrasound examination in the near future. The individual genetic risk of having an abnormal child, taking into account all risk factors, can be determined at a consultation with a geneticist. You can get these services at the ART-MED medical center.

I am 32 years old and have one child, 11 years old. Six years ago, there was a second planned pregnancy, which ended in antenatal fetal death at 33-34 weeks. The whole pregnancy was disturbed by chills, subfibility, aphthae in the oral cavity. On autopsy of the fetus: signs of a generalized herpetic infection, in studies of the placenta – chlamydial-herpetic placentitis. Before the second pregnancy, herpes never bothered. After the second pregnancy, my husband and I suffer from frequently recurrent herpes, which is manifested by rashes on the genitals and in the oral cavity. I have flare-ups two to six times a month. Treated for chlamydia, tests are negative. Herpes was treated repeatedly with regimens including antiviral drugs (acyclovir, zovirax, famvir) and immunocorrective drugs (viferon in St., cycloferon, neovir, amixin, polyoxidonium, galavit, gonovaccine courses), vitamin therapy, enzyme therapy. There was no clear effect of therapy. Now I take dietary supplements (Neuweis and Artlife companies), drink Icelandic moss and mumiyo, and do psychotherapy. There is some improvement, the frequency of exacerbations has decreased to 1-2 times a month, exacerbations are easier. I am planning a pregnancy. Before pregnancy, I was advised to conduct a course of plasmapheresis in combination with UVBK-ohm or ozone therapy. I have already started to do UBI, but somehow I don’t dare to do plasmapheresis. Do I need plasmapheresis, is it dangerous for its complications, do I need any other treatment?

The essence of plasmapheresis is to replace part of the plasma (the liquid component of blood) with solutions that replace it. In this way, toxins, immune complexes and other substances that are not always needed by the body are removed from the body. And if you have not yet visited an immunologist (specialist in the immune system), be sure to make an appointment with this doctor for a consultation. It is he who should treat you in this situation.

I am 10 weeks pregnant, found chlamydia 1/16 and herpes. Can there be physical or mental abnormalities in the unborn child due to these infections?

The pathogens you listed can lead to intrauterine infection of the fetus, which in turn can lead to various pregnancy complications, including those listed by you. You need to treat these infections appropriately.

My husband was diagnosed with genital herpes, I am 2 months pregnant, we do not use protection (have not used condoms since pregnancy), what is the likelihood of my infection and how dangerous is it for the baby? How to treat it?

You probably already have the herpes virus. To clarify this diagnosis, you need to take smears, as well as determine the level and type of antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood. If the tests show the presence of an active process, then appropriate antiherpetic treatment is necessary, which will be prescribed by the doctor. It is also possible that you are just a virus carrier, and nothing more. Depending on these options, appropriate effects on the fetus are also possible. You can also perform a more detailed consultation and all the necessary studies at the ART-MED medical center.

At the period of 7-8 weeks there was an exacerbation of genital herpes (I did not observe herpes before, but infection during pregnancy is excluded). I did an ELISA test 2 weeks after the peak of the exacerbation, the analysis showed that antibodies to herpes type G exist T 1:200, and antibodies M are negative. How many days are antibodies M preserved and detected in the blood?

IgM found in the blood, as a rule, indicates the presence of an acute inflammatory process, including that caused by the herpes virus, and persists until these acute manifestations occur. Infection of the fetus with the herpes virus is possible, but most often this occurs during the primary infection of the patient herself during pregnancy. The clinical manifestations of infection, the likelihood of infection, the nature of the manifestation of antibodies in the blood, and much more is purely individual in nature and manifests itself in different people in completely different ways. In addition, there are certain diagnostic signs that indicate the possibility of an infectious lesion of the fetus.

The son was born on 02.03.2004. period of 36-37 weeks, the wife began preeclampsia, they did a caesarean section. The baby was on a ventilator for four days. On the third day they did an analysis for CMV and Herpes, herpes was confirmed. Three crosses are being treated with acyclovir. The doctor offers to make a puncture, we are against it. What negative effect does acyclovir have if you use its full course for twenty-one days, and not fourteen days?

Aciclovir is a modern effective antiviral drug used to treat herpes infections. The question should probably be put differently: what negative consequences can there be if you do not conduct a full-fledged antiviral treatment for your child? Unfortunately, it is impossible to judge in absentia how pronounced the clinical manifestations of a herpetic infection in your baby. A clinical consultation with a neonatologist is required.

When I was 21 weeks pregnant, I got cold sores under my nose. Will it affect the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy? I am 27 years old, second pregnancy, proceeding normally.

If herpes only appears on the face and it has happened before, then most likely it is not dangerous, especially at 21 weeks of pregnancy. However, it would be advisable to determine if there is a herpes infection in the genital area. This can be determined by PCR by taking a smear, and the presence of antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 in the blood can also be determined by ELISA. You can perform all these studies in our medical center.

I am 17 weeks pregnant. At a period of 10 weeks of pregnancy in a paid clinic, I was diagnosed with the herpes simplex virus 1 + 2 ser. Medicines were prescribed, such as Acyclovir 0.4 g 2 times a day for 14 days and Acyclovir ointment also for 14 days, and I, accustomed to trusting doctors, obediently drank and missed these drugs. Yesterday I went to my doctor and told her about it. She just “eyes popped on her forehead” from such information. She said that Acyclovir should never be taken during pregnancy and ordered me an urgent ultrasound and a blood test for genetic changes in the DNA of the fetus. She scolded me very much and even wanted to urgently hospitalize me. I cried all night and now I don’t know what to do. Is everything really so scary and what is the percentage of the likelihood that due to a doctor’s mistake my child may have developmental disabilities?

Your situation is quite typical for modern medicine. Different doctors do not have a single point of view regarding approaches to the treatment during pregnancy of a possible infection (including herpes viruses). In the world literature, there are no data on the likelihood, nature and frequency of fetal damage at the time of pregnancy indicated by you when using Acyclovir (although its use is not really recommended during pregnancy). It is also unclear what kind of blood test for genetic changes in DNA was ordered, and what this analysis can show. Without knowing you as a patient, it is impossible to realistically assess your situation and appointments. However, if malformations are detected during ultrasound, then in this case it is impossible to say with certainty what they are caused by (Herpes virus or Acyclovir). Apparently, it makes sense for you to wait for the results of the ultrasound, and with positive data indicating the normal development of the fetus, you should not be unnecessarily upset.

treatment, symptoms, medicine for women

Types of genital herpes

Doctors usually distinguish between primary and recurrent herpes. In the first case, the symptoms of herpes appear for the first time. In the second – the disease is repeated periodically.

The severity of the disease depends on the number of relapses: with a mild exacerbation, they appear up to four times a year, with an average one up to six, and with a severe one even more often. Herpes exacerbations can occur every month, including due to a natural decrease in immunity in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

Causes of genital herpes

The causative agents of the disease are representatives of the herpesvirus family: HSV-1 or HSV-2. Usually the second. You can become infected with it during sexual contact: vaginal, anal or oral. At the same time, the sexual partner may not have visible manifestations, he may not even know that he is infected.

The appearance of the disease is promoted by promiscuity, refusal of condoms, use of uterine spirals, reduced immunity and the presence of concomitant genital infections.

If your partner has oral herpes (HSV-1), oral sex can also spread it to your genitals. It is easiest to infect during an exacerbation, but even if there are no rashes, the risk of herpes transmission remains.

You can become infected with kisses, using some hygiene items, and even by airborne droplets. But contrary to popular belief, you cannot get infected through the toilet seat: the virus quickly dies outside the human body.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Most people infected with genital herpes (about 80%) have no symptoms of the disease at all. Or the symptoms are so mild that they can be mistaken for skin inflammation, acne, or ingrown hairs. You may not know about the disease at all for many years, while being a source of infection.

Usually, genital herpes manifests itself as follows: bubbles appear in the genital area, then they begin to combine with each other, forming areas up to two to two and a half centimeters in size. After a few days, the blisters burst, and painful sores appear in their place. They heal for a long time: for a month. But the scars on the skin do not remain. At the first manifestation of herpes, symptoms of intoxication often appear: the temperature rises, weakness and pain in the body appear. There may be pain in the pelvis and lower back.

But recently, more and more often, herpes proceeds atypically: there is a slight swelling, itchy spots, abundant leucorrhoea, or cracks appear on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Genital herpes during pregnancy

If the infection occurs for the first time during pregnancy, then the fetus may suffer: in the blood of the mother there are still no antibodies to the herpes simplex virus – immunoglobulins G and M. It is especially dangerous if you become infected with it in the first or last trimester. A number of studies prove that the infection can provoke premature birth, miscarriage and miscarriage. The risk of having a child with developmental anomalies increases.

The recurrence of genital herpes is not so dangerous: in this case, the blood of the pregnant woman already has antibodies to the virus, which limit the infection. But with an exacerbation of herpes, a newborn can become infected during childbirth, passing through the birth canal.

Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to get tested for antibodies to the herpes simplex virus. It will show if you have been infected with it before. It is also necessary to regularly conduct examinations, undergo prenatal screening. Do not be shy about the doctor: be sure to tell him if you have had symptoms of genital herpes or if the diagnosis has already been confirmed before.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

Symptoms of genital herpes are easily confused with other diseases: syphilis, pemphigus, lichen planus. Therefore, at the stage of diagnosis, the main task of the doctor is to determine what kind of disease he is dealing with. For this, a medical examination and laboratory tests are carried out.

First, the doctor will examine the rashes and collect an anamnesis – he will ask about your complaints, how you have sex, whether you have had contact with patients with herpes and whether you are protected during sex.

Then you need to pass a PCR analysis. Additionally, a blood test by ELISA may be required to determine specific antibodies to herpes infection.

Treatment of genital herpes

It is impossible to completely recover from the disease: the herpes simplex virus remains in the body throughout life. He lives in the nerve ganglia and manifests itself only in case of an unfavorable state of the immune system. Medicines can only shorten the duration of the disease or remove the symptoms, but not get rid of genital herpes forever.

It is a local preparation with antiviral and immunostimulating action. Its active substance – activated glycyrrhizic acid – interrupts the reproduction of the virus in the early stages, preventing its penetration into cells. Spray Epigen Intim enhances the effect of acyclic nucleosides and stimulates the production of its own interferons. Interferon is a protein molecule that is produced in the body in response to the invasion of the virus and prevents it from multiplying and spreading.

Spray Epigen Intim helps to quickly eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of herpes – itching and burning in the genital area, and also accelerates healing and increases the period of remission. The active substance of the spray accumulates in the lesions, where it exerts its effect. During treatment, the hands do not come into contact with the affected mucosa in any way, so the risk of transferring the virus to other areas is minimized.

The drug can be used at any stage of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. The only contraindication is hypersensitivity to the components in its composition.

For herpesvirus infection, the spray should be applied five times a day for two weeks, and then three times a day for about ten more days. To prevent recurrence, the drug should be used externally from the 18-20th day of the menstrual cycle until the end of menstruation twice a day in the morning and evening. But this should not be a problem: the spray has a special nozzle that helps you use the medicine outside the home.

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Usually, antiviral drugs are used to treat herpes – acyclic nucleosides: acyclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir. But now more and more viruses are emerging that are resistant to these active substances. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe complex therapy: supplement the treatment with interferon or its analogues, as well as other means, for example, Epigen Intim spray.