Herpetic Whitlow in Adults: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures – Overview

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Information for
Adults

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Images of Herpetic Whitlow

Overview

Herpetic whitlow—also called digital herpes simplex, finger herpes, or hand herpes—is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails. Herpetic whitlow is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Infections with HSV are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with infected skin lesions. HSV infection usually appears as small blisters or sores around the mouth, nose, genitals, and buttocks, though infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin. Furthermore, these tender sores may recur periodically in the same sites.

There are 2 types of HSV: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 infections usually occur around the mouth, lips, nose, or face, while HSV-2 infections usually involve the genitals or buttocks. However, HSV-1 can sometimes cause infections in the genitals or buttocks, while HSV-2 can occasionally cause infections around the mouth, lips, nose, or face.

Both types of HSV produce 2 kinds of infections: primary and recurrent. Because it is so contagious, the herpes simplex virus causes a primary infection in most people who are exposed to the virus. However, only about 20% of people who have a primary infection with the herpes simplex virus actually develop visible blisters or sores. Appearing 2–20 days after a person’s first exposure to HSV, the sores of a primary infection last about 1–3 weeks. These sores heal completely, rarely leaving a scar. Nevertheless, the virus remains in the body, hibernating in nerve cells.

Certain triggers can cause the hibernating (latent) virus to wake up, become active, and travel back to the skin. These recurrent herpes simplex virus infections may develop frequently (every few weeks), or they may never develop. Recurrent infections tend to be milder than primary infections and generally occur in the same location as the primary infection.

People develop herpetic whitlow when they come into contact with areas already infected with HSV, either on their own bodies or on someone else’s body. Usually, there is a break in the skin, especially a torn cuticle at the base of the fingernail, which allows the virus to enter the finger tissue and establish an infection. HSV-1 causes approximately 60% of herpetic whitlow infections, while HSV-2 causes the remaining 40%.

Who’s at risk?

Herpetic whitlow can affect people of all ages, of all races, and of both sexes. However, it is more common in children and in dental and medical workers. Children often contract herpetic whitlow as a result of thumb- or finger-sucking when they have a herpes infection of the lips or mouth. Dental and medical workers may contract herpetic whitlow by touching the contagious lesions of a patient with herpes simplex virus infection. In these groups of people—children and health care workers—herpetic whitlow is most commonly caused by HSV-1. In everyone else, herpetic whitlow is usually caused by infection with HSV-2.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common locations for herpetic whitlow include:

• Thumb
• Index finger
• Other fingers

Approximately 2–20 days after initial exposure to the herpes simplex virus, the infected area develops burning, tingling, and pain. Over the next week or 2, the finger becomes red and swollen. Small (1–3 mm) fluid-filled blisters develop, often clustered together on a bright red base. The blisters usually rupture and scab over, leading to complete healing after an additional 2 weeks.

Other symptoms occasionally associated with the primary infection of herpetic whitlow include:

• Fever
• Red streaks radiating from the finger (lymphangitis)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the elbow or underarm area

If a person contracts herpetic whitlow from himself or herself (autoinoculation), then he or she is likely to have a primary herpes simplex virus infection of the mouth area or of the genital area.

Repeat (recurrent) herpes simplex virus infections are often milder than the primary infection, though they look alike. A recurrent infection typically lasts 7–10 days. Recurrent herpetic whitlow is rare.

However, people with recurrent HSV infections may report that the skin lesions are preceded by sensations of burning, itching, or tingling (prodrome). About 24 hours after the prodrome symptoms begin, the actual lesions appear as one or more small blisters, which eventually open up and become scabbed over.

Triggers of recurrent HSV infections include:

• Fever or illness
• Sun exposure
• Hormonal changes, such as those due to menstruation or pregnancy
• Stress
• Trauma
• Surgery

Self-Care Guidelines

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce fever and pain caused by the herpes simplex virus sores. Applying cool compresses or ice packs may also relieve some of the swelling and discomfort.

Because herpes simplex virus infections are very contagious, it is important to take the following steps to prevent spread (transmission) of the virus during the prodrome phase (burning, tingling, or itching) and active phase (presence of blisters or sores) of herpetic whitlow:

• Avoid sharing towels and other personal care items
• Cover the affected finger with a bandage
• Wear gloves if you are a health care provider
• Don’t pop any blisters—it may make the condition worse

Unfortunately, the virus can still be transmitted even when someone does not have active lesions. However, this is very unusual for patients with herpetic whitlow.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you develop a tender, painful sore on the finger, see a physician, especially if it is not going away or if it seems to be getting worse. You should definitely seek medical attention if you have a finger sore as well as typical symptoms of oral or genital herpes.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Most herpes simplex virus infections are easy for physicians to diagnose. On occasion, however, a swab from the infected skin may be sent to the laboratory for viral culture, which takes a few days to grow. Blood tests may also be performed.

Untreated HSV infections will go away on their own, but medications can reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. There is no cure for herpes simplex virus infection.

Although herpetic whitlow symptoms will eventually go away on their own, your physician may prescribe antiviral medications in order to help relieve symptoms and to prevent spread of the infection to other people:

• Acyclovir pills
• Valacyclovir pills
• Famciclovir pills
• Topical acyclovir ointment

These medications are usually taken for 7–14 days.

More severe herpetic whitlow may require oral antibiotic pills if the area(s) are also infected with bacteria.

Although it is rare, recurrent herpetic whitlow can be treated with the same oral antiviral medications:

• Acyclovir pills
• Valacyclovir pills
• Famciclovir pills
• Topical acyclovir ointment

People who experience early signs (prodromes) before recurrent infections may benefit from episodic treatment, by starting to take medication after the onset of tingling and burning but before the appearance of blisters and sores.

Very rarely, individuals may have recurrent herpetic whitlow outbreaks that are frequent enough or severe enough to justify suppressive therapy, in which medications are taken every day in order to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks.

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Finger Injuries and Disorders
MedlinePlus: Herpes Simplex
Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Herpetic Whitlow

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp. 1237-1238. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed, pp.1317, 2063, 2068. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Herpes Virus Gives Man a Blistery Finger Infection

A man with a red and blistered pinky finger got an unexpected diagnosis from his doctor: His finger infection wasn’t caused by bacteria, but rather by the herpes virus, which usually affects the genitals or causes cold sores around the mouth, according to a new case report.

In rare cases, including in this 23-year-old man, the herpes virus can cause a condition called herpetic whitlow, the report stated. A whitlow is an infection of the fingertip, and there are several types; herpetic whitlow strikes about 2.5 per 100,000 people each year.

The infection poses a serious risk. If left untreated, or if treated improperly, it can lead to complications such as herpetic encephalitis, which is a herpes infection of the brain, according to the report, published May 23 in Journal of Medical Case Reports.

“Most whitlow is caused by bacterium,” but in rare cases it can be caused by other pathogens, such as herpes, said the lead author of the case report, Dr. Peter Gathier, an emergency physician at Beatrixziekenhuis, a hospital in the Netherlands. [16 Oddest Medical Cases]

The man had small blisters on his infected little finger. (Image credit: Gathier and Schönberger, Journal of Medical Case Reports 2015)

“It is important for physicians to be aware of this, as both entities (bacterial and herpetic whitlow) require a different treatment,” Gathier told Live Science in an email.

Whitlow generally starts around the fingernail and then spreads to the rest of the finger. The infection takes root when there is a wound in the finger, allowing a pathogen to enter and multiply.

In the new case, the man saw his primary care physician because the little finger on his left hand had become red, swollen and blistered. His doctor prescribed antibiotics, but the infection didn’t improve.

The doctor referred the man to the emergency department, where other doctors noticed a clear fluid coming from the blisters on the finger. It was this detail that led to the diagnosis of herpetic whitlow, Gathier said.

Whitlow cases caused by bacteria are similar to those caused by herpes in that both types can involve skin that is red, swollen and warm around the infection site, Gathier said. But in cases of whitlow caused by bacteria, the sores often have pus, whereas herpetic whitlow produces small blisters on the skin that are filled with a clear or yellowish fluid, which contains the herpes virus, he said.

When asked about herpes, the man said that he had noticed small blisters on his genitals. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctors did a genetic test on material from the man’s genital blisters and finger blisters, and found both tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 1.

The doctors referred the man to a dermatologist for further treatment. The symptoms of a herpes virus infection usually subside on their own, but the virus hibernates within the body’s nerve cells, Gathier said. Certain triggers, such as stress, can cause it to become active again, resulting in outbreaks.

If the symptoms do not subside, doctors can prescribe anti-viral agents, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help the patient recover, Gathier added.

Though rare, whitlow is more common among people who work in certain professions. Many pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, do well in warm, moist environments. So, hairdressers (who have contact with wet hair and warm air), medical and dental workers (whose hands are inside moist, warm gloves), and thumb-sucking children all have a high risk of getting the infection, Gathier said.

“Nail biting, which causes both small wounds around the nail, and the warm and moist environment of the mouth, also gives a higher risk,” he said.

He advised people who suspect they have whitlow to seek immediate medical attention. The infection can spread to the entire hand, and sometimes even to the tendon, which is “very hard to treat and will generally require surgery of the hand,” Gathier said.

Follow Laura Geggel on Twitter @LauraGeggel. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.

Case report: palmar herpetic whitlow and forearm lymphangitis in a 10-year-old female | BMC Pediatrics

A ten-year-old female initially presented to our Emergency Department as a transfer from an outside hospital with a suspected left hand abscess. Three days prior to presentation, the patient cited 9/10 pain and itching on her left palm that had subsequently progressed to an overlying erythematous lesion (Fig. 1a, b). Oral Tylenol and topical hydrocortisone cream provided no relief at home, and thus they presented to their local community hospital for treatment. On presentation at the outside hospital, she had a white blood count of 8900/mm³ with differential (64.5% neutrophils, 19.5% lymphocyte, 12.1% monocytes, 3.1% eosinophil, 0.8% basophil). She was started on intravenous clindamycin and transferred to our hospital. There was no history of recent trauma to her left palm, but her mother did note that she would sometimes suck and bite on the base of her palm. There was no history of oral, fingertip or toe lesions. She had no significant medical history, no current medications, no known allergies, no developmental delay, and no family history of methicillin-resistant or susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, MSSA) skin infections or herpetic lesions. Four years prior to presentation, she had experienced a similar lesion on the same palmar location that was treated surgically with incision and drainage followed by an unknown course of antibiotics.

Fig. 1

Left hand lesion a) 3 days prior to presentation b) 1 day prior to presentation and c) on the day of presentation

After transfer to our institution, the patient was initially evaluated by Orthopedic Surgery, who described an erythematous, edematous, tender left palmar abscess with associated erythematous streaking up her forearm. There was no numbness, tingling, fever, cough, dyspnea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. She was afebrile, hemodynamically stable with normal mental status. Her left upper extremity had full range of motion and appropriate strength, with no lymphadenopathy, and radial pulses intact. Based upon these findings, no additional laboratory tests were performed. X-rays of the left forearm and hand showed soft tissue edema with no acute osseous abnormalities. The lesion was surgically managed with an incision and drainage, during which “minimal drainage” was noted. Wound cultures were also obtained. After admission to the General Pediatrics hospitalist service, the lesion was noted to appear vesicular from photos taken prior to surgical management (Fig. 1c). Thus, HSV infection was suspected and PCR samples were obtained from an unroofed left palmar vesicle. These samples confirmed the presence of HSV type 1, resulting in her diagnosis of herpetic whitlow. The initial wound cultures had no growth after 5 days, further confirming that the palmar lesion was not due to a bacterial infection. However, the associated erythematous streaking up her forearm was identified as lymphangitis, indicating a possible bacterial infection secondary to HSV (Fig. 2). Although the absence of fever reduced suspicion for bacterial infection, she was discharged on a 7 day course of oral clindamycin. A secondary bacterial infection could not be conclusively excluded as she had improvement in the lymphangitis while on clindamycin. She was advised to follow-up with her pediatrician within 1–2 days of discharge and discuss the option of acyclovir prophylaxis to prevent recurrence if the lesions occur more frequently moving forward. At that time, it was not recommended that the patient consider prophylaxis, as the two documented occurrences happened 4 years apart. As of 1 year post discharge, she has not returned to our institution for related conditions.

Fig. 2

Left forearm erythematous streaking

What Does a Herpes Rash Look Like?

A herpes rash looks like a cluster of small, fluid-filled blisters near the mouth or genitals. The location of the rash depends on which type of herpes virus you have. The rashes might develop repeatedly, but you can take medications to help prevent or shorten outbreaks. Many people with the herpes virus never develop a rash or any other symptoms of an infection.

What Is a Herpes Rash?

A herpes rash, also known as an outbreak, is the body’s response to the presence of the herpes virus. This virus causes small sores to develop on the skin, often around the nose and mouth or genitals, although they can develop anywhere on the body. The location of the outbreak often depends on where the affected person was first exposed to the virus.

At this point, no cure is available for herpes, which means people can experience outbreaks of the herpes rash at any time. The first outbreak is often the worst and most painful, with future outbreaks lessening in severity.

Oral Herpes Rash

Most oral herpes rashes are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus can lead to blisters or rashes that develop primarily on and around the lips (known as cold sores) but can also appear on the gums, mouth, or throat.

When an oral herpes outbreak occurs, small, red blisters filled with a clear, yellowish fluid appear. Sometimes, these spots merge together and form a larger blister. When the blisters break, the fluid oozes out and leaves behind an open, painful sore that crusts over once it dries. It takes about two weeks for most cold sores to develop, break, and then heal.

Oral herpes can be transmitted to other areas of the body as it is passed through skin-to-skin contact with the infected area.

Genital Herpes Rash

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the cause of most genital herpes. These rashes occur in the genital area, which can include the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, thighs, or buttocks.

The rash appears as small, painful blisters with clear or yellowish fluid inside. These sores eventually break. The shallow sores crust over and heal in about a week or so, although in some people, the rashes take up to six weeks to clear up. During an outbreak, you should not engage in sexual contact with a person who is not infected with the virus, as doing so can spread it. Any type of contact to the affected area can cause the virus to spread to your sexual partner.

Genital herpes is generally spread through vaginal and anal sex, although it can be transmitted through oral sex. The risk of spreading the virus increases during an outbreak.

What Causes a Herpes Rash?

The herpes virus causes the rash to break out on the skin. After the initial exposure, the herpes virus invades the nerves in the body that supply the skin area, remaining in those nerves for the rest of the person’s life. When it is active, the virus moves to the mucous membrane or skin of the infected area and copies itself, causing the outbreak to occur. It will then move back into the nerves to remain dormant until the next outbreak.

Certain factors can increase your risk of having outbreaks. Some of these factors include:

• Fevers
• Illnesses
• Menstruation
• Sun exposure
• Stress
• Surgery

What Are Common Symptoms of a Herpes Rash?

In many people, the first sign of a herpes rash outbreak is an itching, burning, or tingling sensation in the area where the outbreak will occur. The first outbreak may also result in:

• Swollen lymph glands
• Red, swollen gums
• Fevers

How Is a Herpes Rash Diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose a herpes rash based on the appearance of the blisters and lesions on the skin, as well as with laboratory tests. HSV-2 is usually diagnosed through a blood test, although a doctor can also swab the sores to test for the herpes virus.

Other medical conditions can cause skin rashes that look similar to the herpes rash. One of these is shingles, which is a viral infection that typically causes a single strip of blisters wrapping around one side of the torso. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Symptoms of shingles include tingling, numbness, pain, burning, skin that is sensitive to the touch, itching, and fluid-filled blisters that open and crust over. These symptoms are similar to those experienced during a herpes outbreak.

Contact dermatitis can also cause a skin rash that is itchy and red. It occurs when your skin comes into contact with something, causing an allergic reaction. You may experience contact dermatitis in response to certain soaps, plants, jewelry materials, fragrances, or cosmetics. In addition to the rash, you may experience scaly, cracked, or dry skin, tenderness, burning, swelling, or crusty bumps and blisters. Since contact dermatitis can affect the face and genitals, people often confuse it with genital herpes.

What Treatment Options Are Available for a Herpes Rash?

Although herpes cannot be cured, it can be managed to prevent rashes and sores. Many people with herpes do not develop clinical signs, though it’s still possible to spread the infection even when no symptoms are present. If you experience repeated or severe outbreaks, your healthcare provider might prescribe antiviral medications that can help shorten outbreaks or make them less frequent. You can take an antiviral pill every day to prevent outbreaks, which is called prophylaxis. Healthcare providers often recommend this treatment to patients who have frequent, painful outbreaks. If you’ve been previously diagnosed with herpes, Nurx can prescribe oral or genital herpes treatment online and deliver the medication to your door with free shipping. To request herpes treatment from Nurx, get started here.

Antiviral ointments and creams can also treat the symptoms, which include tingling, itching, burning, or pain. The most commonly prescribed antiviral medications include valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir. Over-the-counter creams and ointments are available, which may lessen symptoms and shorten the healing period.

When Should I See a Doctor for a Herpes Rash?

If you experience what you believe to be a herpes rash for the first time, you should see a doctor to confirm your suspicions. After being diagnosed with the herpes virus, future outbreaks generally aren’t cause for concern in otherwise healthy individuals. However, if you have a weakened immune system or any type of long-term health condition, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, the virus can cause other complications. Organ transplant recipients who suspect they might have herpes should also contact their doctor.

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD): Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by a virus.  It easily spreads from person to person (contagious) when someone comes in contact with the body fluids of an infected person. This can happen by:

• Touching something that has been sneezed, coughed or drooled on
• Breathing in air droplets of the infected person when talking (less than 3 feet)
• Touching something that has been soiled with stool (bowel movement or feces)
• Touching body fluid from a draining sore

It is most common in young children under age 5 years, but teenagers or adults may also get the virus.  Most outbreaks occur in the summer and fall.  Symptoms of HFMD usually go away without treatment in 5 to 7 days.  

Signs and Symptoms

The early symptoms of HFMD are much like a common cold.

A day or two after the fever, you might see:

• Small painful sores (ulcers) on the throat and tonsils
• A rash of very small blisters or red spots on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and diaper area. These usually are not itchy.
• Tenderness or pain when touching the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• Poor appetite due to painful swallowing

After the rash has healed, the skin may peel; but this is harmless.

Treatment

Since HFMD is a virus, antibiotics will not help.

The following may help your child feel better:

• For children older than 6 months, give acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®) to help with the headache, fever, and sore throat. Do NOT give ibuprofen to children younger than 6 months.  Read the label to know the right dose for the age of your child.
• For children younger than 6 years, do not give over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies without asking your child’s doctor.
• Do NOT give aspirin or products that contain aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to a disease called Reye’s syndrome, which can be fatal.
• If your child is over one year old, give lots of liquids, such as water, milk, apple juice, and popsicles. Avoid fruit juices that are high in acid, like cranberry juice, orange juice or lemonade.  They may irritate the mouth sores (Picture 1). 
• If your child is under one year old, continue to give either breastmilk, formula, or both. You can also give Pedialyte^®.
• Offer soft foods that are easy to swallow, like applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or eggs. Your child may not want to eat much if it hurts
  to swallow.

To soothe a sore throat:

• For children over age 1, give warm fluids such as chicken broth or apple juice. Or, place 1/2 teaspoon of a liquid antacid that does not have aspirin, in the front of the mouth after meals.
• For children over 4 years, use throat lozenges or sprays. None should contain benzocaine, which can be harmful to children.  Or, rinse the mouth after meals with 1 teaspoon of a liquid antacid that does not contain aspirin.
• For children over 6 years who are able to gargle without swallowing, use a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to one 8 ounce glass of warm water. Swish and gargle the mixture 2 to 3 times a day, as needed.  Do not let your child swallow the salt water; have him spit it out. 

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor if your child has:

• Neck pain or chest pain
• Pus, drainage, swelling, or a large area of redness around any sores
• Trouble swallowing
• Signs of dehydration
  • Dry or sticky mouth,
  • An infant’s “soft spot” pulling in
  • No tears, sunken eyes
  • No wet diaper for 4 to 6 hours (infants and toddlers)
  • Very dark urine, or
  • No urination in 6 to 8 hours (older children)
• Younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4˚ F or higher
• Older than 3 months and has a rectal or armpit (axillary) temperature more than 102˚ F that does not come down with medicine
• 4 years or older, has an oral temperature more than 102˚ F for more than 3 days that does not come down with medicine
• Seizures, is overly tired, not able to focus, or has a hard time communicating or waking up
• Does not get better in a few days

Prevention

There is no vaccine to prevent HFMD.  The virus spreads easiest during the first week the person is sick.  It can stay in the body for weeks after your child feels better and still be a problem to others.  To prevent spreading HFMD:

• Teach your child not to touch the rash, avoid putting his fingers or toys in his mouth, and not rub his eyes.
• Teach your child to sneeze or cough into a tissue or his or her shirt sleeve.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often. Wash after touching the rash, going to the bathroom, before handling food, before eating, and after changing a diaper.  Also, teach your child to wash his or her hands often.
• Disinfect bathrooms, toys, and other objects that your child touches with soap and water, or other household disinfectant. The virus can live on these things for days.
• Do not share drinking cups, eating utensils, napkins, or personal items like towels and brushes.
• Avoid hugging and kissing a child who is infected.

When to return to school or daycare

Tell the daycare or the school that your child has Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease.  It is important for the school personnel to know so staff and parents can be told to watch for symptoms.

Your child should stay home from school or childcare until he or she has no fever for 24 hours and the mouth sores and open blisters have healed.

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (PDF)

HH-I -211 11/01, Revised 8/18 Copyright 2001, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Symptoms, Pictures, Risk Factors & Treatment

Symptoms of shingles affect the nerves and the skin. Shingles can occur in almost any part of the body, but most often affects one side of the torso.

Common symptoms of shingles

The most common symptoms of shingles are:

• Itching, tingling, or severe burning or shooting pain that precedes a rash, often on one side of the torso

• Painful rash in a band or patch-like shape over the affected area that develops into fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry out, crust over, and heal

Stages of shingles symptoms

There are no formal, clinical stages of shingles, but signs and symptoms generally fall into three stages. The first stage of shingles is marked by a burning sensation, numbness, or itchiness in the area where the shingles rash appears. A common site of the rash is around the waistline, chest or back, usually on one side of the body. The rash appears as a band, or strap. Other sites include one side of the face or neck, or in one arm or leg. This stage of shingles can be very painful; you may also begin to experience flu-like symptoms at this stage.

The second stage of shingles is an eruption of the rash itself, typically 3 to 4 days after you first experience the tingling and burning sensation. The rash lasts 7 to 10 days. Some people experience a minor rash or skin irritation; for other people, the rash can cover a larger area.

In the third stage, shingles blisters dry out and scab over before disappearing. Beginning to end, shingles lasts 2 to 5 weeks.

See your healthcare provider right away if you have signs and symptoms of shingles. Early treatment with an antiviral medication may help you recover more quickly and lessen the chance of complications.

Serious symptoms that might indicate complications of shingles

In some cases, shingles can affect the nerves of the face, eyes or ears and cause serious symptoms and complications, such as facial paralysis or impaired vision and hearing. Seek prompt medical care if you, or someone you are with, have symptoms of shingles, particularly the following symptoms or conditions:

• Painful, widespread rash, a sign of disseminated shingles

• Poor immune system caused by a chronic disease or immune-suppressing medications

• Rash near your eyes or involving the tip of the nose

Skin Disorders: Pictures, symptoms, causes and help

What’s wrong with my skin? Identifying skin conditions, skin disorders, skin cancer and more

Is it acne, a rash — or maybe something more serious? Skin disorders can vary in both symptoms and severity. Some skin conditions are minor, some are serious but treatable, and others, like skin cancer, can be life-threatening. Here are 18 common (and a few less common) skin conditions — with photos to help you ID them. Remember to always reach out to your physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Acne | Actinic keratosis | Basal cell carcinoma | Blisters | Carbuncle | Cellulitis | Chicken pox | Cold sores | Contact dermatitis | Eczema | Hives | Latex allergy | Lupus | Measles | Melanoma | Psoriasis | Rosacea | Squamous cell carcinoma

Acne

Suffering from acne? You’re not alone. Acne is the most common condition dermatologists treat — 40 to 50 million Americans struggle with acne at any given time.

Photos of acne

People think of acne as a teenage problem, but I see it primarily in adult women,” said Dr. Amy McMichael.Boy_Anupong / Getty Images stockAcne can show up as different types of blemishes on the skin, typically on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders.

Getty Images

Acne symptoms and signs

Acne can show up almost anywhere on the skin — as blackheads, papules and pustules or pimples, cysts and nodules

Causes of acne

Acne starts when dead skin cells don’t shed properly and clog your pores.

Acne treatments

Some acne can be treated with over-the-counter products, while others require professional help, including prescription medication and treatments.

Read more about acne and how to treat it.

Actinic keratosis

These precancerous lesions often appear as rough spots on the skin. Actinic keratosis is common, but if left untreated it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

Photos of actinic keratosis

“We see [actinic keratoses] more frequently on chronically sun-exposed areas like the face, forearms and the backs of the hands,” said Dr. Laura Ferris.Steven Love / Alamy Stock Photo

Actinic keratosis symptoms and signs

The appearance of actinic keratosis can vary from bumps that look like pimples or acne to rough lesions that are red, pink or gray.

Causes of actinic keratosis

When cells in the skin called keratinocytes are damaged by UV rays, it can cause actinic keratosis.

Actinic keratosis treatments

While not always necessary, treatments may include removal of the actinic keratosis with liquid nitrogen, chemical peels, scraping or other therapies.

Read more about actinic keratosis and how to treat it.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It affects approximately 2.6 million people in the U.S. each year. Do you know how to spot it?

Photos of basal cell carcinoma

The top cause of basal cell carcinoma is exposure to ultraviolet rays from indoor tanning or from the sun.jax10289 / Getty Images stock

Basal cell carcinoma symptoms and signs

Basal cell carcinoma is much more common in people who have light skin. Symptoms tend to be the same color as the skin — or pink. It’s important to look for any changes in your skin.

Causes of basal cell carcinoma

Exposure from ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun or indoor tanning is a primary cause of basal cell carcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma treatments

Your dermatologist may be able to remove a basal cell carcinoma tumor when doing a biopsy. Sometimes a Mohs surgery is recommended.

Read more about basal cell carcinoma and how to spot it.

Blisters

A common skin condition, most people develop blisters once in a while.

Photos of blisters

“The best Band-Aid for the skin is the skin,” said Dr. Jenny Murase. “We usually do not recommend removing the skin of the blister.”Getty Images

Blisters symptoms and signs

Blisters are small, painful sacs of fluid.

Causes of blisters

Blisters can be caused by friction, such as by a shoe rubbing against the skin, or by sunburns, heat or skin diseases.

Blisters treatments

Blisters tend to heal on their own, but a blister can be drained if it’s too painful.

Read more about blisters and how to treat them.

Carbuncle

Sometimes confused with a spider bite, a carbuncle is a group of boils that stem from an infection of the skin and are connected to each other.

Photos of carbuncles

“It’s pretty common for people to come in thinking they have a spider bite when they have an abscess or carbuncle,” said Dr. Allison Arthur.andriano_cz / Getty Images stock

Carbuncle symptoms and signs

Red, tender bumps, or boils, that contain pus are signs of a carbuncle. Carbuncles can eventually rupture, and pus will leak out of them.

Causes of carbuncles

A bacterial infection, such as Staphylococcus aureus, is often the cause of a carbuncle.

Carbuncle treatments

If a carbuncle is small, you may be able to treat it at home with warm compresses and bandages. Otherwise, your dermatologist can make an incision to drain the pus.

Read more about carbuncles and how to treat them.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin in which the skin becomes red and swollen. It typically occurs after you get a cut or wound.

Photos of cellulitis

“Cellulitis sometimes can happen following a cut or wound, and it can happen after surgery as well, around an incision,” said Dr. Allison Arthur.Wendy Townrow / Getty Images stockCellulitis in the legs usually shows up on just one leg. “If you think you have it in both legs, chances are something else is going on,” said Dr. Laura Ferris.Casa nayafana / Shutterstock

Cellulitis symptoms and signs

When you have cellulitis, an area of your skin — often on one of your legs — becomes red, swollen, warm and possibly painful.

Causes of cellulitis

Cellulitis can be caused by two different types of bacteria: streptococcus (aka strep) or staphylococcus (aka staph).

Cellulitis treatments

Antibiotics like penicillin, cephalosporin or erythromycin are normally used to treat cellulitis.

Read more about cellulitis and how to treat it.

Chicken pox

Also called varicella, this highly contagious disease mostly strikes children.

Photos of chicken pox

“The blisters look like dew drops scattered on skin. They are in a lot of different phases. Some are just coming on, others are more fully formed and others are crusted and drying up,” said Dr. Jenny Murase.Petko Ninov / Getty Images stockIf it’s diagnosed early, you can treat chicken pox with antiviral medications, Dr. Melissa Piliang. And you can alleviate the chicken pox symptoms with calamine lotion, cool baths with baking soda or oatmeal, and acetaminophen.CDC

Chicken pox symptoms and signs

A fever may precede it, but the unique chicken pox rash appears on the skin with itchy blisters that look like lots of little dew drops.

Causes of chicken pox

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chicken pox — as well as shingles. It’s unlikely to get chicken pox if you’ve had the chicken pox vaccine.

Chicken pox treatments

The best treatment for chicken pox is prevention through vaccination. An early case of chicken pox may be treated with antiviral drugs. Other remedies can be used to ease symptoms.

Read more about chicken pox and how to treat it.

Cold sores

Also known as fever blisters, cold sores are blisters, or clusters of blisters, that appear on your lips or near your mouth.

Photos of cold sores

Herpes simplex virus causes cold sores — it’s a common, highly contagious virus.ancoay / Getty Images stock

Cold sores symptoms and signs

Symptoms of cold sores can vary. The sores may start with a tingling, burning or other sensation, then break open and scab over.

Causes of cold sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Outbreaks are triggered by stress, fatigue, illness and other factors.

Cold sores treatments

Read more about cold sores and how to treat them.

Contact dermatitis

Almost everyone gets contact dermatitis at some point. There are two main types of contact dermatitis — allergic and irritant. Both trigger a rash.

Photos of contact dermatitis

“Makeup, skincare products and shampoo can cause contact dermatitis,” said Dr. Laura Ferris, “but they are more insidious and not as dramatic.”-aniaostudio- / Getty ImagesSubtle redness that develops from contact dermatitis can be harder to detect in people with darker skin tones, said Dr. Laura Ferris.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides

Contact dermatitis symptoms and signs

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis may include itching, rash, dryness and other symptoms. Cracked, itchy, chapped skin with sores may be signs of irritant contact dermatitis.

Causes of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is caused by something that touches your skin — like poison ivy, nickel, fragrances, latex or other irritants — and triggers a rash.

Contact dermatitis treatments

The best treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid whatever it is that triggers your rash. Beyond that, your dermatologist may also recommend antihistamine pills, moisturizers or topical steroids.

Read more about contact dermatitis and how to treat it.

Eczema

Eczema is a condition that causes red, itchy patches on the skin. It often starts at a young age — often people with eczema get it when they’re babies.

Photos of eczema

“Scratching can develop the rash,” said Dr. Carolyn Jacob.gokhanilgaz / Getty Images

Eczema symptoms and signs

Eczema is almost always itchy, but otherwise symptoms can vary from person to person. Skin infected with eczema can be dry, dark, scaly, swollen or oozing.

Causes of eczema

Eczema may be caused by an overactive immune system, but it’s not entirely clear what causes the condition.

Eczema treatments

There is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can be managed with medications and other therapies.

Read more about eczema and how to treat it

Hives

The onset of hives can be mysterious, and though hives usually go away in less than 24 hours, new ones can repeatedly appear.

Photos of hives

If you don’t get good results with antihistamines your doctor might recommend steroids or other medications. chokja / Getty Images stock

Hives symptoms and signs

Hives appear on the skin as slightly swollen, raised pink or red patches. You may have one hive, a group of hives that may be separate or connected together.

Causes of hives

It’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of hives, but there are many triggers that can cause hives, from insect bites and allergic reactions to medication, stress and heat.

Hives treatments

The go-to treatment for hives is usually antihistamines.

Read more about hives and how to treat them.

Latex allergy

People with an allergy to latex are allergic to a protein found in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree.

Photos of latex allergy

Different types of latex allergies cause different symptoms. A contact allergy causes a latex allergy rash when your skin touches latex. Alamy Stock Photo

Latex allergy symptoms and signs

Different symptoms appear with different types of latex allergies. One type causes a rash on the skin; another can cause anaphylaxis, which can result in a swelling of the airways and difficulty breathing.

Causes of latex allergy

When your immune system reacts as though latex is a harmful substance, it causes an allergic reaction to latex.

Latex allergy treatments

Since there’s no cure for latex allergies, your best bet is to avoid coming into contact with latex.

Read more about latex allergy and how to treat it.

Lupus

An autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation, lupus can affect your skin, as well as your kidneys, heart, joints and lungs.

Photos of lupus

A red butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the nose and cheeks is one common sign of lupus.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching SlidesLupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect different parts of your body, including your skin, kidneys, heart, joints and lungs.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides

Lupus symptoms and signs

A red butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the nose and cheeks is one common sign of lupus, but symptoms of lupus will vary, depending on the type of lupus you have.

Causes of lupus

There are a number of factors that may play a role in whether you develop rosacea, but experts don’t know for certain what causes the skin condition.

Lupus treatments

There is no cure for rosacea, but the condition can be managed to help keep symptoms from worsening.

Read more about lupus and how to treat it.

Measles

Also known as rubeola, measles is a contagious — and potentially deadly — disease that usually strikes children.

Photos of measles

Measles is hard to diagnose early, because the initial symptoms could be caused by a lot of different conditions. It’s usually not diagnosed until the rash appears.Bilanol / Getty Images stock

Measles symptoms and signs

Beyond the signifying red, spotted rash, measles may also be accompanied by a fever, cough, runny nose and other symptoms.

Causes of measles

A virus that infects the respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body causes measles. It’s one of the most contagious diseases.

Measles treatments

The best treatment is prevention through a vaccine. Otherwise, high doses of vitamin A, bed rest and medications to reduce pain and fever may help.

Read more about measles and how to treat it.

Melanoma

It’s one of the less common skin cancers, but melanoma is the most dangerous because it can easily spread to other parts of your body.

Photos of melanoma

The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) predicts that 196,060 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2020 — and 6,850 people will die from it.Callista Images / Getty Images stock

Melanoma symptoms and signs

Melanoma tumors tend to be black or brown, but can sometimes be pink, tan or white. Anyone can get melanoma, but people with light skin are at greater risk.

Causes of melanoma

UV light exposure from ultraviolet rays from the sun or indoor tanning causes most melanomas.

Melanoma treatments

Treatments depend on how advanced the melanoma is and where the tumor is located. It may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or other therapies.

Read more about melanoma and how to treat it.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the U.S. It typically starts in the teen years or early 20s, though it can occur at any age.

Photos of psoriasis

Not every trigger causes flare-ups in every person with psoriasis, so it’s important to watch your symptoms and try to determine what could be causing them.Getty Images“There may be less erythema (redness) in the lesions, so the lesions often look violaceous or hyperpigmented (in darker skin),” said McMichael.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides

Psoriasis symptoms and signs

When you have psoriasis, your body makes new skin cells quickly, and the cells typically build up in thick, scaly patches on the skin called plaques.

Causes of psoriasis

There are a number of factors that may contribute to causing psoriasis. The immune system and genetics may play a role. Certain triggers can also cause the onset of psoriasis and psoriasis flare-ups.

Psoriasis treatments

Psoriasis doesn’t have a cure, there are medications and treatments that can help manage the condition.

Read more about psoriasis and how to treat it.

Rosacea

This common inflammatory skin condition causes redness of the face.

Photos of rosacea

“Once you figure out the triggers and get a reasonable regimen, [rosacea] is pretty easy to control,” said Dr. McMichael.Getty Images stock

Rosacea symptoms and signs

In addition to causing facial redness, if rosacea is not treated, it can cause visible blood vessels, breakouts like acne and other symptoms.

Causes of rosacea

There are a number of factors that may play a role in whether you develop rosacea, but experts don’t know for certain what causes the skin condition.

Rosacea treatments

There is no cure for rosacea, but the condition can be managed to help keep symptoms from worsening.

Read more about rosacea and how to treat it.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Also known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, this cancer develops when the squamous cells in the top layer of your skin grow out of control.

Photos of squamous cell carcinoma

With early detection, squamous cell carcinomas are highly treatable. But, said Dr. Amy McMichael, “they can grow extremely quickly and be very dangerous.”Alamy

Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms and signs

Though it’s linked with exposure to ultraviolet rays, squamous cell carcinoma can crop up in areas that don’t get much sun. Watch out for rough, scaly patches, sores that don’t heal or anything else that looks suspicious.

Causes of squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is mainly caused by UV rays from the sun or indoor tanning.

Squamous cell carcinoma treatments

Treatments for squamous cell carcinoma may include surgery, radiation or other therapies. Catching it early is key.

Read more about squamous cell carcinoma and how to treat it.

90,000 Herpes. Why is this virus dangerous and how not to get infected with it

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), herpesvirus infection ranks second among human viral diseases (in the first place is influenza).

The disease affects both children and adults, regardless of gender. Infection of the population with herpes infection is very high. Carriage of viruses is widespread. Epidemiological studies conducted over the past 10 years have shown that by the age of 15, 80 percent of children are infected, and by the age of 30, 90 percent of the population have antibodies to herpes viruses of one type or another.

The most common are herpesviruses of the first type (causing herpes on the lips) and the second (causing genital herpes). The source of infection is virus carriers and patients with various forms of the disease.

According to specialists from the Center for Medical Prevention of the Ministry of Health of the Krasnodar Territory, the herpes virus can and should be fought, but the problem is that almost 80 percent of virus carriers do not even know about it.Moreover, even those who already know about the presence of herpes do not take it seriously.

Herpes is a viral disease with a characteristic rash of grouped vesicles on the skin and mucous membranes. It is the most common viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

But herpes can cause irreversible harm to health, sometimes even destroy fate. After all, a pregnant woman through the placenta can transmit the virus to her unborn child at the stage of development of important organs and systems, and this is fraught with congenital malformations of the fetus.

– An important principle of the prevention of this disease is the termination of close contacts with a sick person during an exacerbation, – said the chief physician of the regional Center for Medical Prevention Irina Trubitsyna. – Prevention of herpes of the first type is reduced to the observance of the general rules for the prevention of respiratory diseases, and the second – to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Herpes is a viral disease with a characteristic rash of grouped vesicles on the skin and mucous membranes.It is the most common viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The family of viruses “Herpesviridae” can cause life-threatening diseases, infections, recurrent diseases, transplacental infections, which can cause congenital malformations in children.

With the onset of cold weather, more and more people with a characteristic rash on the lips appear. It would seem that this is a common and not at all mysterious disease, but the average patient does not know anything about herpes – except that “it is such a fever on the lips.”Herodotus wrote about herpes a hundred years before our era: it was the “father of history” who gave herpes its modern name (from the Greek “herpein” – to crawl) – because of the ability of herpetic ulcers to “spread” in different directions from the primary vesicle on the skin. For many centuries of “communication” with herpes, this disease has become overgrown with myths.

• Myth 1. Herpes is not contagious

Quite the opposite. Herpes is transmitted by airborne droplets (when coughing, sneezing, talking), contact (when kissing, sharing utensils, lipstick) and through the genital tract.It is also possible that the baby is infected from the mother when passing through the birth canal. This usually happens if the mother contracted genital herpes during the third trimester of pregnancy. At the same time, her body does not have time to produce antibodies, which she transfers to the child. And if there is damage to the placenta, the child can become infected in the uterine period of development – this herpes is called congenital.

• Myth 2. Herpes is a manifestation of the “cold”

In fact, herpes is an independent disease that predetermines the herpes simplex virus.Usually, it is activated by hypothermia, stress, overwork, exacerbation of chronic diseases or a decrease in general immunity.

• Myth 3. If a rash appears on the lips, the cold has subsided.

This common view, however, has nothing to do with reality. In reality, the appearance of a rash means that the transferred respiratory infection weakened the immune system, and this gave the herpes virus the opportunity to actively act.

• Myth 4. If the rash is gone – herpes is cured

That would be great, but unfortunately, it is impossible to remove the virus from the body. He stays with a person for life, and you can only force him to be in a “sleeping” state. Therefore, 95 percent of people have the herpes virus, with the majority acquiring it at the age of 3-4 years.

• Myth 5. You can get herpes only if you have a rash

Indeed, in the active phase of the disease, more viral particles are released and the likelihood of infection is higher.But the transmission of infection can occur at any time through invisible microtrauma of the skin and mucous membranes.

• Myth 6. The best treatment is moxibustion with alcohol, iodine or brilliant green

Moxibustion does not affect the herpes virus and its activity, but it is very easy to burn damaged skin and mucous membranes in this way. It is better to gently lubricate the rash with an antiseptic that does not contain alcohol so that a purulent infection does not join. Symptoms of herpes are treated with special antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, which prevents the virus from multiplying.With frequent exacerbations, drugs are used that stimulate the immune system, and fortifying agents.

• Myth 7. Herpes is a safe disease and only affects the skin

In fact, herpes ranks second in mortality from viral infections, second only to SARS. The herpes simplex virus is embedded in the genome of nerve cells, so the rash occurs in the places of nerve endings and is accompanied by severe pain. Theoretically, herpes can appear wherever there is nerve tissue, which means – in almost any organ.

With a decrease in general and local immunity, herpetic inflammation can develop in the mucous membrane of the mouth and larynx, the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye, lymph nodes, internal genital organs, intestines, liver, kidneys, lungs and central nervous system. With brain damage, most patients die or remain disabled. In addition, with congenital herpes, multiple developmental defects and even death of the infant are likely, and genital herpes significantly increases the risk relative to the development of cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

How not to get herpes

• Strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene. Labial herpes is an infectious disease! Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after contact with cold sores, after applying antiviral cream.

• Do not touch your eyes with your hands! This is especially true for women as they do their makeup.

• Do not use saliva to moisturize your contact lenses.

• Do not touch areas affected by herpes! Despite the severe itching and pain, in no case touch the herpes rash, do not kiss, especially with children, do not use someone else’s lipstick and do not lend your own to anyone, do not share the same cigarette with a friend.

• Do not try to get rid of blisters or scabs to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of your body.

• Use a separate towel and utensils, do not drink from someone else’s glasses.

90 025 90 000 Herpes on the hands, symptoms and signs of the disease, diagnosis, analyzes and treatment of the disease, causes of occurrence, photo and video

A herpetic rash on the arm of a small child is an alarming sign. Children under three years of age usually have immunity passed on to them from their mother and they easily cope with the attacks of the virus. If the baby has herpetic vesicles, this signals the failure of the immune system.

Older children can get the infection through dirty hands, unwashed toys, or through contact with infected adults and other children. Parents should tell the child about the need to follow the rules of personal hygiene. They are also responsible for strengthening the baby’s immunity.

A pregnant woman has certain obligations to her unborn child. Infection with the herpes virus, especially cytomegalovirus infection, during gestation is very dangerous.The newborn becomes infected through the umbilical cord or during childbirth. In the first weeks of life, herpes is symptomatic and can be fatal.

Any skin manifestations on the hands of a child should alert parents. Herpes is more often localized in the interdigital spaces, in the cubital fossa and on the inner surface of the hand. Herpetic eruptions in children are visualized in the form of roseola (hyperemic areas from 3 to 5 mm, not rising above the surface of the skin and painless) and vesicles (small vesicles up to 5 mm in diameter with serous contents).As the disease progresses, vesicles form groups to form large blisters. Damage to them leads to the formation of a painful wound surface that can fester.

At all stages of development, the rash causes a feeling of discomfort and itching. After scratching and secondary infection, the skin may macerate or become covered with dry crusts. Often, after inflammatory processes, cicatricial changes remain, up to a violation of the relief and skin color. In severe cases, permanent pain syndrome (tingling, myalgia and neuralgia) is possible.

Skin manifestations are often accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication (fever, tearfulness, bad mood, headaches).

Self-medication is not allowed. Only a specialist can diagnose and prescribe competent treatment.

Chickenpox (the third type of HHV) and cytomegalovirus infection (the fifth type of HHV) are also representatives of herpes infection and require active tactics. Congenital herpes caused by HHV of the fifth type in 60-80% of cases is manifested by skin rashes in the form of petechiae (minor hemorrhages).

HHV of the sixth and seventh types can cause false rubella (sudden exanthema, baby roseola), which is characterized by a small rash all over the body and suggests differential diagnosis with true rubella.

90,000 Dangerous roommates. Scientists have named an unexpected cause of cancer

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Dangerous roommates. Scientists have named an unexpected cause of cancer

Dangerous roommates. Scientists have named an unexpected cause of cancer – RIA Novosti, 28.10.2020

Dangerous roommates. Scientists have named an unexpected cause of cancer

According to researchers, 15-20 percent of cancerous tumors occur due to viruses and bacteria that are in every inhabitant of the Earth. First of all, we are talking about … RIA Novosti, 28.10.2020

2020-10-28T08: 00

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MOSCOW, October 28 – RIA Novosti, Alfiya Yenikeeva According to researchers, due to viruses and bacteria that are in every inhabitant of the Earth, 15-20 percent of cancerous tumors arise. First of all, we are talking about papilloma and herpes viruses, as well as the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. RIA Novosti understands how microbes contribute to the formation of malignant tumors and whether it can be noticed in time.Virus Causes Cancer The viral nature of some types of cancer was proved by the American biologist Francis Python Rouse. In 1911, he infected chickens with avian sarcoma using acellular filtrates obtained from tumors of sick birds. The scientist shredded tissues affected by cancer, mixed them with sand and passed them through a very fine filter, which was guaranteed to retain microbes. Then he introduced the resulting substance to healthy chickens. After a while, they were diagnosed with sarcoma, and then Rouse came to the conclusion that the tumor was provoked by an invisible oncogenic virus.It wasn’t until the 1940s, after the invention of the electron microscope, that researchers were able to identify and describe it. Twenty years later, for this work, the scientist was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology, and his colleagues discovered several more types of cancer that develop due to viruses. True, it was mainly about diseases of animals – chickens, rabbits and mice. Only in the 1970s did the German researcher Harald zur Hausen establish that in humans, malignant tumors are also often associated with infectious agents.In particular, the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. It turned out that HPV occurs in 99 percent of women with a similar diagnosis, in 95 percent of cases of anal cancer and 70 percent of cancer of the pharynx and oral cavity in men. Of course, human papillomavirus infection does not necessarily result in cancer. In 90 percent of cases, HPV disappears without a trace in a couple of years. However, if this does not happen, the risk of malignant tumor increases dramatically. There is an effective vaccine for cervical cancer.Several randomized clinical trials have shown at once that in women vaccinated at the age of 12-13, ten years after vaccination, there are no precancerous or tumor pathologies at all. At the same time, in non-immunized control groups, the incidence of precancerous formations of the cervix is ​​quite high. In the past few years, scientists have also shown a link between Epstein-Barr virus (herpes simplex virus type 4) and highly aggressive nasopharyngeal cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), Burkitt’s lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma and stomach cancer.In addition, the herpes virus of the eighth type provokes Kaposi’s sarcoma, and hepatitis – a liver tumor. Most patients with these diagnoses are usually infected with oncogenic viruses. So, Kaposi’s sarcoma is found only in those who have the herpes virus of the eighth type, and 70 percent of patients with liver cancer have the hepatitis virus. Fortunately, this relationship does not work in the opposite direction. According to some reports, HPV and herpes viruses affect up to 90 percent of the human population, and not everyone suffers from cancer.Bacterial Pests Bacteria are not yet considered a major cause of cancer. However, some can cause inflammation, release toxins that damage DNA, and disrupt cell signaling pathways. This may lead to the formation of malignant tumors in the future. For example, last year American oncologists showed that Haemophilus influenzae, which is responsible for respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, and is especially common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD), interacting with mucin proteins MUC1, synthesized in the body, is able to influence the regulation of specific receptors, which, in turn, are involved in the development of pulmonary adenocarcinomas.Similarly, according to the authors of the work, Escherichia coli also acts – a common cause of intestinal ailments. Its interaction with MUC1 triggers an inflammatory process that can lead to colorectal and bladder cancer. However, scientists are in no hurry to classify these microbes as oncogenic factors. However, the connection of one type of bacteria with malignant tumors is beyond doubt. It is Helicobacter pylori, which lives in the stomach and causes gastritis and ulcers. In 2018, American scientists, having examined 49 patients with stomach cancer, found a strain of this microorganism in almost all of them.It is estimated that the bacteria Helicobacter pylori are directly or indirectly responsible for nearly 20 percent of the world’s stomach cancers. But just they can be detected at fairly early stages. As biologists from China, Vietnam and the United States have found out, when infected with Helicobacter pylori, immune cells produce miR130b miRNA. The presence of these molecules in the body correlates with changes in the tissue, which in the future can lead to the development of a malignant tumor. That is why a timely blood test for this biomarker allows you to recognize the disease at the very beginning.

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MOSCOW, October 28 – RIA Novosti, Alfiya Yenikeeva. According to researchers, viruses and bacteria, which are in every inhabitant of the Earth, cause 15-20 percent of cancerous tumors. First of all, we are talking about papilloma and herpes viruses, as well as the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. RIA Novosti understands how microbes contribute to the formation of malignant tumors and whether it can be noticed in time.

The virus causes cancer

The viral nature of some types of cancer was proved by the American biologist Francis Python Rouse. In 1911, he infected chickens with avian sarcoma using acellular filtrates obtained from tumors of sick birds.The scientist shredded tissues affected by cancer, mixed them with sand and passed them through a very fine filter, which was guaranteed to retain microbes. Then he introduced the resulting substance to healthy chickens. After a while, they were diagnosed with sarcoma, and then Rouse came to the conclusion that the tumor was provoked by an invisible oncogenic virus. It wasn’t until the 1940s, after the invention of the electron microscope, that researchers were able to identify and describe it. Twenty years later, for this work, the scientist was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology, and his colleagues discovered several more types of cancer that develop due to viruses.True, it was mainly about diseases of animals – chickens, rabbits and mice. 24 January 2020, 08:00 Science Cancer vaccination. Experts propose to vaccinate all Russian women Only in the 1970s, the German researcher Harald zur Hausen established that in humans, malignant tumors are also often associated with infectious agents. In particular, the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. It turned out that HPV occurs in 99 percent of women with a similar diagnosis, in 95 percent of cases of anal cancer and 70 percent of cancer of the pharynx and oral cavity in men.Of course, human papillomavirus infection does not necessarily result in cancer. In 90 percent of cases, HPV disappears without a trace in a couple of years. However, if this does not happen, the risk of malignant tumor increases dramatically.

There is an effective vaccine for cervical cancer. Several randomized clinical trials have shown at once that in women vaccinated at the age of 12-13, ten years after vaccination, there are no precancerous or tumor pathologies at all. At the same time, in non-immunized control groups, the incidence of precancerous formations of the cervix is ​​quite high.

Not everything is so simple

Over the past few years, scientists have also demonstrated a link between the Epstein-Barr virus (herpes simplex virus type 4) and extremely aggressive nasopharyngeal cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), Burkitt’s lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma and stomach cancer. In addition, the herpes virus of the eighth type provokes Kaposi’s sarcoma, and hepatitis – a liver tumor.

Most patients with these diagnoses are usually infected with oncogenic viruses.So, Kaposi’s sarcoma is found only in those who have the herpes virus of the eighth type, and 70 percent of patients with liver cancer have the hepatitis virus.

February 1, 2018, 22:00 Science Scientists have discovered a “duet” of bacteria that directly cause rectal cancer

Fortunately, this relationship does not work in the opposite direction. According to some reports, HPV and herpes viruses affect up to 90 percent of the human population, and not everyone suffers from cancer.

Bacterial pests

Bacteria are not yet considered the main cause of cancer.However, some can cause inflammation, release toxins that damage DNA, and disrupt cell signaling pathways. This may lead to the formation of malignant tumors in the future.

So, last year, American oncologists showed that Haemophilus influenzae, which is responsible for respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, and is especially common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interacting with proteins mucins MUC1, synthesized in the body, is able to influence the regulation of specific receptors, which, in turn, are involved in the development of pulmonary adenocarcinomas.

Similarly, according to the authors of the work, Escherichia coli acts – a common cause of intestinal ailments. Its interaction with MUC1 triggers an inflammatory process that can lead to colorectal and bladder cancer. However, scientists are in no hurry to classify these microbes as oncogenic factors.

However, the connection of one type of bacteria with malignant tumors is beyond doubt. It is Helicobacter pylori, which lives in the stomach and causes gastritis and ulcers. In 2018, American scientists, having examined 49 patients with stomach cancer, found a strain of this microorganism in almost all of them.It is estimated that the bacteria Helicobacter pylori are directly or indirectly responsible for nearly 20 percent of the world’s stomach cancers. But just they can be detected at fairly early stages. As biologists from China, Vietnam and the United States have found out, when infected with Helicobacter pylori, immune cells produce miR130b miRNA. The presence of these molecules in the body correlates with changes in the tissue, which in the future can lead to the development of a malignant tumor. That is why a timely blood test for this biomarker allows you to recognize the disease at the very beginning.90,000 Skin infections caused by herpes simplex virus

Main

• In addition to the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals, Herpes simplex virus can also cause skin lesions.
• Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and recurrence of rashes with the same localization.
• Herpes infection of the periorbital region requires immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist.
• Antiviral drugs are used to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of illness; the virus cannot be completely eliminated.
• With frequent recurrence of herpes infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed for prophylactic purposes.

Etiology

• Virus Herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) causes skin infections. HSV-1 often affects the skin, HSV-2 – the genital area.
• Primary HSV-1 infection usually occurs during childhood. Low-symptom or asymptomatic course leads to the fact that the primary infection often goes unnoticed.HSV-2 infection usually occurs in adulthood.
• In some people, primary infection is accompanied by severe symptoms (eg, gingivostomatitis, pharyngitis, genital herpes).
• Primary skin infection is rare.
• The virus is in a latent state in the nervous system and from time to time is activated under the influence of environmental factors.

Prevalence

• Carriage of the herpes virus is widespread among the adult population: 50-60% and 15-20% of HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively.Most carriers are asymptomatic.

Symptoms

• Symptoms and clinical presentation are often typical and diagnosis is based on clinical presentation.
• Soreness, burning, and tingling of the affected area usually occurs before the appearance of the rash.
• First, focal erythema with clear boundaries is formed; later, grouped vesicles with transparent contents appear.
• Individual vesicles can transform into pustules or vesicles with hemorrhagic contents.
• Clumped vesicles may also develop on nearby skin areas. After opening the vesicles, small irregular erosions remain on the skin.
• The illness usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, but in some cases the duration is longer.
• The typical lesions are the skin of the perioral region, face, genital region, buttocks, perianal region, hands and fingers.
• Cutaneous manifestations of herpes usually indicate reactivation of latent infection.
• Factors provoking such reactivation are colds or flu, mechanical trauma, medical or dental manipulations, damage, stress, sun exposure, menstruation, secondary infection through the fingers, for example, lips or genital area (self-infection).
• Generalization of infection (disseminated disease) is possible in people with immunodeficiency (eg, HIV infection) and / or receiving immunosuppressive therapy (eg, antirheumatic drugs, cytostatics).
• The infection can also spread in patients with atopic eczema, mainly affecting the face (Kaposi’s herpetic eczema). This does not indicate the presence of immunodeficiency.

Survey

• In typical cases, there is no need for additional examination, the clinical picture is sufficient.
• The virus can be typed by detecting its antigen or by culture.
• A specimen for culture is best taken by piercing the vesicle and running a cotton swab over the exposed eroded surface.
• A negative culture result is possible, especially if the material is taken long after the onset of symptoms.
• Antibody tests confirm the carriage of the virus, but do not provide information on the timing or area of ​​infection. The level of antibodies in isolated skin infection (reactivation) is usually not elevated, its slight increase is possible with primary infection. It is useless to assess the levels of antibodies for herpes lesions of the skin.
• For the diagnosis of HSV infection of the central nervous system and neonatal herpes, PCR (in cerebrospinal fluid) and determination of the level of antibodies are used, if necessary.
• In unclear cases or in the absence of a response to empiric therapy, samples should be taken for bacteriological and / or mycological examination from the surface of the affected skin area.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed by skin tests.
• In case of severe clinical manifestations and low effectiveness of therapy, one should not forget about the possibility of immunodeficiency (for example, HIV infection, hemoblastosis, other malignant diseases).

Treatment

• Local lesion in case of herpes infection does not require compulsory drug therapy.
• Antiviral drugs have been proven to be effective in the treatment of herpes infections of the skin, mucous membranes and genital area.
• The earlier treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness.
• The patient must learn to recognize the first signs of the disease and begin therapy on their own.
• In immunocompromised patients, systemic use of antiviral drugs (oral or intravenous, depending on the clinical picture) begins even with mild symptoms or suspected herpes infection in order to avoid its possible generalization and / or progression with the development of necrotizing lesions.
• Systemic therapy
  • Duration of treatment is 5 days; in patients with severe manifestations, it is possible to extend the treatment period up to 7-10 days.
  • Higher doses are recommended for immunocompromised patients (eg, Valacyclovirum 500 mg, 2 tablets twice daily).
  • Local treatment
    • There is no convincing evidence of the effectiveness of topical therapy for herpes infections of the skin, but in mild cases it may be sufficient.
    • In mild cases, it is possible to use antiviral drugs (Acyclovirum (acyclovir) or Pencyclovirum (penciclovir)) topically in the form of a cream or ointment every 2-4 hours during the day for 5-10 days.
    • At the stage of blistering, use lotions that dry the skin, for example, 15 minutes 2-3 times a day, then apply zinc paste or lotion
    • Some patients require analgesics.

Recurrent herpes infection

• In case of rare relapses, a course of treatment with the aforementioned antiviral drugs is used. A prescription should be written in advance so that the patient can quickly begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear.
• With frequent relapses of the disease (to reduce their frequency), antiviral drugs are prescribed prophylactically for a period of 6-12 months.
  • Treatment should be selected individually, depending on the severity of the manifestations. If possible, pauses between courses of treatment and assessment of indications for further preventive therapy are necessary.
  • For initially severe clinical manifestations or recurrence of infection during prophylactic therapy, higher starting doses are recommended, for example, Valacyclovirum (valacyclovir) 500 mg twice a day.
  • During the prophylactic use of antiviral drugs, resistance to therapy often develops in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, in this group of patients, the use of higher daily doses is recommended (for example, Valacyclovirum (valacyclovir) 500 mg twice a day).
  • Short-term prophylaxis is a short course of treatment lasting 1 to 2 weeks, for example during holidays, menstruation, etc.

Specialist consultation

• In case of immunodeficiency, the presence of even a mild form of herpes infection or suspicion of it requires the prompt start of systemic therapy, preferably at the stage of primary care.
• Patients with severe generalized forms, especially in the presence of immunodeficiency (cancer patients, patients receiving immunosuppressants), are shown parenteral use of Acyclovirum (acyclovir), most often as an emergency therapy in a hospital. Consultation of a specialist is required.
• Localization of herpes infection in the eye area, even with minor manifestations, is an indication for emergency consultation with an ophthalmologist.

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90,000 What is herpes? – Medikana

If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, the following tests are recommended:

Herpes is the collective name for a group of diseases caused by herpes viruses.As a rule, herpes infection manifests itself as characteristic rashes on the skin and mucous membranes in the form of grouped vesicles on a swollen, hyperemic background. The variety of clinical manifestations and forms of herpes often complicates the timely diagnosis and prescription of the necessary treatment.

In the human population, infection with various types of herpes virus is up to 97%. After entering the human body, herpesvirus remains in it throughout life, but it manifests itself in each person in different ways.In the most favorable variant, the activity of herpes is suppressed by the immune system, and the virus, as it were, “falls asleep”, remaining in the nervous tissue, cells of the glandular and parenchymal organs and in the lymph nodes. In case of primary infection, the disease can manifest itself in an erased form, for example, as a common cold (a small runny nose, fever, discomfort in the throat). And only laboratory tests can reveal the fact of infection with a herpes infection.

Types of herpes

Herpes simplex viruses of the first and second types (HSV-1,2) are manifested by lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (“cold sores”), genital herpes).HSV-1, 2 are included in the list of TORCH infections *.

The fourth type of herpes virus is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. This disease can occur in an acute form with a sharp rise in temperature, inflammation of the throat, damage to the lymphatic system, enlargement of the liver and spleen. Sometimes infectious mononucleosis occurs only with an increase in peripheral lymph nodes and a small subfebrile temperature

What is the danger of herpes?

Herpes viruses pose the greatest danger to people with weakened immunity and immunodeficiency states.The most susceptible to herpes infection are newborns, pregnant women, the elderly and HIV-infected.

With immunodeficiencies, the body cannot fully protect itself from infectious agents, including herpesvirus. In such cases, herpes infection is severe, not only significant areas of the skin and mucous membranes are affected, but also the brain, liver, spleen and other internal organs. Infection of newborns with the herpes virus is very dangerous because their immune systems are not yet ready to fight the infection.
Separately, it is worth noting the danger of infection of pregnant women with cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus of the first and second types. These infections can cause various complications of pregnancy, up to and including termination. The likelihood of transmission of the virus from mother to fetus increases significantly. The risk of birth defects and stillbirth increases.

Herpes simplex virus / Infectious disease doctor, d / p No. 7 Zaitseva E.N. / article from 25.06.2020

Herpes simplex virus. Clinic and prevention.

Herpes simplex or herpes infection – a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), characterized by damage to the skin and mucous membranes, less often other organs and tissues.

Severe generalized forms of the disease are characteristic of immunocompromised individuals. Also, the recurrent nature of herpes infection indicates a person’s immune deficiency.

Herpes simplex virus infects more than 90% of the world’s population, and 10–20% of them have clinical manifestations of the disease. There is a constant upward trend in the incidence of herpes infection. This is facilitated by the increasing prevalence of immunodeficiencies.

The causative agent – herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a DNA virus.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus:

VPG-1 and VPG-2.

Type 1 virus more often causes damage to the nasal and oral mucosa,

type 2 – genital herpes and generalized forms of the disease in newborns.

When infected with HSV, a person is a lifelong carrier of the virus, which can be transmitted during an exacerbation both vertically (congenital infection) and horizontally (household contact, airborne droplets, sexually).

The source of infection in natural conditions is only a person.

Susceptibility to HSV is general, but asymptomatic carriage of the virus or low-symptom forms of the disease is more often observed. More than 90% of people over 40 have antibodies to HSV.

The main route of transmission of herpes infection is through direct contact:

HSV-1 is more often transmitted with saliva,

and HSV-2 – mainly through sexual contact.

The greatest danger is posed by patients with rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.

About 80% of children become infected before the age of 6. The vertical route of transmission of the virus (from mother to fetus) in most cases (up to 85-90%) occurs during childbirth if a woman has genital manifestations of infection.

The gates of infection are the skin and mucous membranes, from where the virus enters the bloodstream, as a result of which it spreads to various organs and tissues, including possible damage to the central nervous system.

In a normal immune response, the virus leaves organs and tissues, with the exception of the nerve ganglia, where it persists throughout the host’s life.With defects in the immune system, the activation of the virus begins, it leaves the nerve ganglia, affecting areas of the skin and mucous membranes.

The spectrum of clinical manifestations of herpes infection is very diverse:

Congenital herpes infection when infected in the II and III trimesters of pregnancy causes liver damage, anemia, hypotrophy, pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, sepsis in the fetus. The manifestation of herpes in a newborn with infection during childbirth begins, as a rule, 3 to 6 days after childbirth.The disease is more common in premature babies. A moderate fever appears, appetite decreases, there may be regurgitation. The child becomes lethargic or very excitable, jaundice joins, and respiratory disorders appear. Specific skin rashes are not always noted.

Acquired herpes infection.

The incubation period lasts from 2 to 12 days, usually 4 days.

The most severe course is observed with primary infection, when there are no specific antibodies to the virus; in young children with an immature immune system; with immunodeficiency states of various origins.Herpetic stomatitis is the most common form of primary herpes infection.

Occurs in children mainly between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. The disease begins acutely with the phenomena of general intoxication, chills, high fever.

There is a refusal of food due to pain when chewing it, profuse salivation. At the same time, there is focal hyperemia and swelling of the cheeks, tongue, gums, lips, soft and hard palate and arches. In their place, typical herpetic eruptions soon appear in the form of grouped vesicles with serous contents, surrounded by a corolla of hyperemia, which quickly open up, forming shallow erosion.More often, rashes are localized on the tongue and mucous membrane of the cheeks. Redness and swelling of the gums, enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes are noted. The course of herpetic stomatitis is largely determined by the stratification of bacterial flora, usually its duration is 7-10 days.

Herpetic lesions of the skin – the most common form of recurrent herpetic infection, most often localized around the mouth, on the lips, on the wings of the nose, less often in the eyelids, on the arms, trunk, buttocks.

At the site of the rash, patients feel heat, burning, tension or itching of the skin. Grouped bubbles appear on the skin, filled with transparent contents. The bubbles are closely spaced and sometimes merge into a continuous multi-chamber element. Vesicles are surrounded by a corolla of hyperemia. The bubbles later either open or dry out with the formation of a crust, after which the skin defect falls off, no scars remain. Repeated rashes are possible. With relapses, herpes usually affects the same areas of the skin.Regional lymphadenitis is possible. With localized forms, the general condition, as a rule, is not disturbed, with common forms, fever, headache, myalgia are noted.

Herpetic lesion of the eyes (ophthalmic herpes) is characterized by significant polymorphism of clinical manifestations.

The generalized form of herpes infection occurs, as a rule, in newborns and people with severe impairments in the immune system. The disease is characterized by a severe course and damage to many organs and systems.There are hepatitis, pneumonia, pancreatitis, kidney damage, gastrointestinal tract.

Diagnosis of typical forms of the disease with lesions of the skin, mucous membranes, including ophthalmic herpes and genital herpes, is based on a characteristic clinical picture. And also the detection of virus DNA by PCR from the lesion focus, from blood and cerebrospinal fluid, detection of IgM in ELISA.

After clinical recovery, the child is admitted to the educational organization without anti-epidemic restrictions.No activities are carried out in the outbreak. It is necessary to provide the patient with separate utensils, care items. Quarantine and isolation measures for contact persons are not organized.

Non-specific prophylaxis of HSV – strengthening the immune system, because when it weakens, the disease will surely make itself felt again. Overwork, poor nutrition, bad habits – all this can be a repeated cause of the development of herpes. That is why it is important to avoid such situations.

An important principle for the prevention of this disease is the cessation of close contact with a sick person during an exacerbation:

– do not use other people’s personal hygiene items;

– a patient with herpesvirus infection should have separate dishes and use a personal towel.

To prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the body, it is recommended:

– do not touch lips affected by rashes;

– apply antiviral agents to the site of the rash with a cotton swab, you cannot use your hands;

– it is prohibited to peel off the crusts and squeeze out bubbles;

– if you wear contact lenses, in no case should you wet them with saliva.

“Herpes on the body – causes and treatment” – Yandex.Q

Herpes is a virus that manifests itself as watery blisters on the face, lips, mucous membranes, genitals, almost the entire body. The bubbles cause severe pain, burning, itching. In the future, herpes on the body forms skin sores.

Today, herpesvirus is considered the most common virus, which infects almost 90% of the world’s population. This virus, penetrating the genes of the cell, begins to destroy it from the inside, gradually spreading to other neighboring cells.

In this article, you will learn not only about the causes and symptoms of herpes on the body (see photo), but also about how to treat this problem at home.

Reasons for the appearance


Herpes is the most widespread virus on Earth; it can enter the human body already in the first year of life. Children’s, at first glance, a harmless disease of chickenpox is the result of herpes infection.

Once it has entered the body, it does not disappear anywhere.Like most DNA viruses, the herpes pathogen settles in the nervous system, and it is impossible to get rid of it.

Certain factors can provoke the appearance of symptoms of herpes on the body:

• Constant nervous strain;
• infections that reduce protective functions;

90,021 chronic diseases in the acute stage;

• diabetes

  and its complications;

• diseases can provoke frequent hypothermia or overheating of the body;

90,021 taking certain medications.

90% of people are infected with the virus. But it manifests itself infrequently, only if a person has a weakened immune system. Getting infected with the herpes virus is not that difficult. It is transmitted through human mucous membranes.

Types of herpes


Any manifestations of the therapeutic nature of herpes on the body directly depend on the type of virus:

1. The first type – herpes is manifested by rashes in the mouth and lips. If the affected area is large enough, then the patient can be diagnosed with temperature, slight malaise, muscle pain and weakness;
2. Second type –

   genital herpes

   …The main manifestations are always in the genital area. This is usually the head of the penis or labia. In addition to rashes, patients feel itching in the affected area, pain in the back and lower abdomen;

3. The third type is herpes zoster on the body, in children – chickenpox. It is caused by the chickenpox virus and is better known as herpes zoster.
4. Epstein-Barr virus causing infectious mononucleosis. In its typical form, this disease does not cause skin rashes, but the use of antibiotics in the treatment of diseases developing in parallel almost always causes rashes on the body.

5. Cytomegalovirus

   , very common in the human population. It is relatively rare and only with weakened immunity leads to skin lesions.

6. Herpes simplex virus type 6, leading to the development of pseudo-rubella. The main and leading symptom of this disease is just an extensive rash all over the body, usually in infants, very similar to that in typical rubella.

How to treat herpes on the body depends on the form of the disease and the localization of the rash, the severity of the course of the disease.Usually, in addition to the main treatment, immunomodulators or immunostimulants are prescribed, and multivitamin complexes are taken.

Symptoms of herpes on the body


Herpes on the body, perhaps, gives a person serious inconvenience. The severity of the symptoms of this disease is largely determined by the state of immunity, depends on concomitant diseases and on the site of herpes localization.

In addition to general malaise, the person is worried about the following symptoms:

1. Digestive problems that occur suddenly, without any prerequisites for this.
2. Feeling of weakness, fatigue.

3. Temperature increase

   , which usually occurs up to 37.5 degrees, that is, it is not critical.

4. Painful sensations that predominantly arise in the area where rashes appear in the future.
5. The appearance of bubbles on the body, and their number increases with every hour.
6. A burning sensation, especially in the area where the rash has appeared.

Rashes are localized depending on the place of the primary entry of the herpes virus into the body and the method of infection.In about three or four days, they stop, and the disease is already on the decline. Symptoms that are characterized by the most intense pain and are distinguished by the duration of the course are damage to the nerves of the head and face, when the eyelids and cornea of ​​the eye are affected.

Herpes on the body photo


What does herpes look like on the body, we offer detailed photos for viewing.

Treating herpes on the body


In case of detection of herpes on the body, treatment is aimed at eliminating the symptoms, and primarily depends on the virus itself that caused the rash.

The use of special sufficiently strong drugs is justified only when serious complications are possible due to the development of infection. As a rule, this happens when pregnant women, people with immunodeficiencies and neonatal infections are infected.

Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor may prescribe antiviral therapy. As a rule, these are Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or Famciclovir in the form of tablets or injections. To relieve pain, along with antiviral drugs, the doctor may prescribe and

pain medications

…

It is also worth remembering that no such medicine has yet been developed that can completely rid a person of the virus. However, nevertheless, some funds, especially those that strengthen the immune defense, have a positive effect on the course and duration of the disease. It is necessary to eat foods rich in various microelements, vitamins A, C, E, as well as garlic and propolis.

Herpes on the body is clear evidence of an active infection, regardless of the type of virus that caused it.A person at this time is very contagious, therefore, during treatment, he should limit walking in crowded places. The optimal pastime for herpes will be bed rest and rest at home. This guarantees a more relaxed transfer of the disease and accelerates recovery.