How can you differentiate between syphilis and herpes. What are the key symptoms of each condition. When should you get tested for these STDs. How are syphilis and herpes diagnosed and treated.

What is Syphilis and How is it Transmitted?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It is primarily spread through sexual contact when skin or mucous membranes come into contact with syphilis sores, known as chancres. Pregnant women can also transmit syphilis to their unborn child.

Key facts about syphilis transmission:

• Spread through direct contact with syphilis sores during vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth
• Cannot be spread through casual contact, sharing toilets, or touching objects
• Most contagious when sores are present, but can still spread without visible symptoms

Stages and Symptoms of Syphilis

Syphilis progresses through several stages if left untreated, each with distinct symptoms:

Primary Stage

The first sign of syphilis is usually a small, painless sore called a chancre. It appears at the site where the bacteria entered the body, often on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Chancres typically develop 3 weeks after exposure and heal on their own within 3-6 weeks.

Secondary Stage

If untreated, syphilis progresses to the secondary stage 2-8 weeks after the initial chancre appears. Symptoms may include:

• Skin rashes, often on palms of hands and soles of feet
• Fever
• Swollen lymph glands
• Sore throat
• Patchy hair loss
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Fatigue

Latent Stage

Without treatment, syphilis enters a latent stage where there are no visible signs or symptoms. This can last for years.

Tertiary Stage

In some cases, untreated syphilis can progress to the tertiary stage, causing severe medical problems affecting the heart, brain, and other organs. This can occur 10-30 years after initial infection.

What is Herpes and How Does it Spread?

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types:

• HSV-1: Typically causes oral herpes but can also cause genital herpes
• HSV-2: Usually causes genital herpes

Herpes is highly contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact. This can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as through kissing or any direct contact with infected areas. Herpes can spread even when no symptoms are present through a process called asymptomatic viral shedding.

Recognizing Herpes Symptoms

Many people with herpes have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they typically appear as small blisters or sores:

Oral Herpes (Cold Sores)

• Tingling, itching or burning sensation before blisters appear
• Small fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips
• Blisters that break open, ooze, and form a crust

Genital Herpes

• Small red bumps, blisters, or open sores in the genital area
• Pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks, or inner thighs
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes

Herpes outbreaks can recur periodically, with symptoms usually less severe than the initial outbreak.

Key Differences Between Syphilis and Herpes

While syphilis and herpes can both cause genital sores, there are several important distinctions:

1. Cause: Syphilis is caused by bacteria, while herpes is caused by a virus.
2. Appearance of sores: Syphilis chancres are usually single, painless, and firm. Herpes sores typically appear in clusters and can be painful or itchy.
3. Progression: Syphilis progresses through distinct stages if untreated. Herpes is a lifelong infection with recurring outbreaks.
4. Curability: Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. Herpes has no cure but can be managed with antiviral medications.
5. Transmission: Syphilis is most contagious when sores are present. Herpes can spread even without visible symptoms.

Diagnosis and Testing for Syphilis and Herpes

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment of both syphilis and herpes. How are these STDs diagnosed?

Syphilis Testing

Syphilis is typically diagnosed through blood tests. The two main types of tests are:

• Nontreponemal tests (e.g., VDRL or RPR): Screen for syphilis antibodies
• Treponemal tests: Confirm a positive nontreponemal test result

In some cases, fluid from a syphilis sore may be examined under a microscope to identify the bacteria.

Herpes Testing

Herpes is usually diagnosed through:

• Viral culture: Swabbing a sore to check for the presence of the virus
• PCR test: Detects HSV DNA in a sample from a sore
• Blood tests: Check for HSV antibodies to determine if you’ve been infected

It’s important to note that herpes blood tests can’t always distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.

Treatment Options for Syphilis and Herpes

The treatment approaches for syphilis and herpes differ significantly due to their distinct causes:

Syphilis Treatment

Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, typically:

• Penicillin G: The preferred treatment for all stages of syphilis
• Doxycycline: An alternative for patients allergic to penicillin

The specific antibiotic regimen depends on the stage of syphilis and other individual factors. Follow-up blood tests are necessary to ensure the infection has been fully cleared.

Herpes Treatment

While there’s no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce outbreaks:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

These medications can be taken daily to suppress outbreaks or as needed when symptoms occur. They can also reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to sexual partners.

Prevention Strategies for Syphilis and Herpes

Preventing the spread of syphilis and herpes involves similar strategies:

• Practice safe sex: Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly
• Get regular STD testing: Especially if you have multiple partners or any risk factors
• Communicate openly: Discuss sexual health and STD status with partners
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks: For both syphilis and herpes
• Consider suppressive therapy: For people with recurrent herpes outbreaks

Remember, while these methods reduce risk, they don’t eliminate it entirely. Regular testing and open communication remain crucial for sexual health.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for managing both syphilis and herpes effectively. Consider seeking medical attention in the following situations:

For Suspected Syphilis:

• You notice a painless sore on your genitals, anus, or mouth
• You develop a rash on your palms or soles of your feet
• You’ve had sexual contact with someone diagnosed with syphilis
• You experience unexplained flu-like symptoms after unprotected sexual contact

For Suspected Herpes:

• You develop painful blisters or sores in the genital area or around the mouth
• You experience recurrent outbreaks of genital or oral sores
• You have symptoms of a first-time herpes outbreak, which can be more severe
• You’re pregnant and have a history of genital herpes or think you may have been exposed

In general, it’s advisable to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms after sexual contact or if you’re concerned about potential STD exposure. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Living with Herpes: Managing Outbreaks and Relationships

While herpes is a lifelong condition, it’s possible to lead a normal, healthy life with proper management. Here are some strategies for coping with herpes:

Managing Outbreaks

• Recognize your triggers: Stress, illness, and certain foods can trigger outbreaks
• Take antiviral medications as prescribed
• Keep the affected area clean and dry
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce irritation
• Apply ice packs to soothe discomfort

Navigating Relationships

Disclosing your herpes status to partners can be challenging, but it’s an important part of maintaining trust and preventing transmission. Here are some tips:

• Choose the right time and place for the conversation
• Be prepared with accurate information about herpes
• Be honest and direct, but remain calm and positive
• Give your partner time to process the information
• Discuss prevention strategies together

Remember, many couples successfully navigate relationships where one partner has herpes. Open communication and proper management are key.

The Psychological Impact of STD Diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis of syphilis or herpes can be emotionally challenging. It’s normal to experience a range of feelings, including shock, anger, shame, or anxiety. Here are some ways to cope with the psychological impact:

• Seek accurate information: Understanding your condition can help alleviate fears
• Talk to a counselor or therapist: They can provide emotional support and coping strategies
• Join a support group: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be helpful
• Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being
• Focus on overall health: Remember that an STD is just one aspect of your health

It’s important to remember that having an STD doesn’t define you as a person. With proper care and support, you can maintain a high quality of life and healthy relationships.

The Role of Regular STD Testing in Sexual Health

Regular STD testing is a crucial component of maintaining sexual health, especially for sexually active individuals. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Early detection: Many STDs, including syphilis and herpes, can be asymptomatic. Regular testing can catch infections early.
• Prevent complications: Untreated STDs can lead to serious health issues. Early treatment can prevent these complications.
• Reduce transmission: Knowing your status helps prevent the spread of STDs to sexual partners.
• Peace of mind: Regular testing can alleviate anxiety about potential infections.

How often should you get tested? The CDC recommends:

• Annual testing for all sexually active individuals under 25
• Annual testing for older adults with new or multiple partners
• More frequent testing for individuals with high-risk behaviors
• Testing during pregnancy for several STDs, including syphilis

Remember, these are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider can recommend a testing schedule based on your individual risk factors and sexual history.

The Future of STD Prevention and Treatment

Research into STD prevention and treatment is ongoing, with several promising developments on the horizon:

Vaccine Development

• Herpes vaccines: Several candidates are in various stages of clinical trials
• Syphilis vaccine: Early research is underway, though progress is slower than for viral STDs

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Researchers are working on faster, more accurate diagnostic tests for various STDs, including:

• Rapid point-of-care tests for syphilis
• More specific blood tests to distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2

Novel Treatment Approaches

New treatment strategies are being explored, such as:

• Gene editing techniques to target herpes viruses
• Long-acting injectable antivirals for herpes management
• New antibiotic formulations for syphilis treatment

While these advancements are promising, it’s important to remember that the best defense against STDs remains prevention through safe sex practices and regular testing.

In conclusion, while syphilis and herpes share some similarities in their symptoms, they are distinct infections with different causes, progression, and treatments. Understanding these differences, recognizing symptoms, and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary are crucial steps in managing these STDs effectively. Remember, regular testing, open communication with partners, and practicing safe sex are key to maintaining sexual health.

What can be mistaken for Herpes?

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Noticing a sign of Herpes can be worrying, but don’t panic. It is easy to mistake Herpes for something else. Here, we explain the other potential causes for Herpes-like symptoms and how to find out if it is Herpes, or not.

The Herpes Simplex Virus, also known as Herpes, is often misunderstood yet an extremely common infection. The symptoms of Herpes usually form as sores and blisters in the oral and/or genital area, depending on which type of Herpes it is. However, it is not always easy to differentiate the symptoms from other health or skin conditions.

The basics

Firstly, let’s understand the two most common types of
Herpes:

• Oral Herpes (HSV-1). This appears around the
  lips and nose or inside the mouth, commonly known as ‘cold sores’ or ‘fever
  blisters’
• Genital
  Herpes (HSV-2). This appears as sores or blisters in the genital area.

Often, people with Herpes will not show any symptoms. In
fact, only 1 in 3 people will have symptoms, whilst the majority will have
either mild symptoms or none. Therefore, it is highly likely that a person may
not even be aware that they have the virus.

If someone
is infected with Herpes, they can spread the virus to another person through skin
to skin contact, including kissing and sex. HSV-2 can be passed to a partner
through oral sex, if the person performing oral sex is infected with HSV-1.

When the virus is passed from one person to another, this most often occurs when either person has active sores or blisters. So, if you have visible symptoms, you should always refrain from sexual contact. However, Herpes can also be passed when symptoms are not present. Using condoms can help to prevent spreading or catching Herpes, but since condoms do not cover the entire genital area, they are not 100% effective.

What else can resemble Herpes?

Herpes
symptoms can be mistaken for many other things, including:

• A different STI which causes visible lesions, such as Syphilis or genital warts (HPV)
• Irritation caused by shaving
• Ingrown hairs
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Pimples
• Yeast infections
• Haemorrhoids
• Bug bites.

How to be sure whether it is Herpes or not

If you have noticed symptoms that are concerning you, getting
tested is the only way to be sure whether it is Herpes or not. You can choose
to book an appointment at one of our nationwide clinics or test at
home with one of our convenient home test
kits.

If you do have symptoms, a simple swab test can
provide you with the peace of mind you need. Alternatively, why not consider
our Blemish Screen? This swab test will detect Syphilis, Herpes and HPV, so you
can be sure which (if any) is causing your symptoms. This is available as a home test
kit, or you can book in at one of our clinics. Find out
more here.

With our convenient Photo Consultation service, you can send a photo of your lesion(s) to our expert doctor who will review your photograph and recommend the next steps based on your symptoms. If you feel unsure about which test or screen to book, this is the perfect option for you.

If you do not have symptoms but would like to find out
whether you have the Herpes virus, a simple blood test will tell
you this.

Read more about Herpes on our website.

Sources

[1] Health.com

[2] Everyday
Health

Syphilis vs. Herpes: How to Tell The Difference

Medically reviewed on February 15, 2022 by Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

There are over 35 infectious organisms known to cause sexually transmitted diseases. While many STDs are largely preventable or treatable, they remain a huge burden and a significant health issue in the country. On top of medical costs and complications, many STDs can lead to serious, long-term health issues, including reproductive health problems, increased risk of certain cancers, and fetal and/or perinatal problems [1].

Syphilis and herpes are two of the most common STDs in the United States, but they can be easy to mistake or miss. While a herpes or syphilis test can help you know which STD you might have, it’s important to understand the differences between the two infections. Learn more about syphilis and herpes and how you can tell the difference.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread primarily via sexual skin-to-skin contact, though mothers can also pass the infection to a child during birth [2]. It is noted for the appearance of sores, known as chancres, and can be transmitted when skin or mucus membranes make contact with these sores. While early syphilis can be cured, this infection can stay in the body for decades following the initial infection.

So what does syphilis look like? There are four stages to a syphilis infection, often associated with distinct physical signs:

• Primary stage – The first stage of syphilis infection is often characterized by a small, painless sore, known as a chancre, where the infection entered your body.

• Secondary stage – Usually, the secondary stage of syphilis is accompanied by a red or reddish-brown rash, with or without the continued presence of geneital sores. The rash is usually not itchy, but it can be accompanied by the appearance of genital warts and canker sores in the mouth. You may also experience general flu-like symptoms, like fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can go away after a few weeks, but they can repeatedly come and go for up to two years.

• Latent stage – This stage is marked by the absence of noticeable symptoms. However, this doesn’t mean that the infection has gone away.

• Tertiary stage – Without treatment, the sexually transmitted infection will stay in the system and proceed to the final stage of syphilis. Late stages of syphilis can lead to serious health issues, such as organ damage, heart issues, and damage to the brain and nervous system.

Check For Common STDs Today!

What is Herpes?

Herpes is an infection caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) [3]. The infections are differentiated as follows:

• HSV-1 – This strain of the herpes virus is responsible for oral herpes, such as fever blisters or cold sores in or near the mouth. Often, HSV-1 doesn’t present symptoms and is frequently transmitted via non-sexual contact with the saliva of a person with the herpes simplex virus.

• HSV-2 – Commonly known as genital herpes, you can only contract this strain of the herpes virus by direct contact with the genitals of someone infected.

It is possible to transmit HSV-1, oral herpes, to the genital region via oral sex. It’s also important to know that herpes can spread even in the absence of visible sores. Treatment can help minimize or in some cases prevent herpes outbreaks and can help reduce the risk of passing the virus along to sexual partners.

Herpes is extremely common. Estimates suggest that half of Americans have oral herpes, while roughly 1 out of every 6 Americans has genital herpes. Part of this comes from just how easily the virus spreads. While it is an STD, herpes does not require sex for transmission. Simply contacting an open sore is enough to transmit it from person to person. This becomes even easier given that many people don’t know that they have herpes, as sores can easily be mistaken for other skin conditions.

There is also no cure for herpes, meaning that you can have it for life and not know it. Herpes is thankfully not dangerous or life-threatening to the average, healthy individual, but sores can be uncomfortable and painful.

Syphilis vs. Herpes: Telling Them Apart

Symptoms

Syphilis and herpes can often seem similar to the average person. Both are characterized by skin lesions or sores that can appear on the genitals, rectum, or around the mouth. However, these sores are significantly different in how they look and feel.

Key differences between syphilis and herpes include:

• Incubation period – The incubation period refers to the amount of time it takes for an infection to exhibit symptoms after it enters your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), herpes symptoms typically appear within 2–4 days of infection but can take up to 12 days. Syphilis symptoms typically appear 21 days after infection, although it can take as long as three months.

• Sore size, texture, and pain – Although they can appear similar, they differ in size, texture, and pain severity. According to the CDC, herpes sores are small with a diameter of about 1–3 millimeters. They may appear as blisters and can be quite painful. Syphilis sores can be up to three centimeters in size, are painless, and feel hard to the touch.

• Amount of sores – Typically, syphilis will present as a single sore. Herpes, on the other hand, can present as a group of small sores or blisters, according to the CDC.

• Time to heal – Herpes sores typically clear up in a couple of weeks, although they can take as long as one month. Syphilis sores can take longer, up to eight weeks in some cases. After healing, syphilis sores may leave scarring on the skin.

You can also look at other symptoms to tell these two infections apart. Both can potentially cause flu-like symptoms. This occurs with secondary syphilis and with forms of genital herpes caused by HSV-2. However, genital herpes outbreaks can also come with other pain and discomfort around the genitals, including:

• Burning while peeing
• Trouble peeing when sores and swelling block the urethra
• Itching
• General pain and discomfort around the genitals

Syphilis usually does not cause these uncomfortable symptoms in the genitals. On the other hand, secondary syphilis can cause a rash that spreads throughout the entire body, which is not what herpes does.

Complications

It’s also important to understand the potential complications involved. As mentioned, herpes can be deeply uncomfortable and painful with each outbreak, and it can have some serious effects on relationships. However, it is mostly harmless and doesn’t present any real danger to most healthy adults. Symptoms can potentially be more painful and last longer in those with suppressed immunities, like those with HIV or leukemia, and herpes infection can also be potentially dangerous to newborn babies.

Syphilis presents some serious dangers for not only sexual health, but also overall well-being. Left untreated, a syphilis infection can progress to the point where it causes severe damage to the nervous system, bones, joints, blood vessels, and major organs. It can damage the eyes and contribute to vision loss. Serious cases of syphilis can be deadly.

Treatment

Syphilis is easy to treat in its early stages with a round of antibiotics, allowing you to cure the infection completely. Even in its later stages, antibiotics can cure the infection and prevent continued damage to the body (though they can’t reverse or heal existing damage).

Currently, herpes cannot be cured, but medication can reduce the severity and length of outbreaks or even prevent outbreaks from happening at all. This is known as suppressive therapy, and it can be highly effective in even preventing the spread of herpes to your sexual partners [4].

Preventing Syphilis and Herpes

While syphilis and herpes are completely different STIs, they do share one significant thing: they are both easy to miss. Both STDs can present a few noticeable symptoms or symptoms that are easy to mistake for other skin conditions. This is partly why they spread so easily among sexual partners. A good way to prevent the spread of both STDs is to practice safe sex. Use condoms and other protective devices every time you have sex.

Buy At-home STD Testing

Along with safe sex, make sure you get tested for STDs. Testing allows you to catch infections before they become severe and allows for proactive management of personal health. If you don’t have access to a clinic or simply want to take a test in the comfort of your own home, Everlywell offers convenient STD tests: the at-home STD Test – Female and STD Test – Male. These tests offer accurate results for seven common STDs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. If your tests come back positive, we can connect you with a healthcare provider to determine the next steps for better health.

Related content

Stages of syphilis

Symptoms of syphilis in women

Signs of syphilis in men

Is monkeypox an STD?

References

1. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. URL. Accessed February 15, 2022.

2. Syphilis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. URL. Accessed February 15, 2022.

3. Genital herpes – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. URL. Accessed February 15, 2022.

4. Herpes – STI Treatment Guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Accessed February 15, 2022.

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Herpes zoster – causes, symptoms, treatment in adults

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Effective treatment of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgic pain in Hadassah Medical Clinic. All analyzes and consultations in one place for the convenience of patients. The selection of an individual treatment plan and a multidisciplinary approach make it possible to successfully cure the infection even in immunocompromised patients.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that affects the skin and nervous system. It is caused by the causative agent Varicella zoster (VZV) – type 3 herpesvirus. The disease is manifested by blisters along the nerves and burning pains that bother a person for several months. Herpes zoster is dangerous not only with subjective symptoms, but also with complications from the brain and sensory organs.

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Daria Grigoryevna

Allergist-immunologist, Ph.D.

Work experience: 14 years

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Benefits of treatment at the Hadassah clinic

Rapid diagnosis

Analyzes are performed in our own laboratory, which is equipped with modern equipment and test systems for all types of research.

Multidisciplinary approach

Herpes zoster will be treated by neurologists, infectious disease specialists, immunologists and other specialists, if the patient’s health condition so requires.

Personalized therapy program

Our doctors follow the principle of “treat the patient, not the disease”, so they are attentive to each situation and take into account the characteristics of a particular person when choosing a therapeutic program.

Evidence-based medicine

In our work, we use only generally recognized clinical protocols, international recommendations, and the results of randomized trials.

Original drugs

The clinic cooperates with leading pharmaceutical companies, which allows you to purchase certified and high-quality medicines.

Rehabilitation

We pay great attention to the restoration of a full life of the patient, the elimination of residual pain and other symptoms that interfere with normal activities.

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Symptoms of herpes Zoster

Up to 80% of cases of the disease begin with a prodromal period. Patients experience moderate pain, itching and tingling in the area of ​​one dermatome – where a rash appears after 3-4 days. It is also characterized by fever, malaise, headaches.

Eruptions have characteristic features:

• initially pink spots 3-5 cm in diameter with indistinct edges appear;
• a day later, small blisters form in their place, similar to a rash with chickenpox;
• vesicles are usually located on the chest or abdomen, which corresponds to the course of one of the sensory nerves;
• the appearance of signs of herpes on the back, neck, limbs is typical for a generalized form of the disease and is mainly associated with immunodeficiencies;
• rashes gradually shrink into crusts that fall off after a few weeks, leaving behind unstable pigmentation on the skin.

The acute period is always accompanied by intense burning pains in the area of ​​the affected nerve. Pain is aggravated by touch. They can be permanent or paroxysmal in nature, some patients describe the symptoms as “electric shock”.

You can see a photo of what shingles looks like, but do not use the information as a way for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. This is a dangerous disease that should be treated under the supervision of an infectious disease specialist and a neurologist.

Causes of occurrence

Most people come into contact with the pathogen in childhood, when they fall ill with classic chicken pox or endure it in an erased form. After the initial infection, the virus does not disappear from the body anywhere. It remains in the nerve ganglia and can remain there in a latent state for decades. Under adverse conditions, it again manifests itself, causing shingles.

VZV reactivation occurs when the body’s immune defenses decrease due to the following factors:

• hypothermia or overheating;
• chronic stress;
• excess ultraviolet exposure;
• unbalanced diet, beriberi;
• acute respiratory diseases;
• injuries, surgical operations;
• acute and chronic diseases of internal organs;
• secondary immunodeficiency states;
• receiving immunosuppressive, antibacterial therapy.

One of the most important predisposing factors is called HIV infection. When the level of CD4-lymphocytes falls below 500 cells per μl, the body’s resistance to latent infection is sharply reduced, and symptoms of herpes zoster appear.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of herpes zoster is usually based on pathognomonic lesions and pain. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause nearly identical lesions, but unlike herpes zoster, HSV tends to recur and is not dermatomal (associated with a specific nerve). Before treating herpes zoster, the doctor must be completely sure of the diagnosis, so clarifying examinations are prescribed:

PCR test

to identify the genetic material of the pathogen;

ELISA

to detect antibodies to herpesvirus;

Clinical blood test

in which the specialist is interested in the level of leukocytes and the ratio of different fractions of white blood cells;

Microscopy of impression smears from affected areas of the skin

to detect multinucleated giant cells.

It is important to clarify what led to the manifestation of the disease. If there are no obvious causes, it is worth looking for a disease that initially does not cause independent symptoms, but reduces immunity (cancer or infection with the human immunodeficiency virus). Exclusion of HIV infection is necessary in all patients under 50 years of age.

Methods of treatment of herpes zoster in the Hadassah clinic

Therapy is carried out in two directions: etiotropic drugs to fight a viral infection and painkillers to alleviate a person’s condition. The best clinical results can be achieved with the start of pharmacotherapy in the first 72 hours from the appearance of rashes. The main drugs for the treatment of herpes zoster in adults are representatives of the acyclovir group, which are used according to an individual scheme.

All patients are prescribed analgesics in tablets and injections; local anesthetics are also used for post-herpetic pain. With intense pain syndrome, the treatment of herpes Zoster is supplemented with centrally acting medicines: antidepressants, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants. According to indications, methods of physiotherapy are used.

Blisters on the skin contain a large number of viral particles that pose an epidemiological hazard to others. Herpes zoster itself is not transmitted because it is associated with the reactivation of an existing infection, but the patient can become a source of chickenpox for children and previously healthy adults. Since a person with skin manifestations of shingles is contagious to others, it is recommended to limit close contact with family members and others who have not yet encountered chickenpox.

Why the disease is dangerous

One of the main problems is postherpetic neuralgia, which can occur even with properly selected drugs for the treatment of herpes zoster in adults. The frequency of complications increases in direct proportion to age – more than 50% of patients over 60 suffer from this disease. Pain phenomena at the site of the rash persist for several months, in 10-15% of cases the symptoms last for six months.

Other negative effects of the infection are much less common, but are a serious health hazard. These include:

• transverse myelitis – inflammation of the segments of the spinal cord located close to the affected dermatome;
• meningitis, encephalitis – inflammation of the membranes and substance of the brain;
• ophthalmic herpes – damage to the eyeball, which is fraught with decreased vision and the development of glaucoma;
• pyoderma – suppuration of rash areas due to the addition of a secondary bacterial infection.

Such manifestations are more common in elderly patients, people with a weakened immune system, patients who have recently undergone serious illness or surgery.

To reduce the risk of dangerous complications from the nervous system, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner, who knows how to treat herpes zoster according to modern protocols from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine.

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Disease prevention

In people who have recovered from chickenpox, preventive measures are aimed at preventing VZV reactivation in regional nerve structures. For this purpose, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system and health-improving procedures, which include:

• balanced and fortified nutrition;
• prolonged sleep;
• avoidance of mental and physical overwork;
• timely treatment of somatic diseases, metabolic disorders;
• practicing safe sex to prevent HIV infection.

The only way to specifically protect against the Varicella Zoster virus is timely vaccination before the person has come into contact with the virus. Children are usually vaccinated to protect them from infection. However, immunization according to strict indications is also carried out for the elderly and debilitated people who are at high risk of developing symptoms of herpes zoster. Vaccination helps build immunity against infection and prevent it from reactivating.

For effective and evidence-based treatment of herpes zoster in adults, contact the Hadassah clinic in Moscow. Our doctors will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and select a personal treatment plan. Specialists also treat postherpetic neuralgia and other complications, helping the patient return to a full life after illness.

#ZhukovaDYu

Zhukova
Daria Grigorievna

Allergist-immunologist, PhD

Work experience: 14 years

Published: 07/09/2023

The information provided on the site is for reference only and cannot serve as a basis for making a diagnosis or prescribing treatment. Internal consultation of the expert is necessary.

SOURCES

• Herpes zoster. Clinical recommendations of the All-Russian public organization “Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists”. – 2020.
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• Ignatovsky AV Herpes zoster – modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment //Doctor/Vrach. – 2022. – T. 33. – No. 10.
• Avdeeva M.G., Alikeeva G.K., Antonova M.V. etc. Infectious diseases. National leadership. Ed. N.D. Yushchuk, Yu.Ya. Vengerov. M.; GOETAR; 2018.
• Polyakova D.M., Nikiforov V.V., Shakhmardanov M.Z. Immunity and vaccination in adults with infection caused by the Varicella zoster virus. Epidemiology and infectious diseases. 2019; 24(2): 84-7.
• Dooling K.L., Guo A., Patel M., Lee G.M., et al. Recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices for use of herpes zoster vaccines // Centers for disease control and prevention.