How can you differentiate herpes from other skin conditions. What are the key symptoms of herpes to look out for. When should you seek medical attention for suspected herpes symptoms. How is herpes diagnosed and treated effectively.

Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus: Types and Transmission

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a widespread infection that affects millions of people worldwide. There are two main types of HSV:

• HSV-1: Typically associated with oral herpes, causing cold sores around the mouth and nose
• HSV-2: Usually causes genital herpes, with sores in the genital area

Interestingly, both types can affect either area through skin-to-skin contact, including kissing and sexual activity. HSV is highly contagious, even when no visible symptoms are present. This characteristic contributes to its prevalence and makes prevention challenging.

How is herpes transmitted?

Herpes spreads through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. This can occur during:

• Kissing
• Oral sex
• Vaginal or anal intercourse
• Sharing items that come into contact with the affected area (e.g., razors, towels)

It’s crucial to note that herpes can be transmitted even when no visible symptoms are present, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic shedding. This makes consistent prevention measures essential for those diagnosed with HSV.

Recognizing Herpes Symptoms: Key Indicators and Variations

Herpes symptoms can vary widely between individuals, ranging from barely noticeable to severely uncomfortable. Common signs include:

• Clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters
• Painful, itchy sores
• Fever and body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

However, it’s important to understand that many people with herpes may never experience noticeable symptoms. In fact, studies suggest that up to 80% of those infected with HSV-2 are unaware of their status due to mild or absent symptoms.

Are herpes outbreaks always the same?

Herpes outbreaks can vary in frequency and severity. Initial outbreaks are often the most intense, with subsequent episodes typically becoming milder and less frequent over time. Factors influencing outbreak patterns include:

• Stress levels
• Immune system health
• Diet and lifestyle choices
• Hormonal changes

Understanding these patterns can help individuals manage their condition more effectively and anticipate potential outbreaks.

8 Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Herpes

While herpes has distinct characteristics, several other conditions can present similar symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Here are eight common conditions that may be confused with herpes:

1. Syphilis

Syphilis, another sexually transmitted infection, can cause genital sores that resemble herpes lesions. However, syphilis sores (chancres) are typically painless and singular, unlike the painful clusters associated with herpes.

2. Genital Warts (HPV)

Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts appear as small, flesh-colored bumps in the genital area. Unlike herpes blisters, these warts are usually painless and do not burst or crust over.

3. Ingrown Hairs

Particularly common in areas where hair is frequently removed, ingrown hairs can cause red, painful bumps that may be mistaken for herpes lesions. These bumps are usually isolated and often have a visible hair at the center.

4. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

While BV doesn’t cause sores, it can lead to itching and discomfort in the genital area, which some might initially attribute to herpes. BV is characterized by a distinct fishy odor and grayish discharge.

5. Yeast Infections

Yeast infections can cause intense itching and redness in the genital area, sometimes accompanied by a thick, white discharge. These symptoms may be confused with the early stages of a herpes outbreak.

6. Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the anal area can cause pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding. While the discomfort might be similar to genital herpes, hemorrhoids do not present with blisters or open sores.

7. Contact Dermatitis

Allergic reactions or irritation from soaps, detergents, or latex can cause redness, itching, and sometimes small blisters in the genital area. Unlike herpes, these symptoms typically resolve when the irritant is removed.

8. Molluscum Contagiosum

This viral skin infection causes small, flesh-colored bumps that can appear in the genital area. While contagious, molluscum contagiosum is not an STI and the bumps are typically painless, unlike herpes lesions.

Diagnostic Approaches: Determining If It’s Herpes

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment and management of herpes or any other condition. Several diagnostic methods are available:

Visual Examination

A healthcare provider may be able to diagnose herpes based on the appearance of the sores. However, this method is not always reliable, especially if the symptoms are atypical or mild.

Viral Culture

This involves taking a sample from an active sore and testing it for the presence of the herpes virus. While highly accurate when positive, viral cultures can produce false negatives if the sore is healing or not actively shedding virus.

PCR Test

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests detect the genetic material of the herpes virus in a sample. This method is highly sensitive and can detect the virus even when symptoms are not present.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can detect antibodies to the herpes virus, indicating a past or current infection. However, these tests cannot determine the location of the infection (oral or genital) and may not be positive in very recent infections.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Herpes Transmission Risk

While herpes is not curable, several strategies can help prevent transmission:

• Abstain from sexual contact during active outbreaks
• Use condoms and dental dams consistently
• Consider suppressive antiviral therapy to reduce viral shedding
• Communicate openly with sexual partners about HSV status
• Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with affected areas

It’s important to note that while these measures can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, they cannot eliminate it entirely due to the possibility of asymptomatic viral shedding.

Treatment Options: Managing Herpes Symptoms and Outbreaks

While there is no cure for herpes, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks:

Antiviral Medications

Prescription antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can help shorten outbreaks and reduce their severity. These medications can be taken in two ways:

• Episodic therapy: Taking medication at the first sign of an outbreak to reduce its duration
• Suppressive therapy: Daily medication to reduce the frequency of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission

Topical Treatments

Over-the-counter creams and ointments can help soothe discomfort and promote healing of herpes sores. These may include:

• Docosanol (Abreva)
• Benzyl alcohol
• Lidocaine

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage herpes symptoms and reduce outbreak frequency:

• Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in lysine
• Getting adequate sleep
• Avoiding known triggers (e.g., excessive sun exposure, certain foods)

Living with Herpes: Emotional and Social Considerations

A herpes diagnosis can have significant emotional and social impacts. Understanding these aspects is crucial for overall well-being:

Dealing with Stigma

Despite its prevalence, herpes often carries a social stigma. Education and open communication can help combat misconceptions and reduce the psychological burden on those affected.

Disclosure to Partners

Deciding when and how to disclose a herpes diagnosis to sexual partners can be challenging. Open, honest communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships and preventing transmission.

Support Groups

Joining support groups or online communities can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice for living with herpes. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences and coping strategies.

Mental Health Considerations

Some individuals may experience anxiety or depression following a herpes diagnosis. Seeking professional mental health support can be beneficial in these cases.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Red Flags and Complications

While herpes is generally manageable, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe or prolonged outbreaks lasting more than two weeks
• Symptoms accompanied by high fever or severe pain
• Difficulty urinating due to genital sores
• Eye involvement (herpes keratitis)
• Symptoms during pregnancy, which can pose risks to the baby

Prompt medical care in these situations can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, while herpes can be a challenging condition to live with, proper understanding, diagnosis, and management can significantly improve quality of life. By staying informed about the virus, its symptoms, and potential look-alikes, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and seek appropriate care when needed. Remember, many conditions can mimic herpes symptoms, so professional medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What can be mistaken for Herpes?

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

Is It Herpes or Something Else?

Herpes is a common, incurable sexually transmitted disease. It’s so common in the United States that more than 1 out of every 6 people ages 14 to 49 has genital herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because herpes is somewhat easier to pass from men to women than from women to men, more American women than men have it, the CDC notes.

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus: herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2). Both viruses are transmitted by close contact with a person who has the virus. HSV-1 is usually associated with cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 most often affects the genital area.

However, research has shown about one-half of all new cases of genital herpes in developed countries are caused by HSV-1, not HSV-2. This is because a person who has oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread it to their partner’s genitals during oral sex. You can also get genital herpes by having vaginal or anal sex with someone who has the virus.

A first genital herpes outbreak may cause multiple blisters that break and leave painful sores that take a week or more to heal. After your first outbreak, you may have more outbreaks, especially if you are infected with HSV-2. But the repeated outbreaks tend to be shorter and less severe each time you have one.

That being said, Planned Parenthood notes that many people who are infected with HSV have no symptoms, or their symptoms are very mild, so they often don’t know they have the virus. They may also mistake their symptoms for those of another STD or skin condition, such as a pimple or ingrown hair in their genital region.

On the plus side, this underscores how mild the symptoms of herpes can be. On the minus side, it helps explain how and why the infection is so widespread: If you don’t know you have it, you are unlikely to take steps to avoid spreading it. And herpes can be transmitted from one person to another even when there are no symptoms. Also, having herpes raises the risk of getting HIV.

Once you have herpes, you’ll always have it. There’s no cure for herpes. But there are medicines that can prevent or shorten outbreaks, as well as make it less likely you will pass it on to intimate partners. Still, if you have herpes, whether or not you take medication, you should tell anyone you have sex with so they know the risks. Your risk of spreading the virus is higher when sores or other symptoms are present, but it can be spread at any time. Also, while using condoms may help lower the risk of spreading herpes, it will not guarantee your partner will not get it.

Do you know how to recognize herpes?

What Are Cold Sores? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A number of treatments are helpful for cold sore outbreaks.

Medication Options

Because cold sores are caused by a virus, the first line of defense is the over-the-counter antiviral Abreva (docosanol) to help your body fight the virus and reduce the duration of an outbreak. (3) This medication is most effective when taken at the first sign of tingling and itching. (6)

Additionally, use an over-the-counter oral pain reliever, such as lidocaine, benzocaine (Orajel), dibucaine, or benzyl alcohol, to relieve cold sore pain and inflammation. (3) Apply ointments and creams directly to the cold sore as directed. Other pain relief options include a cool compress, or take ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol). (2,3)

If a cold sore doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatment, ask your doctor about a prescription antiviral to shorten the duration of an outbreak. If you have frequent outbreaks, you may need an antiviral daily to suppress the virus and control symptoms. (8) You can also ask about the topical therapy Denavir (penciclovir), which can be used to shorten the duration of a cold sore outbreak, according to Medline Plus. (9) To use, you typically apply it every two hours while awake, for four days.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Other tips to reduce an outbreak include getting plenty of rest, managing stress, and wearing sunscreen to protect against strong sun exposure. (7)

Alternative therapies may also relieve a cold sore, though more research is needed. According to a past study, researchers found that a combination of rhubarb and sage had the same healing effect as acyclovir, a topical antiviral commonly used to treat herpes infections. (10)

Additionally, research published in 2018 in Integrative Medicine found that 3 percent propolis ointment applied to areas affected by HSV-1 reduced symptoms of infection by three to four days. Propolis is a compound produced by bees. Participants applied the ointment four to five times a day for 10 days. (11)

Learn More About Treatment for Cold Sores: Medication, Complementary Therapies, and More

Prevention of Cold Sores

Cold sores are highly contagious, but you can protect yourself. Since the virus can spread through close personal contact, it’s important that you don’t share personal items with anyone — especially during an outbreak, notes the Cleveland Clinic. (12)

Personal items include clothes, makeup, razors, and towels. You should also avoid sharing food and drinks with others.

Keep in mind, too, cold sores can spread to other parts of the body. So if you have an outbreak, avoid touching your cold sore with your hands. After applying creams or ointments over a cold sore, wash your hands immediately with warm soap and water. (1)

If you’re prone to cold sores in the summer, sunlight might be a trigger. Wear a moisturizing lip balm with SPF protection to help prevent an outbreak. (7)

STDs: What Are They and How Do You Get Them?

Where Can I Get Tested for STDs?

Your family doctor or ob-gyn should be able to do STD testing. In some areas, other options include specialized STD or sexual health clinics.

You can find locations in your area that offer fast, free, and confidential testing using the CDC’s Get Tested tool.

How Can I Protect Myself From Getting an STD?

Abstaining from all sexual contact is the only way to reduce your risk of STDs to zero. But the following measures can also help:

• Having only one sexual partner, and ensuring that person is monogamous too, lowers your risk of STDs.
• Proper use of a condom every time you have sex greatly reduces the risk of all STDs.
• Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B is the best way to avoid this viral infection. The hepatitis B vaccine can be given to people of any age.
• Getting the HPV vaccine protects you against strains of the virus that cause genital warts and cervical and other cancers. The HPV vaccine is routinely available to people ages 9 through 26. It is additionally approved for adults ages 27 through 45 but not routinely recommended. Adults age 27 or older who believe they would benefit from HPV vaccination should discuss it with their doctors.

What Are the Treatment Options for Common STDs?

Some STDs are curable with medical treatment, while others can be managed to control symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.

These STDs can be cured with antibiotics:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

STDs that can be cured with insecticides include the following:

Minor surgical procedures such as cryosurgery (freezing) or laser surgery can treat certain STDs:

STDs that can be managed with antiviral medication include these infections:

• Chronic hepatitis B
• Genital herpes
• HIV

When precancerous cells caused by HPV are found on the cervix, treatment may include watchful waiting or surgery to remove the abnormal tissue.

Does Having One STD Make You More Likely to Get Another?

“Having one STD does not predispose you to others, aside from the behavioral risks shared by all STDs,” says H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, a professor emeritus of medicine at the University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD in Seattle, who also served on the board of the American Sexual Health Association.

“However,” says Dr. Handsfield, “having genital herpes due to HSV-2 — but not HSV-1 — roughly doubles the risk of HIV if sexually exposed to the virus.”

What Happens If STDs Are Left Untreated?

“The longer something goes untreated, the more likely it is to cause complications,” Hook says. “Left untreated, infections from gonorrhea and chlamydia can travel from a woman’s cervix to her uterus and fallopian tubes, which may cause infertility.”

Untreated syphilis “can become neurosyphilis, causing neurological disease,” says Suzanne Fenske, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Late-stage complications of syphilis also include aortic aneurysm and other cardiovascular problems.

Untreated HIV can impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and diseases, leading to so-called opportunistic infections, neurological complications, and sometimes cancer.

Untreated chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.

Failing to treat STDs can have risks for future generations as well. Women who have herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis can transmit the infection to their baby at birth, which is why testing for STDs — and following safer sex recommendations — during pregnancy is so important.

HIV can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, but the risk of transmission can be reduced if the mother takes antiretroviral drugs throughout her pregnancy and the baby receives HIV medicines for several weeks after birth.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 Can Cause Genital Herpes

The CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people who have no symptoms. They point out that diagnosing genital herpes in someone lacking any symptoms does not lead to them making changes in their sexual choices. They are no more likely to use condoms or to refrain from having sex than if they hadn’t been tested.

Also, false-positive test results can happen. A false positive is a test result saying you have herpes when actually you do not.

Even if you have no symptoms of herpes or of any other sexually transmitted disease, though, you should talk frankly with your doctor or another healthcare provider about your sexual activities to see if you should be screened for STDs, including herpes.

There are some situations where herpes blood tests can be useful, says the CDC:

• If you have genital symptoms that could be related to herpes
• If you now have, or have had, a sex partner with genital herpes
• If you want a complete STD exam, especially if you have multiple sex partners

Testing Options for HSV

Your doctor can order one of two kinds of HSV tests:

1. A test of some material taken from a lesion and then grown in a culture
2. A DNA test

“The DNA test is generally more accurate. It picks up more infections than a culture,” says Handsfield.

DNA tests have become the more common HSV test in the United States, he adds, and suggests that you ask your doctor to order one if you’re being tested for herpes.

“If a test is done, also ask your doctor to request a determination of the virus type,” he says, to see if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2.

“The natural course of the disease and the need for treatment for HSV-1 and HSV-2 are different,” Handsfield says. With HSV-1, recurrent outbreaks are much less likely, and if they do occur are likely to be much more widely spaced.

“Forty percent of people with HSV-1 have no recurrent outbreaks in the year or two after infection, and often none after that,” says Handsfield.

In contrast, an infection with HSV-2 that produces symptoms often leads to outbreaks about four to five times each year. Also a person with HSV-2 is more contagious during symptom-free periods. “So transmission via sex is far more likely with HSV-2 than with HSV-1,” he says. (2)

“If you have HSV-2, you are more likely to benefit from ongoing antiviral therapy,” says Handsfield, considering how frequent outbreaks can be with that form of the virus.

Remember, though, while a herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection, the test cannot tell you who gave you the infection.

Ingrown Hairs | Everyday Health

Hair normally grows out of a pore called a follicle. An ingrown hair occurs when the tip of the hair is caught in the follicle, but the hair continues to grow. This can cause inflammation, pain, irritation, and in some cases, infection.

Ingrown hairs are commonly linked to “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps” — a type of skin irritation that occurs after shaving. People of African descent have an increased risk for ingrown hairs, according to a review published in the August 2014 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. But anyone can develop an ingrown hair almost anywhere on the body. Chins, legs, armpits, and bikini lines are all places where ingrown hairs frequently occur in women and men. Aside from shaving, tweezing, plucking, and waxing also can cause ingrown hairs, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA).

Researchers are still looking for the most effective ways to manage ingrown hairs, particularly in people who might have a genetic predisposition to develop them, according to a review published in June 2016 in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Meanwhile, there are certain strategies you can try to help with ingrown hairs.

How to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Getting proper treatment for ingrown hairs is the best way to relieve associated pain and aggravation, since most ingrown hairs will not go away on their own. It’s important to visit your family doctor or dermatologist to have the ingrown hair removed. Your doctor can release the hair from under the skin with a needle. Some aestheticians, or beauty experts trained in services including facials and waxing, can also release ingrown hairs. If the ingrown hair becomes infected, you may need an antibiotic cream or a prescription antibiotic — and you can also find relief from over-the-counter steroid creams, according to the CDA.

Prescription remedies for ingrown hairs include glycolic acid creams and cortisone creams, but laser hair removal is the best choice for treating and preventing ingrown hairs, says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center.

Laser hair removal helps reduce the number of hairs that can become ingrown. Laser hair removal does not permanently remove hair, but it can provide relief for months and, for some people, years.

Shaving Tips to Reduce Ingrown Hairs

One of the best ways to avoid ingrown hairs is to let your hairs grow. However, not all men want to grow out a beard, and many women prefer to remove hair from their legs and underarms.

Since shaving is linked to the development of ingrown hairs, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd advises, “If you have to shave, look for razors [such as electric razors] that are designed to prevent bumps.” These are easier on the skin and don’t cut hair as close as a regular razor. It also helps to:

• Shave after a warm shower so it’s easier to remove hair from the follicles.
• Use a lubricating shaving gel or prescription shaving foam.
• Shave downward, in the direction of hair growth.
• Avoid shaving the same area repeatedly.
• Avoid tugging or pulling when you shave.
• Shave less often.

Instead of shaving, you may also want to try depilatories, or creams that remove hair. Just make sure to test the product on a small patch of skin first to find out if you are sensitive to any of the chemicals used.

If you still find yourself struggling with ingrown hairs, review your hair removal strategy with your family doctor, dermatologist, and/or your aesthetician to see what other steps you should try.

How to tell genital herpes apart from other skin conditions.

What to expect on this page

We summarize in this article how to recognize genital herpes and why it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re worried you may have it.

The most common symptom of herpes is skin lesions. These lesions can be confused with similar-looking lesions caused by a number of other conditions.

Using photographs to help you see what we’re saying, we describe herpes lesions and compare and contrast them with the lesions caused by these diseases:

• Syphilis
• Chancroid
• Lymphogranuloma venereum
• Human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Ingrown hair and pseudofolliculitis
• Folliculitis
• Jock itch
• Genital eczema
• Epstein–Barr virus
• Other rarer conditions

Oops … Is that Herpes?

How to recognize genital herpes

Overview

Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is so common that many people, when they find any skin lesion around the genital areas, are likely to think that it is herpes. They are not entirely wrong to think that way. Genital herpes is the main cause of genital ulcers worldwide.¹ And the condition is usually associated with a stigma that can itself cause anxiety and even depression² and might influence the affected person’s decision to disclose the infection to others or seek care.³

A genital sore is not great news regardless of what is causing it. However, many other conditions causing genital sores have a prognosis different from that of herpes. Some can be worse, but others, unlike herpes,⁴ can be completely cured. That’s why we’re beginning this article with an explanation of how to recognize genital herpes and differentiate it from other genital skin lesions.

A sleeping virus

The herpes virus is known for staying “asleep” in the body for a long time without showing symptoms. This feature is called latency: once the virus infects a person, after an initial phase that does not necessarily manifest with symptoms, it remains hidden in the body for many years, reactivating every now and then.⁴ Its reactivation is usually triggered by weakness of the immune system, such as in times of sustained stress, accumulated fatigue, heavy physical activity, or fever, but may not have any apparent cause.^5,6

….genital herpes skin lesion suddenly appears as multiple vesicles

The reactivation of the virus rarely manifests with symptoms, so most people who have herpes don’t know it and most genital herpes transmission occurs in the absence of a visible skin lesion.

Herpes skin lesions

The most characteristic and most common symptom of genital herpes is skin lesions. They typically appear during periods when the virus is active, which corresponds to when the virus becomes highly infective through sex. When a person acquires herpes for the first time through sexual contact, after about two to four days of incubation, a genital herpes skin lesion suddenly appears as multiple vesicles (small sacs with a thin membrane and liquid inside) piled together and sitting on an inflamed base. These vesicles are commonly called herpes sores. They are a bit whiter or browner than the rest of the skin and are often delimited by a reddish ring from the inflammation. They resemble blisters and can progress into an ulcer, which is usually more painful. An ulcer is a break in the skin that usually takes time to heal. Lesions start to heal around 12 days after the sexual contact.⁸ The sites most frequently involved are, for women, the vagina, vulva, buttocks, anus, and thighs, and for men, the penis, scrotum, anus, buttocks, and thighs. Herpes skin lesions are expected to be fully healed after about 19 days.⁹

Figure 1. Genital herpes in the vesicles phase on the upper image,¹⁰ and in
the ulcer phase on the bottom image.¹¹

General symptoms

The initial herpes infection is sometimes associated with general symptoms of fever, headache, malaise, and muscular aches. In addition, there is often a tender local lymphadenopathy (enlargement of lymph nodes) that manifests as a painful lump in the groin area. When the virus reactivates in an already infected person, these symptoms are milder or absent and the skin lesion, if it manifests, heals more quickly. However, the reactivation is often accompanied by prodromal symptoms (feelings that are experienced before the main symptoms), such as pain, tingling, and burning preceding the appearance of the skin lesion.⁵

It is not always Herpes

It is a sore but not a herpes

While genital ulceration is often associated with herpes, it can be the result of several other conditions, including but not limited to, other sexually transmitted diseases, inflammatory conditions, skin irritation, and allergic skin lesions. In addition to herpes, the main sexually transmitted diseases that present with a genital ulcer are primary syphilis and chancroid. In the United States, syphilis infection is more common than chancroid.

Syphilis

The skin lesion of primary syphilis usually develops about three weeks (up to 90 days) after contracting the disease through sexual contact. Initially, it appears as a dark red mark or spot, and it rapidly becomes ulcerated.

Unlike the genital herpes skin lesion, which presents with multiple vesicles, primary syphilis’s skin lesion is usually solitary. However, when grouped herpes vesicles progress, they might take look like a solitary ulcer and can resemble an ulcerated primary syphilis. However, a herpes ulcer is usually painful, while a primary syphilis skin lesion is typically painless. The lymphadenopathy of syphilis is also painless, unlike the lymphadenopathy associated with genital herpes, which is often painful. ¹²

Figure 2. Primary syphilis skin lesions that could be mistaken for genital herpes Joseph
Engelman, MD; San Francisco Department of Health.¹³

Chancroid

Chancroid is less common in the United States. It is prevalent in Africa and Asia. Its skin lesion appears about five days after sexual contact as a painful and inflamed spot that turns into an ulceration in several days.

Sometimes the skin lesion is solitary, but often more ulcers are present. A chancroid ulcer is usually deeper and bleeds easily when touched. It sometimes releases a purulent (infected) liquid. After some days, a painful local lymphadenopathy presents.¹⁴

Chancroid particularly resembles genital herpes when the latter is in its ulcerated form.

	Similarity	Difference
Herpes vs. chancroid	Both very prevalent in the United States. Both can present with multiple vesicles and become ulcerated.	Herpes starts as vesicles before it ulcerates. Its ulceration is superficial and sometimes appears as an elevation with a hole in the middle. Chancroid starts as an inflamed patch before it ulcerates. Its ulceration is deep and bleeds easily, and it can release a purulent liquid.

Figure 3. Chancroid of the penis accompanied with its lymphadenopathy. Source: CDC/Dr.
Pirozzi.¹⁵

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Another sexually transmitted disease that presents with a genital ulcer resembling herpes is lymphogranuloma venereum, which is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease is more common in tropical countries, but in the United States it tends to be particularly prevalent in men who have sex with men.

A genital skin lesion usually develops three days to three weeks after the sexual contact as a small vesicle that can ulcerate on its top and that heals after a few weeks. It is usually soft and painless.

The most characteristic sign of this disease is perhaps the painful lymphadenopathy that can progress to fistulas (a fistula is an abnormal canal that usually gets created by pus making its way out of where it formed).

	Similarity	Difference
Herpes vs. Lymphogranuloma Venereum	Both can present with an ulceration. In the United States, both are most prevalent in men who have sex with men.	Herpes starts as vesicles that can be painful. It is possible to have a painful lymphadenopathy in herpes, but it is unlikely to progress to fistulas, and the main symptom is the skin lesion. Lymphogranuloma venereum starts as a button that may go unnoticed. The skin lesion is painless. Painful lymphadenopathy is the main symptom and can progress to fistulas.

Figure 4. Lymphogranuloma Venereum’s lymphadenopathy¹⁶

Non-sexually transmissible diseases

Some other medical conditions that are not necessarily sexually transmitted can present with a skin lesion that patients sometimes confuse with a genital herpes. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in rare cases manifests with a painful genital ulceration that resembles common herpes. However, other manifestations would be more prominent in EBV infection, resembling the symptomatology of infectious mononucleosis with high fever and a swollen liver or spleen.¹⁷ Other rare conditions that can present with a herpes-like genital ulceration include Behcet disease, genital tuberculosis, amebiasis, and chancriform pyoderma.¹⁸

These conditions and the previously mentioned ones are challenging to diagnose even for doctors. Inspection of the skin lesions and history alone are usually not sufficient to accurately identify a genital ulcer. Laboratory
testing is often necessary to confirm a diagnosis.⁷

When it is clearly not genital Herpes

The following are some conditions that cause skin imperfections around the genital area. They do not necessarily look like genital herpes or pose a diagnostic problem. However, they are common conditions and many patients ask if their skin lesions are related to herpes.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can manifest with warts in different parts of the genital area. HPV warts typically are cauliflower shaped. However, there are about 100 types of HPV, and flat, spiky, and dome-shaped forms are also commonly seen. HPV warts are usually firm and, unlike herpes, very unlikely to ulcerate.¹⁹

Figure 5. Genital HPV warts

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a highly infectious condition caused by a virus and commonly seen in HIV patients. It usually presents with a growth sort of skin lesion. The skin lesions, known as mollusca, can appear anywhere on the body. They are small and raised and usually have a characteristic pit in the center. They may become itchy or painful, but they are smooth and firm and do not look like an ulcer.²⁰

	Similarity	Difference
Herpes vs. Molluscum contagiosum	Small buttons that can be found grouped. The dimpled aspect of mollusca can look like ulcerated herpes.	Herpes lesions are fragile vesicles that ulcerate. They typically around the mouth and in the genital area. Molluscum contagiosum lesions are firm and smooth and only rarely ulcerate, and they are more likely to also be present on other body parts, such as the abdomen, legs, and arms.

Figure 6. Molluscum contagiosum²¹

Ingrown hair and pseudofolliculitis

When the hair is not properly shaved on fragile skin, it can curl inside it, forming a bump, and can progress to pseudofolliculitis or even folliculitis.

The skin in the genital area is particularly fragile, and ingrown hair can easily occur there as a result of a nonoptimal shaving technique. The bump of ingrown hair is usually small and firm, but it can look like a blister, which makes it look like a herpes lesion. It can also be painful, but its pain does not resemble the distinctive burning pain of herpes. It also does not ulcerate, and if it pops open it usually heals very quickly, unlike herpes.

When there is recurrence of ingrown hair, inflammation can occur in that area and present as redness of the surface of the skin and a chronic recurrence of itchy buttons. The condition is commonly seen in the beard area, especially on the neck and under the chin where the skin is more fragile, but it can also be seen in the pubis and other areas.

Estimated probabilities of HPV transmission from the penis to the anus were significantly higher than were those from the anus to the penis.

The skin lesions of pseudofolliculitis are, like ingrown hair and contrary to herpes, unlikely to ulcerate. They follow the pattern of hair growth, and they have particularly more pruritis or pain a day or two after shaving.²²

	Similarity	Difference
Herpes vs. ingrown hair and pseudofolliculitis	Like herpes, ingrown hair can look like a blister, and pseudofolliculitis tends to be more symptomatic a day or two after shaving.	Herpes has vesicles that ulcerate and a characteristic burning pain. Ingrown hair and pseudofolliculitis have small, firm lesions that do not ulcerate and mild tingling pain and itching.

Figure 7. Ingrown hair (left) and pseudofolliculitis (right). Source : NHS

Folliculitis

A hair follicle can become infected and form an inflamed button, most commonly because of a superficial bacterial or fungal infection or the progression of ingrown hair toward the infection.

Herpes has vesicles that ulcerate

Folliculitis appears as a pimple, usually with a hair topping it and reddish surroundings. A white coloration—a sign of pus—can sometimes be seen under the skin of the button. If the folliculitis is due to ingrown hair, the ingrown hair can also sometimes be seen under the button.²³

The pimple of folliculitis does not ulcerate and heals quickly when it opens. The condition is benign and usually self-limiting.

	Similarity	Difference
Herpes vs. folliculitis	Folliculitis’s pimples might look like ulcerated herpes when they open.	Herpes has vesicles that ulcerate. It has no relationship to hair. Folliculitis presents as pimples that do not ulcerate. Either a hair will top each pimple or an ingrown hair will be seen underneath it.

Figure 8. Folliculitis. Source:
HC-UFPR Dermatology Service

Jock itch

Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a common dermatologic condition, especially in men. It is caused by a fungus and classically results in a well-delimited red patch of skin formed by a pattern of rings. The patch usually forms in the groin and skin folds in the genital area but can spread to other parts of the body. The infection might cause itching and even a burning sensation but does not cause the distinctive ulceration of genital herpes.²⁴

	Similarity	Difference
Herpes vs. Jock itch	The delimited red patch of jock itch might look like the inflamed background of herpes.	Herpes has vesicles that ulcerate. Jock itch has no buttons or ulcerations.

Figure 9. Jock itch on the inner thigh of a man²⁵

Genital eczema

Eczema, or dermatitis, refers to a group of skin diseases that cause skin inflammation. They have an allergic and environmental causal mechanism and are not contagious.

The genital area can be particularly prone to eczema since its skin and fragile and easily irritated and because of moisture and friction from clothing. Various types of eczema could affect the genital area, and each has its own characteristics. However, all types of eczema cause skin redness and itching. The skin lesion is poorly defined, and itching is usually the predominant symptom. Swelling is also a common feature of eczema. Bumps that can scar are frequent, blisters are rarer, and ulceration similar to that of herpes is almost exceptional unless the lesions have been extensively scratched.^26,27

One type of eczema looks especially like herpes but has nothing to do with the herpes virus. It is called dermatitis herpetiformis. It is characterized by blisters filled with a clear fluid and is intensely itchy. It is related to celiac disease and gluten intolerance and its skin lesions can appear in multiple places on the body.²⁸

	Similarity	Difference
Herpes vs. Eczema	Both can present with blisters.	With herpes, lesions that look like blisters are frequent, very prone to ulceration, and cause a burning sensation. With eczema, blisters are rare, ulceration is exceptional, and itching is the primary symptom.

Figure 10. Allergic Eczema. Source

SHOULD I TALK TO A DOCTOR ABOUT IT?

Now that you have a broad idea of how to differentiate a genital herpes ulcer from other commonly encountered conditions, you should consult your doctor when you suspect genital herpes for the first time. The first episode of herpes can have more noticeable symptoms than recurrences later will and it will be less difficult to ensure that the prognosis is benign and rule out more harmful conditions.

Herpes is still a condition often associated with anxiety, fear, and shame. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about your feelings in that regard and give you support and guidance.

With any genital condition, it is important to have the correct diagnosis made by your doctor, who will use laboratory tests for confirmation to establish a proper management plan.

References

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2. Mindel A, Marks C. Psychological symptoms associated with genital herpes virus infections:
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3. Fortenberry JD. The effects of stigma on genital herpes care-seeking behaviours. Herpes J
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6. Freeman ML, Sheridan BS, Bonneau RH, Hendricks RL. Psychological Stress Compromises CD8+ T
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7. Mertz GJ, Coombs RW, Ashley R, et al. Transmission of genital herpes in couples with one
   symptomatic and one asymptomatic partner: a prospective study. J Infect Dis.
   1988;157(6):1169-1177. doi:10.1093/infdis/157.6.1169
8. Kimberlin DW, Rouse DJ. Clinical practice. Genital herpes. N Engl J Med.
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9. Corey L, Adams HG, Brown ZA, Holmes KK. Genital herpes simplex virus infections: clinical
   manifestations, course, and complications. Ann Intern Med. 1983;98(6):958-972.
   doi:10.7326/0003-4819-98-6-958
10. Merck Manuals. Image: Genital Herpes on the Penis. Merck Manuals Consumer Version. Published
    2019. Accessed November 8, 2019.
11. Draeger E. Management of genital herpes: a guide for GPs. Prescriber. February 2014.
    Accessed November 8, 2019.
12. Lautenschlager S. Cutaneous manifestations of syphilis : recognition and management. Am J
    Clin Dermatol. 2006;7(5):291-304. doi:10.2165/00128071-200607050-00003
13. Klausner JD. The Great Imitator Revealed: Syphilis. Top Antivir Med.
    2019;27(2):71-74.
14. Wolff K, Goldsmith L, Katz S, Gilchrest B, Paller AS, Leffell D. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology
    in General Medicine. 7th Edition. 2008. Accessed November 4, 2019.
15. Buensalido JAL. Chancroid: Background, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology. October 2019. Accessed
    November 8, 2019
16. Latini A, Zaccarelli M, Paglia MG, et al. Inguinal and anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum: a
    case series from a sexually transmitted disease center in Rome, Italy. BMC Infect
    Dis. 2017;17. doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2484-8
17. Halvorsen JA, Brevig T, Aas T, Skar AG, Slevolden EM, Moi H. Genital ulcers as initial
    manifestation of Epstein-Barr virus infection: two new cases and a review of the literature.
    Acta Derm Venereol. 2006;86(5):439-442. doi:10.2340/00015555-0140
18. Laetsch Semadeni B, Lautenschlager S. Le diagnostic différentiel des ulcères génitaux. 1re
    partie. Forum Méd Suisse ‒ Swiss Med Forum. 2009;9(03). doi:10.4414/fms.2009.06724
19. Anic GM, Giuliano AR. Genital HPV infection and related lesions in men. Prev Med.
    2011;53(Suppl 1):S36-S41. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.08.002
20. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Molluscum Contagiosum | Poxvirus | CDC.
    Published January 3, 2019
21. File:Molluscaklein.jpg. In: Wikipedia.
22. Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. Clin Cosmet Investig
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23. Winters RD, Mitchell M. Folliculitis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL):
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26. Williams HC. Atopic Dermatitis. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(22):2314-2324.
    doi:10.1056/NEJMcp042803
27. Nedorost ST. Generalized Dermatitis in Clinical Practice. 2012 edition. Dordrecht:
    Springer; 2012.
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    Intern Med. 1980;93(6):857. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-93-6-857

90,000 Useful Eaters. What will happen to us if all viruses disappear?

• Rachel Nuer
• BBC Future

June 28, 2020

Photo author, Science Photo Library

Photo caption,

This is what the Spanish flu virus looked like, which in 1918 killed 50 to 100 million people ( according to various estimates)

If all viruses suddenly disappeared, the world would become completely different – and not the fact that it is better. What would happen to us without viruses? And what does mean “kill the winner”?

Looking at the frightening pictures of the Covid-19 pandemic, unfolding, thanks to the media and social networks, in front of the eyes of the whole world, one might think that viruses only exist to bring humanity to its knees and kill as many people as possible.

Over the past millennium, the diseases they cause have claimed countless lives. Some of the viruses killed a significant part of the world’s population: according to various estimates, from 50 to 100 million people became victims of the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918, another 200 million are believed to have died from smallpox only in the 20th century.

And the current Covid-19 pandemic is just another case in an endless series of deadly virus attacks on humanity.

Most of us now, if we were handed a magic wand and offered to wave it to get rid of all viruses on the planet, would gladly agree.

I’m afraid that would be a fatal mistake. Much more deadly than any of the most ferocious viruses, in fact.

“If all viruses suddenly disappeared at once, the world would be beautiful – for about a day and a half. And then we would all die, that’s all,” says Tony Goldberg, an epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. for which viruses are responsible greatly outweigh the evil from them. ”

All in all, says Susana López Shariton, a virologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, “We’re finished without viruses.”

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Some viruses preserve the health of mushrooms and plants

Most people do not even know what role viruses play in life on Earth, paying attention only to those that kill us …

Almost all virologists study exclusively pathogens, and only recently have several scientists decided to investigate the viruses that make us and our planet alive.

Thanks to this small group of researchers, we might get a more balanced view of the world of viruses.It turns out that there are good ones among them, and such are the overwhelming majority.

But one thing scientists already know for sure: without viruses, our planet, as we know it, would cease to exist. And if we even set out to destroy all viruses on Earth, it is almost impossible.

But by imagining what a world would be without viruses, we can better understand how important they are to our survival, and how much we still have to learn about these microscopic, simple life forms that are not easy to deal with.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Without viruses, our planet would have ceased to exist

First, let’s say that scientists do not even know how many viruses exist. Thousands are officially classified, but there are millions.

“We discovered only a small part, because we were not particularly interested in this,” says Marilyn Russink, a viral ecologist at Penn State University. “This is a biased attitude: science has always been primarily interested in pathogens.”

It is not known to scientists what percentage of all viruses are dangerous to humans. “When you look at large numbers, statistically, the percentage of dangerous viruses is close to zero,” says Curtis Suttle, a virologist-ecologist at the University of British Columbia. “Almost all viruses that exist are not harmful to us.”

Beneficial Eaters

At least we know that phages (bacteriophages, viruses that selectively attack bacterial cells) are incredibly important.Their name comes from the Greek for “devour”, and that is what they do.

“In the world of bacteria, they are the most important predators,” says Goldberg. “We would have had a hard time without them.”

Phages are the main regulator of bacterial populations in the ocean, and, most likely, in all other ecosystems of our planet. If viruses suddenly disappeared, some populations would probably explode and overwhelm others that would stop growing altogether.

This would be a particularly serious problem for the ocean, since more than 90% of all living things (of the total mass) are microorganisms.And these microbes produce about half of all the oxygen on the planet – a process made possible by viruses.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

In the ocean, 90% of all life is microorganisms

These viruses kill about 20% of all ocean microbes and about 50% of all ocean bacteria every day. By doing this, they provide enough nutrients for the oxygen-producing plankton and thus support life on the planet.

“When there is no death, then there is no life, because life is completely dependent on recycling materials,” Suttle emphasizes.“Viruses are very important for this disposal.”

Researchers studying insect pests have also found viruses to be critical for population control. This is a very natural process for ecosystems

This process is called “kill the winner” and is very common in many other species, including ours – a pandemic is proof of this.

“When a population gets too large, viruses reproduce unusually quickly and shrink, making room for everything else to live,” Suttle emphasizes.

If all viruses suddenly disappear, the most competitive species will grow to the detriment of everyone else.

“We will quickly lose a lot of our planet’s biodiversity,” says Suttle. “All will be captured by a few species, the rest will die out.”

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Experts say that without viruses, our planet would lose a significant part of its biological diversity

For some organisms, viruses are critical for survival or in order to gain a competitive advantage.

For example, scientists suggest viruses play an important role in helping cows and other ruminants convert cellulose from grasses to sugars, which are metabolized to milk and help to gain weight.

Researchers believe viruses are also important for maintaining a healthy microbiome in humans and animals.

“These things are not yet fully explored, but we are finding more and more examples of this close interaction with viruses as an essential element of ecosystems,” says Suttle.

Russink and her colleagues have found solid evidence of this. In one study, they worked with a colony of microscopic fungi that cohabit with a certain type of grass in Yellowstone National Park (biosphere reserve in the United States, famous for its geothermal landscape and geysers – approx. BBC), and found: a virus that infected the mushroom , allows the grass to withstand geothermal soil temperatures more successfully.

“When all three elements are present – virus, fungus and grass, then herbs can grow in hot soil,” says Russink.“A mushroom alone cannot do this without a virus.”

Photo Credit, Getty Images

Photo Caption,

In Yellowstone National Park, some grass species have become more resistant to high temperatures – thanks to the virus

Russink and her colleagues discovered that mushrooms viruses are usually transmitted “by inheritance” – from generation to generation. And although scientists have not yet been able to figure out the function of most of these viruses, we can conclude that they do something to help fungi.

“Why else would plants cling to them?” Russink.

And if all these beneficial viruses disappear, then the herbs and other organisms in which they now live will weaken, and possibly die.

Protected by viruses

Infection of the human body with certain harmless viruses even helps to ward off some pathogens.

GB type C virus, a common human non-pathogenic (unlike its distant cousins ​​West Nile virus and dengue virus), has been linked to a slowdown in the development of AIDS in HIV-infected people.

In much the same way, herpes makes mice less susceptible to certain bacterial infections, including bubonic plague and listeriosis (a common type of food poisoning).

Of course, it is unethical to carry out similar experiments on humans with infection with the viruses of herpes, bubonic plague and listeriosis, the authors of the study suggest that people would have a similar picture.

Photo author, Science Photo Library

Photo caption,

The herpes virus makes mice – and very possibly humans – less susceptible to certain bacterial infections

It seems that without viruses, humans and many other species of living things would be more susceptible to various diseases.

In addition, viruses are one of the most promising remedies for certain diseases. Phage therapy (treatment of infectious patients and bacteria carriers with bacteriophage preparations), which began to be used in the Soviet Union since the 1920s, uses viruses to destroy bacterial infections.

Today it is a rapidly developing area of ​​scientific research. Not only because of the growing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics, but also because bacteriophages can be fine-tuned to target specific types of bacteria – unlike antibiotics, which indiscriminately destroy all bacteria.

“When antibiotics can’t do anything, viruses save lives,” Suttle emphasizes.

Oncolytic viral cancer therapy, in which only cancer cells are infected and destroyed, is also less toxic and more effective than other cancer treatments.

Targeted at killing harmful bacteria or cancer cells, therapeutic viruses act like “microscopic cruise missiles that aim and hit right on target,” Goldberg notes.

“We need viruses that will take us to a new stage of therapy, a new generation of therapy.”

Because viruses are constantly mutating and replicating (multiplying), they constitute a huge repository of genetic innovation that can be used by other organisms.

Viruses invade the cells of other creatures and take over their reproductive tools.

If this happens in a germ line cell (egg and sperm), the virus code can be passed down from generation to generation and become a permanent part of it.

“All organisms that can be infected with viruses have the ability to take viral genes and use them to their advantage,” says Goldberg. “Incorporating new DNA into the genome is a fundamental way of evolution.”

In other words, the disappearance of all viruses will affect the evolutionary potential of all life on our planet. Including homo sapiens.

Viral elements make up about 8% of the human genome, and mammalian genomes as a whole are flavored with about 100,000 remnants of genes that once belonged to viruses.

The virus code is often an inactive part of DNA, but sometimes it endows the body with new, useful and even important properties.

For example, in 2018, two research teams independently made an amazing discovery. The viral gene encodes a protein that plays a key role in the formation of long-term memory, transmitting information between cells of the nervous system.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

It is ancient retroviruses that are responsible for the fact that people are capable of live birth

There is evidence that we owe our ability to live birth to a piece of the genetic code taken from ancient retroviruses, which our distant ancestors became infected more than 130 million years ago.

This is what the authors of that discovery in 2018 wrote in the journal PLOS Biology: “It is very tempting to speculate on the fact that pregnancy in humans could have proceeded completely differently (or even would not exist at all) if our ancestors were in the process of evolution would not affect many eras of retroviral pandemics. ”

Experts believe that such pieces of the genetic code can be found in all forms of multicellular life. “They probably have a lot of functions that we don’t know anything about,” Suttle emphasizes.

Scientists have just begun to discover ways in which viruses help keep us alive. Ultimately, the more we learn about all viruses (not only about pathogens, pathogens), the better equipped we will be to use certain viruses for peaceful purposes and develop effective protection against other viruses that could lead to another pandemic. …

What’s more, exploring the rich viral diversity will help us gain a deeper understanding of how our planet, its ecosystems and organisms work.

According to Suttle, “We need to make some effort to understand what is happening and what awaits us – for our own benefit.”

For more articles on similar topics visit BBC Future .

How to deal with the herpes virus – Russian newspaper

95% of all mankind is susceptible to herpes.

And at the same time, the knowledge of this disease in most people is minimal. What do you need to know about adversity in order to avoid health problems?

Colds from nerves

It is called “fever”, “cold”, usually unaware that itchy and painful blisters on the lips and skin are caused by a special virus.

A cold can really be one of the causes of an exacerbation of the disease. But only indirectly, since a person who has a cold decreases immunity. But in the same way, herpes is activated by stress, nervous and physical fatigue, exacerbation of chronic diseases. And it can also be triggered by the bright sun, alcohol intake, hormonal surges.

Herpes appears as a rash on the skin and mucous membranes. But don’t take it lightly. The virus can cause complicated diseases, for example, herpetic stomatitis, sore throat, etc.that require serious treatment. Genital herpes, for example, significantly increases the risk of cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

Dangerous Kisses

Herpes is easy to get infected: it is transmitted by airborne droplets (when coughing, sneezing), contact (when kissing, sharing utensils, lipstick) and through the genital tract.

Very often the herpes virus enters the body in early childhood, at 3-4 years old, and in some cases it is possible to infect the child from the mother while still in the womb.

In the active phase of the disease, the likelihood of infection increases. But sometimes the virus is secreted from the saliva of those who suffer from herpes, and outside of relapses of the disease.

If the rules of hygiene are not observed, you can increase the number of foci of the disease yourself: the virus is spread by hands and takes root on the skin, where there are scratches, microtraumas. So, the virus from the focus on the lips or on the finger can be brought into the eyes, genitals.

In order not to spread herpes throughout the body and not infect your loved ones, follow these simple rules:

1 Do not touch the herpes with your hands, even if it is unbearably itchy.And if you do touch, wash your hands thoroughly, even if you have applied antiviral cream.

2 Do not touch your eyes with your hands during the period when a herpes rash appears. This is especially true for women who regularly wear makeup.

3 Do not use saliva to moisten contact lenses. The virus can move into the eyes.

4 Do not kiss during an exacerbation of the disease, 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.

5 Do not try to remove blisters or scabs. So the infection gets additional opportunities to move to other parts of the body.

6 Don’t leave a virus on things. For example, after visiting the toilet, you need to disinfect the toilet seat (the virus lives on plastic for up to 4 hours).

7 Do not wear tight clothing – poor air circulation slows down the healing of the skin.

Sleeping enemy

Once settled in the body, the harmful herpes virus remains with a person for life.It “slumbers” in the cells of the nervous system, but from time to time it wakes up and enters the bloodstream.

It is believed that if herpes bothers no more than 4 times a year, then the infected person has no serious cause for concern. You just need to be able to relieve exacerbations, follow the rules of antiherpetic safety and take a set of preventive measures to “lull” the virus.

But if exacerbations occur with “enviable” regularity, if rashes appear not only on the nose and lips, but also on other, and very extensive, areas of the body, it is imperative to conduct an immunological examination by a doctor.

True, there is currently no means for a complete cure for the herpes virus. But there are antiviral medications that can significantly reduce the likelihood of ulcers and blistering rashes.

Daily therapy can also negate the possibility of transmission from an infected person to their sexual partner.

Vitamins are better than iodine

Moxibustion with iodine or brilliant green is often used to combat herpes. But this does not in any way affect the herpes virus and its activity.But burns of the mucous membrane may appear, where the virus will multiply even more actively. It is best to gently lubricate the rash with an alcohol-free antiseptic. First, you need to lubricate the area around the redness and only then the sore itself, and you should use only a cotton swab.

After all, the concentration of viruses in the wound is very high, and it is easy to transfer the infection to other areas of the skin with your fingers.

During an exacerbation, herpes is treated with special antiviral drugs, for example, acyclovir, which prevents the virus from multiplying.

In case of frequent relapses, drugs that stimulate the immune system and fortifying agents are used.

Vitamins C and group B in the early stages of the disease lead to the disappearance of symptoms.

Vitamin E helps to reduce pain and accelerate the healing of ulcers. It is applied in the form of an oil solution to the affected areas for 15 minutes. After half an hour, the pain subsides.

Folk recipes recommend the following:

to reduce itching, apply ice (for 10 minutes), repeating the procedure after three hours;

rub oil from chamomile or medicinal lavender;

apply a cotton swab moistened with valocordin to the reddened area for a few minutes.

BTW

With herpes, you need to follow a certain diet: there are more foods with a high content of essential amino acids – lysine, dairy products, meat, eggs, soybeans, potatoes, wheat germ, lentils.

Harmful for patients with herpes are foods in which the content of another amino acid, arginine, is high. These are peanuts, chocolate, raisins, some cereals.

The balance between dishes with a high content of amino acids and natural alkalis is also important.The former include meat dishes, the latter – dishes made from fruits, vegetables, and legumes. An imbalance will instantly lead to a relapse, so every acidic dish must be seized with an alkaline one.

Herpes on the gum photo in adults

photos, symptoms and treatment in adults

Herpes simplex virus occurs in 90% of the world’s population. Herpetic eruptions can appear not only on the lips and skin of a person, but also on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, gums, hard and soft palate.

What is herpes in the mouth and how to treat an infectious disease at home.

Human herpes virus – what is it

Herpes simplex virus is a common infectious disease caused by herpes simplex. The main morphological element of the infection is the vesicle, which after some time turns into erosion.

As a rule, the herpes simplex virus enters the human body after contact with a virus carrier.In the first 6–12 months after birth, the child has a strong immunity to the disease, transmitted from the virus-carrying mother. After the age of three, the risk of infection increases due to a decrease in innate immunity, but experience shows that the incidence of the herpes virus in childhood is still low than in adults.

Herpes on the gums and other parts of the oral cavity refers to immunodeficiency diseases and manifests itself on the mucous membrane in two forms: primary herpes and chronic recurrent herpes.

Causes of the appearance of the virus on the gums

After infection with herpes, the virus remains in the human body throughout life. With good immunity, herpes simplex is suppressed by immune cells and is inactive.

The virus is activated only in some cases:

• with a decrease in the body’s resistance to pathogens;
• after sudden hypothermia;
• under stress;
• for hormonal changes, as well as menstrual irregularities;
• for diseases of the blood and lymphatic system.

Basically, a rash on the gums occurs after a cold in the cold season. If bubbles form more than 2 times a year, you need to consult a doctor in order to identify serious pathologies in the body.

Symptoms of herpes on the gums and diagnosis

A herpetic rash on the gums in an adult has the following symptoms:

• burning and pain in the mouth, aggravated by eating and talking;
• lesions redden and swell;
• single and multiple vesicles are formed on the gingival mucosa;
• after the initial stage of inflammation, erosions and ulcers appear at the sites of the blisters;
• the body temperature rises to 37–38 degrees;
• drowsiness and weakness appear.

What does the herpes virus look like in the mouth – photo

In the photo, herpes on the gums is a red rash, in place of which bubbles with a grayish liquid form after 1-2 days. After the exudate breaks out of the bubbles, ulcers and erosion remain on the gums. With the development of a secondary fungal or bacterial infection, a gray-white coating appears on the surface of the wounds.

Strengthening the immune system and treating the gums contribute to a speedy clinical recovery.It is possible to cure the rash 2-3 weeks after the first signs of the disease appear.

How to distinguish herpes from stomatitis

Herpes sores are often confused with stomatitis. The erroneous opinion is explained by the fact that with two dental diseases on the mucous membrane of the gums there are all signs of inflammation, and the patient is worried about unpleasant sensations in the mouth. Despite the similarity of the clinical picture, herpes and stomatitis have significant differences, presented in the table:

Treatment of herpes on the gums

Treatment of herpes on the gums is prescribed by the dentist after a diagnostic examination and an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to improve the patient’s condition and remove the signs of herpes with the help of the following therapy:

1. Inside antiviral drugs: “Bonafton”, “Acyclovir”, or “Valtrex”. The dosage and the number of courses are prescribed by the doctor, based on the severity of the herpes and the patient’s weight.
2. Antihistamines: “Diphenhydramine”, “Suprastin” or “Diazolin” in medium therapeutic doses.
3. Calcium gluconate (intravenous) for 10 days.
4. Intramuscular injections with vitamins: A, B and C.
5. Vitamin complexes (Complivit, Vitrum, Citrum) once a day after meals.
6. Inside antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action (with the development of a secondary infection): “Levomycetin”, “Amoxiclav” or “Flemoxin solutab”.
7. Carrying out local applications with ointments: “Zovirax”, “Virolex” or “Herpetad” up to 3 times a day.
8. Carrying out applications with vitamins A and E (after changing the vesicles to ulcers).
9. Treatment of wounds with “Cholisal” or “Metrogyl Denta” gel.
10. Compliance with high-calorie fortified food. Drink plenty of fluids.

The goal of treatment is to suppress the activity of the virus and reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process on the gums. Unfortunately, it is impossible to remove herpes simplex from the body under any circumstances.

Treatment with traditional methods

Traditional medicine for a viral infection on the gums involves herbal mouth rinses.For medicinal purposes, it is necessary to prepare a decoction consisting of the following components:

• pharmacy chamomile;
• St. John’s wort;
• licorice;
• calendula;
• juniper.

Herbs are taken in equal proportions for 1 tbsp. l. The crushed components are brewed in 500 ml of hot water and infused in a water bath for 20 minutes. Rinses are carried out every 4 hours. The course of treatment is 1 month.

The use of traditional medicine alone for herpes on the gums is unacceptable.A quick recovery can be achieved only with complex therapy.

Prevention of infection

Knowledge of the symptoms and treatment of herpes on the gums will help prevent infection inside the body and take timely measures to eliminate signs of inflammation. Prevention of gum disease involves several rules:

1. If possible, avoid contact with a virus carrier.
2. Avoid hypothermia and the development of infectious diseases.
3. Pay attention to your emotional state, avoid stressful situations.
4. Exercise regularly, give up bad habits and keep eight hours of sleep.
5. Include in the diet foods rich in all essential biologically active substances.
6. Timely treat concomitant diseases.
7. Brush your teeth 2 times a day with a personal toothbrush and prophylactic toothpastes.
8. Visit the dentist twice a year to quickly identify and treat dental diseases.

If any area in the mouth hurts and multiple red rashes appear on the gums, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment of herpes at an early stage promotes rapid healing of erosions in the oral cavity and prevents complications.

References

1. Shumsky L.V., Grebnev E.N., Yurchenko E.V. – Herpetic infection of the mouth and lips, Samara, 1996.
2. Lukinykh L.M. – Diseases of the oral mucosa, N. Novgorod: Publishing house of the Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy, 2000.
3. Murovyannikova Zh.G. – Dental diseases and their prevention, Rostov n / a: Phoenix, 2011.
4. Ijndhe J. – Textbook of Clinical Periodontology. 1995. Copenhagen.
5. Leontiev V.K., Pakhomov G.N. – Prevention of dental diseases, M., 2006.
6. Vinogradova T.F., Maksimova O.P., Melnichenko E.M. – Diseases of periodontal and oral mucosa in children, M., 1983.

Herpes simplex: symptoms, images, types, treatment

Herpes simplex is a viral infection that usually affects the mouth, genitals or anal area. It is contagious and can cause sores and other symptoms.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a widespread infection worldwide, with about 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 being the most common type.It spreads rapidly through direct contact with an HSV carrier. Sexual transmission of some types of HSV is also possible.

Most people with HSV show no symptoms at all, but they can still transmit the virus. HSV symptoms are usually mild but can be uncomfortable.

HSV can be especially harmful to people with weakened immune systems, such as babies.

This article will describe the symptoms of HSV, the different types of virus and how to treat them.

Usually, a person with HSV has no noticeable symptoms. However, even without symptoms, a person can still transmit the virus to someone else.

When people do experience symptoms, they usually include ulcers. These are blisters that form on the surface of the skin and can cause itching or discomfort. They can open and release fluid.

Ulcers can develop anywhere, but they usually develop around the mouth, genitals, or anus, depending on the type of HSV.Most ulcers appear within the first 20 days after infection and may persist for 7 to 10 days.

Other HSV symptoms may include:

• localized tingling, itching, or burning
• flu-like symptoms
• urinary problems
• eye infections

HSV symptoms usually occur with flare-ups that can last 2 to 6 weeks depending on the type of HSV, the frequency of these outbreaks may vary.

There are two main types of HSV:

Herpes simplex virus type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common form of HSV. Due to its constant presence around the world, the medical community considers HSV-1 to be endemic.

HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes because the vast majority of HSV-1 cases affect the oral cavity and the surrounding area. However, HSV-1 can affect other parts of the body, such as the genitals.

HSV-1 often develops during childhood and persists for life. It can be spread through non-sexual contact with saliva, such as kissing.

Herpes simplex virus type 2

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a sexually transmitted infection and is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI).

HSV-2 usually leads to genital herpes, which means that symptoms usually develop in the genital and anus areas. It is also a lifelong condition and symptoms only appear during flare-ups.

Both types of HSV develop through direct contact with the virus.

HSV-1 is most commonly transmitted through oral contact, which can occur through sores, saliva, or the area around the mouth. Transmission can also occur from sharing lip balm, toothbrush, or any other product that has come into contact with HSV.

People are at a much higher risk of contracting HSV-1 if they come into contact with someone who has an active flare-up of symptoms.In some cases, people can also transmit HSV-1 during sexual activity.

HSV-2 is almost always transmitted through sexual intercourse. This includes any contact with the skin, sores, saliva, or body fluids of a person infected with HSV-2, and this can occur during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Usually, doctors can diagnose HSV by doing a physical examination of symptoms during an outbreak. Ulcers are easy to spot as a sign of HSV infection.

The doctor will also ask questions about the symptoms. If they suspect HSV-2, they can ask about the person’s sexual health history.

It is also possible that they will take a sample from the ulcer. Also, if the person has no symptoms, the doctor may use a blood test to check for an infection.

Although no type of HSV is curable, symptoms are often absent and treatment may not be necessary.

When symptoms do occur, they often go away without treatment after a few weeks.

Treatments are available to help control symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Certain drugs can also reduce the risk of transmitting HSV to others.

Antiviral creams or ointments for ulcers are available. These treatments should help relieve itching, tingling, and discomfort.

Examples of antiviral drugs include:

• acyclovir
• famciclovir
• valacyclovir

These drugs are also available as tablets or injections.

HSV is a widespread viral infection. It spreads quickly through direct contact and the chances of contracting the virus are relatively high.

In many cases, the person does not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they manifest as flare-ups. The first outbreak is usually the most severe.

There is no cure for HSV, but antiviral drugs can help people cope with the disease.

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Herpes (orofacial herpes) in adults: condition, treatment and photographs – overview

52907 34 Information for Adults signature goes here…

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) images, orofacial

Overview

Herpes simplex infection of the mouth and face, known as orofacial herpes simplex, herpes on the lips, cold sores or fever blisters, is a common recurrent skin disorder associated with Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Orofacial HSV usually presents as small blisters or sores around the mouth, nose, genitals, and buttocks, although infections can develop on almost any area of ​​the skin.In addition, herpes can periodically appear in the same areas.

HSV infections are highly contagious and are transmitted by direct contact with skin lesions. 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 affect the genitals or buttocks. However, HSV-1 can sometimes cause infections of the genitals or buttocks, and HSV-2 can sometimes cause infections around the mouth. lips, nose or face.

Both types of viruses cause 2 types of infections: primary and recurrent. Because HSV is so contagious, it causes primary infection in most people exposed to the virus. However, only about 20% of people infected with HSV actually have visible blisters or sores. Ulcers of the primary infection, which appear 2–12 days after a person first comes into contact with herpes simplex virus, persist for approximately 1–3 weeks. These ulcers heal completely, rarely leaving a scar. Nevertheless, the virus remains in the body, hibernating in nerve cells.

Certain triggers can cause the dormant (latent) virus to wake up, become active, and return back to the skin. These recurrent HSV infections may occur frequently (every few weeks) or never. Recurrent infections are usually milder than primary infections and usually occur at the same site as the primary infection.

Most people develop herpes during childhood through contact with a friend or family member who is already infected with HSV.It can be transmitted by kissing, sharing tableware or drinking vessels, or using the same towel.

Who is at risk?

HSV infections occur in people of all races, all ages and both sexes.

The likelihood of infection increases with age. Up to 80% of Americans are infected with HSV-1 by age 30.

Only 20% of people infected with HSV develop visible blisters or sores, which means that approximately 80% of people with HSV infections are undiagnosed and unaware of their condition.However, they can still transmit the infection to other people.

Signs and symptoms

The most common sites of HSV-1 infection include:

• Lips
• Mouth (including gums, tongue, palate and inner cheeks)
• Nose
• Chin
• Cheeks 9000 Soon with the virus, a newly infected person may develop fluid-filled blisters, singly or as a group of several blisters.These blisters can be yellow to gray and brittle, which is why many people never notice blisters and instead see tiny open sores (sores). These ulcers subsequently crust over and may appear dry and yellow. Eventually, the scabs fall off, leaving a pale red patch. The first (primary) HSV outbreak usually lasts 1–3 weeks.

  In mild cases of primary orofacial HSV infection, a person may develop 1 or 2 herpes or no symptoms.The lymph nodes in the neck may or may not be enlarged. In severe cases of HSV infection, herpes can affect the entire lining of the mouth and both lips. These severe infections can be accompanied by fever, sore throat, halitosis, and difficulty eating.

  Recurrent (recurrent) HSV infections are often milder than the primary infection, although they look the same. However, some people never develop symptoms of a primary HSV infection and may mistake a recurrent infection for a primary infection.Recurrent infection usually lasts 7-10 days. People with recurrent outbreaks tend to get it 3-4 times a year.

  Many people with recurrent HSV infections report that skin lesions are preceded by a burning, itching, or tingling sensation (prodromal period). About 24 hours after the onset of prodrome symptoms, the actual lesions appear as one or more small blisters or open sores that eventually crust over.

  Triggers for recurrent HSV infections include:

  • Fever or illness
  • Sun
  • Hormonal changes, such as those associated with menstruation or pregnancy
  • Stress
  • Trauma, such as caused by dental work or cuts

  Surgical

  Personal care advice

  Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce fever, muscle pain, and pain caused by herpes.Try to drink as much fluids as possible to prevent dehydration. Using ice packs can relieve swelling and discomfort.

  Because HSV is highly contagious, it is important to take the following steps to prevent the spread (transmission) of the virus during the prodromal phase (burning, tingling, or itching) and active phase (blistering or sores) of HSV infection. :

  • Avoid sharing cups or cutlery.
  • Avoid kissing and oral sex.
  • Avoid using lip balm or lipstick together.
  • Avoid sharing razors, towels and other personal hygiene items.
  • Wash hands with soap and water when touching an active lesion.

  Unfortunately, the virus can still be transmitted even if someone does not have active lesions.

  When to Seek Medical Help

  If you develop tender, painful sores in your mouth, lips, or nose, see your doctor.

  Get immediate medical attention if the HSV outbreak persists within 2 weeks, if you are not eating or drinking because of pain, or if you develop blisters or sores near your eyes.

  If you have an underlying medical condition such as cancer or HIV, or if you have had an organ transplant, you are at a higher risk of more serious complications. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if you are at risk of more serious complications.

  Treatments Your Doctor May Order

  Most HSV infections are easily diagnosed by doctors.However, in some cases, a swab from infected skin may be sent to a laboratory to culture the virus, which takes several days to grow. Blood tests may also be done.

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

  Treatment for primary HSV infection includes the following oral antiviral drugs:

  • Acyclovir tablets
  • Valacyclovir tablets
  • Famciclovir tablets

  These drugs are usually taken for 5-14 days.

  More severe primary HSV infections may require additional medication:

  • Oral antibiotic tablets if areas are also infected with bacteria
  • Local anesthetic, such as viscous lidocaine, if areas in the mouth are very painful

  In addition, For very severe infections may require intravenous fluids (and even intravenous antiviral drugs) or pain relievers if pain prevents you from drinking fluids.

  Treatment of recurrent HSV infection includes the same oral antiviral drugs used to treat the primary infection:

  • Acyclovir tablets
  • Valacyclovir tablets
  • Famciclovir tablets

  help occasional treatment by starting medication after tingling and burning, but before blisters and sores appear.

  In other people, recurrent infections are frequent or severe enough to warrant suppressive therapy, in which medication is taken every day to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

  Reliable references

  MedlinePlus: Diseases of the oral cavity Clinical information and differential diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV), orofacial syndrome

  References

  Bologna, Jean L., ed. Dermatology , pp 1235-1241.New York: Mosby, 2003.

  Friedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick Dermatology in General Medicine . 6 ^ed , p. 1252. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003.

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  White bumps on the gums: causes and treatment

  White bumps on the gums, should this be a cause for concern? The bumps on the gums generally look like hard little lumps with or without pain. To understand this better, please read more about causes, treatments and how to reduce the pain that causes bumps around the teeth.

  White bumps on the gums can be caused by several reasons. The most common causes are infection, trauma, or ulcers. Other causes include oral herpes, thrush, or dental abscesses. In most cases, white bumps can be confused with a tooth cavity and hypersensitivity. Early treatment and treatment is encouraged as bumps can lead to serious health complications.

  Maintaining a high level of oral hygiene is essential. It is extremely important to clean your mouth after eating and see your dentist from time to time.You should also consider the excellent factor when choosing the type of toothpaste and mouthwash you use to avoid an allergic reaction.

  What are the symptoms of white bumps on your gums

  How do you know if you have white bumps on your gums? The best way to check for white bumps on your gums is to ask your dentist to examine your gums. Otherwise, you should watch out for the following changes in the mouth. Check for;

  • Red spots with white edges
  • Redness of the mucous membrane in the mouth
  • Peeling gums
  • White tubercles on the tongue
  • Mouth ulcers

  Although symptoms can vary depending on the true cause of bumps, the most common symptom of white bumps is on the gums and mouth may consist of the above.So stay alert and visit your dentist as soon as possible.

  What causes white bumps on the gums?

  What is the reason for the appearance of white bumps on the gums? The causes of white lumps on the gums vary from person to person. In fact, the most common cause is trauma, external damage to the mucous membrane, that is, harm caused by you. You can do this with sharp objects such as toothpicks or nails.

  Other causes are infection and ulcers, which we will discuss below.It is very important to note that white bumps on the gums by themselves are not an infection, but a symptom of an underlying disease. Seek medical attention as soon as you notice these changes.

  1. Gum ulcer

  “Are ulcers a sign of cancer? My gums have been hurting for a week now, and they don’t seem to go away. I’ve tried over-the-counter antibiotics but they don’t seem to work. What do I need now to get rid of the tumors? »

  Ulcers, sometimes called aphthous ulcers, are open and painful ulcers found in the gums.This is the most common type of mouth ulcer. It can affect the lips, the inner cheek, and sometimes the tongue. This should be the most likely cause of white bumps on the tongue.

  You don’t need to worry about an ulcer. They are not harmful and most types are not continuous. You may have a simple ulcer that appears once or twice a year. The most serious form of ulcers are those that affect those who have had ulcers before. Sores can often be confused with herpes. The best way to identify the two is that, while a peptic ulcer affects the inside of the mouth, herpes is external and affects the lips.

  The cause of the ulcer is unknown, but over time it has been discovered that stress and tissue damage are the main causes of simple ulcers. Certain foods, such as citrus fruits and acidic foods, can cause ulcers and worsen pain and irritation. Toothbrush braces and dentures can also make the condition worse. Complex peptic ulcer disease can be associated with an underlying medical condition, which can include a weak immune system, nutritional problems (vitamin B-12 deficiency), or a gastrointestinal disorder such as celiac disease.

  For minor ulcers, a simple solution can be made. Ulcers can go away on their own after a week, even without the need for treatment. Otherwise, immediate medical attention may be needed for large, unrelenting, and truly painful sores that cannot go away. Over-the-counter or prescription items such as pastes, creams, and gels can be helpful when applied to certain ulcers. You should try benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide, or fluocinonide (fluonex, lonide, and vanos).

  2. Small white bumps on the gums herpes

  Oral herpes is a typical infection of the oral cavity. It affects the lips, inside of the mouth, palate, and gums. Herpes in the gums is caused by a type 1 herpes simplex infection (HSV-1). In the United States, infection is more common in people between the ages of 20 and 30. After infection, the infection becomes inactive in the tissues of the body for a long time, and then becomes active again, causing herpes.

  Another type of herpes virus, Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) infection, causes genital herpes, but it can also affect the mouth and cause white bumps on the gums during oral sex.Oral herpes is a highly contagious infection. It can be spread by close contact with an infected person, by touching infected objects, such as a toothbrush.

  For most people, mouth sores are the first sign of HSV-1 infection, and other people also have symptoms of this type. Symptoms can be mild to severe and usually appear within one to three weeks. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following symptoms appear.

  • Itching on the lips and around the mouth.
  • Burning sensation around the lips.
  • Blisters on the lips and mouth.
  • Angina.
  • Enlargement of the glands.

  Symptoms may go away on their own without any medical attention. However, you can try the following medicines to fight the infection, which may also be helpful in reducing pain and speeding up the recovery process. The medicine consists of famciclovir, valaziovir, and acyclovir.

  In addition to treating ulcers caused by the virus, you can try the following to avoid mouth ulcers in the first place;.

  • Apply sun cream and lip balm before sun exposure.
  • Apply moisturizing creams to lips.
  • Wash towels with hot water after use.
  • Prevent oral sex if possible.

  3. Gum abscess

  “Today I have a painful sore on my gum, a lot of pus and blood came out.What is this ulcer on the gum? Does this mean I have oral cancer? How can I get rid of white bumps on my gums? »

  A dental abscess, sometimes called a dental abscess, occurs when pus builds up inside the teeth or gums. This buildup is caused by bacteria that cause painful sores on the surface of the gums. You should see your dentist as soon as possible. A gum abscess does not go away on its own and can spread to other parts of the body, making you sick.

  Symptoms to watch out for:

  • Pain that has spread to the ear.
  • Swelling and redness of the face.
  • Looseness of teeth.
  • Sensitivity.
  • Bad breath or bad breath test.

  The best treatment will be provided by your dentist, otherwise over-the-counter pain relievers may help relieve pain. Ibuprofen and paracetamol benefit adults, and aspirin should be offered to children under 16.Your dentist may also recommend the following procedure, depending on which part of the gum is actually damaged by the abscess. You may need.

  • Remove the impacted tooth.
  • Root canal treatment.
  • Cut off the bumps and drain the water to remove the pus.

  4. Lump on the gum after the root canal

  Although this does not happen often, it is very possible for white bumps to appear on the tongue after the root canal.The bump begins with a pimple, then grows into a bump or abscess. Over time, the swelling fills with pus, can become painful and lead to tooth sensitivity.

  The

  East Cost Department of Endodontics says that a lump on the gum after a root canal indicates an effective healing process, so you should be wary of that. The bump will easily clear up on its own without any medical attention. If the pain persists and the swelling persists, you need to inform your dentist as soon as possible.

  Home remedies will help relieve pain and speed up the recovery procedure for eliminating irregularities. Try rinsing with salt water, baking soda can also be beneficial for its anti-inflammatory properties, and finally, you can buy some antibiotics without a prescription.

  5. Oral thrush

  Also known as oral candidiasis, oral candidiasis is a disease in which the fungus Candida albicana collects on the lining of the mouth.The fungus grows and begins to show visible symptoms such as velvety white sores on the tongue, inner lining, and gums.

  Although thrush can affect anyone regardless of age, it is more common in infants, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems and other chronic conditions such as cancer, HIV / AIDS and blood pressure. The symptoms of this condition can range from mild to more severe, which need to be monitored and treated.For healthy people, this condition is not so serious, but early diagnosis and treatment is recommended.

  Depending on how strong your immune system is, the following treatment options are recommended for white bumps on the gums caused by oral thrush:

  • Fluconazole is a powerful antifungal agent.
  • Nystatin, an antifungal mouthwash that helps dry ruptured sores and relieve itchy bumps.The procedure for use is that you rinse your mouth with it and wait a few minutes before swallowing.
  • Clotrimazole lozenges, also an antifungal agent that dissolves in the mouth if swallowed.

  6. Psoriasis of the oral cavity

  Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that begins under the skin. It is a long-term disorder of the body’s immune system that can range from mild to severe if not addressed early in treatment.Oral psoriasis affects the trunk and limbs. I causes soreness and sores on the inside of the mouth and can lead to white bumps on the gums. A report from the Journal of Dermatological Case says it most often looks like red patches and scaly patches on the lips before they can appear elsewhere.

  According to the European Journal of General Dentistry, oral psoriasis can manifest as generalized tongue lesions, yellow or red spots, whitish patches or translucent plaques.In oral psoriasis, ulcers may appear on the palate, on the inside of the cheeks, or on the lips. The gums are rarely affected by the disease. You must visit your dentist to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

  You should watch out for the following symptoms:

  • Red spots with white edges.
  • Inflammation of the oral mucosa.
  • Gum peeling.
  • White bumps on the tongue.

  7. Mouth ulcers

  The choice of treatment for oral psoriasis consists of taking oral medications and injections.Your doctor may recommend oral medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, apremilast, and many more. An exacerbation of the disease occurs when oral prednisone is used to treat oral psoriasis.

  8. Oral cancer

  Oral cancer or gum cancer begins when the tumor is located on the gum lining. This happens when cells in the mouth and gums undergo certain changes in the structure of their DNA. It is this mutation in the structure that allows the cancer to grow and spread.This results in peeling of the mucous membrane and white bumps on the tongue and gums in most cases.

  What causes the mutation is currently unclear, but doctors and researchers have gradually recognized the possible factors that can increase the likelihood that a person will have oral cancer. Items:

  • Alcoholism.
  • Continuous use of tobacco products.
  • Weak immune system.
  • HPV attack.

  When to see a doctor.You need to see your doctor as soon as possible as soon as you see the following.

  1. Pain that cannot heal or go away.
  2. White spots on the increase of the elastic.
  3. A lump on the neck and throat begins to appear.
  4. Bleeding from the mouth.
  5. Looseness of teeth.
  6. Pain and trouble swallowing food.
  7. Unexplained hair and weight loss.

  Treatment and treatment for oral cancer begins with a physical examination that determines the stage and type of cancer you are suffering from.Early treatment will include surgery to remove the tumor and prevent it from spreading to other parts. Another option is radiation therapy, which involves using a beam aimed at the tumor for a long time to kill cancer cells in the gum.

  Another alternative would be chemotherapy. This includes the use of anti-cancer drugs. The medicine can be taken by mouth or by injection. Depending on which stage of your cancer you are in (early or late stage), your doctor will suggest one or more of the above treatment options.

  White painful bumps on the gums

  Gum pain due to white bumps? If so, you should see your dentist. Your gums are one of the softest and most sensitive parts of your body. A common cause of gum pain is an infection of the mouth, most commonly oral psoriasis.

  Psoriasis of the oral cavity, affects the oral mucosa. When this happens, the mucous membrane begins to flake off, resulting in small, hard bumps on the tongue and gums.Over time, the tumor grows and turns into ulcers and blisters, which become very painful when they can be detected by contact with fluids and food particles.

  Gargle with salted water or apple cider vinegar to relieve this pain. This will help dry out ulcers and minimize inflammation. You can also get the same pain relievers without a prescription and the pain will decrease before you can visit the dentist.

  White bumps on my gums without pain

  I have white bumps on my gums that do not hurt but irritate and I find it difficult to take hot drinks and food.The bumps on the gums can be painful. In many cases, the bumps are harmless, but you need to see your dentist if these changes start to show. Early treatment and medical diagnosis can help prevent ulcers from developing on the tongue and mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

  Bumps on the gums over time begin as small, difficult bumps without any medication or treatment. This causes the sores to become huge as you keep cleaning your mouth, the sores may burst and you will feel pain.

  Tearing can also be the result of gum grinding or reaction to hard foods such as fries.

  White bumps on the child’s elastic

  My child has been crying for a long time, his lips are dry, his mouth seems to be peeling. The gums are infected and white bumps appear on their surface. What could it be?

  If your child has a lump or small sore on the gum, this can be a source of pain and discomfort for both you and the child, in which case you should see a pediatrician as soon as possible.Most infections in children come from the mouth. This could mean that your child has a thrush in the mouth or sores, or just got injured as a result of playing with sharp objects.

  Determining the true cause of white bumps on the gums is the first step in trying to find the best way to get rid of the swelling. For children under 8, rub coconut oil or raw honey on the gums to dry out ulcers and reduce pain by reducing contact between them and the teeth.

  Hard white lump on the gum near the tooth

  Do the lumps on the gums feel hard when touched? What complicates them? Could this indicate oral cancer? In many cases, the structure and appearance of the bumps on the gums depends on their cause. The color of the lumps will vary from reddish, completely grayish to whitish. On the other hand, the size will be between 0.5mm and 2mm. Another aspect of the bump will be texture, some will feel stiff when touched with your fingers, while others may feel tender and soft to the touch.

  In most cases, a hard, white lump on the gums is likely to be the result of a sexually transmitted infection, the more common culprit being chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV / AIDS. When they are the cause, you can expect other symptoms to appear, for example:

  • Cracks in the oral mucosa.
  • Peeling of the mucous membrane.
  • Dry and chapped lips.

  You should also expect to lose the test.

  Visit your healthcare provider for early diagnosis and treatment.This will be helpful to provoke future infections and to make sure you don’t pass the infection on to other people.

  Treating White Bumps on the Gums

  Have you had sore lips from small hard white bumps on your gums? What are the important things you need to do to get rid of swellings and sores that seem so painful that you can’t eat your food safely?

  When your gums are infected and a painful sore begins to form in them, this should be a cause for concern.Your mouth is such an important part of your body that an infection can lead to infection in other parts of your body. The best thing to do is see a doctor, who will diagnose the symptoms and find out what actually causes the infection.

  In many cases, the best way to get rid of gum bumps is to treat the medical cause of the wound. As discussed earlier, trauma, infection, and ulcers on the gums are common causes of gum lumps, and cancer has also been found to be the cause of tumors.

  To relieve pain, rinse your mouth with salted water to dry the wound and speed up healing. Otherwise, simple pain relievers and over-the-counter antibiotics can help reduce pain before you finally go to the dentist. Maintaining good dental health and regular visits to the dentist is sort of preventing this from happening in the future.

  What we recommend to use when white bumps appear on the gums

  A visit to the dentist is necessary, and you understand it.However, don’t ignore the opportunity to improve your oral hygiene to prevent new lumps from forming in your gums. Plus, you can speed up the healing of your gums from this problem. The following medicines will come in handy:

  CloSYS Sensitive Antimicrobial Mouthwash

  For ~ $ 11.5 at Amazon

  The mouth is one of the most delicate parts of the body. This is why CloSYS oral care products are unique: they are particularly effective and extremely gentle, without causing burns or irritation that can occur with other oral care products.

  Listerine Ultraclean Oral Care Antiseptic Mouthwash

  For ~ $ 9 at Amazon

  Listerine Ultraclean Fresh Citrus Antiseptic Mouthwash to combat tartar build-up and eliminate 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath. plaque and gingivitis, and provides 3 times longer cleanliness compared to brushing. Mouthwash for oral care has the benefits of the original Listerine Antiseptic mouthwash with tartar control included for cleaner teeth.Helps prevent tartar build-up and maintain gum health by providing fresh breath and a dentist-like freshness that lasts for hours.

  Orajel Toothache Strips

  For ~ $ 10 at Amazon

  Long Term Pain Relief. Maximum pain relief with 15 mg of strong benzocaine. Stripe shape stays in place for targeted relief exactly where you need it. Soothes the gums with menthol.

  StellaLife Vega Oral Gel

  For ~ $ 35 on Amazon

  • Relief of pain with edema: dry sockets, ulcers / colds / ulcers from prostheses, dry mouth, braces, ulcers, mucositis. Get well sooner: Reduce or eliminate the need for opioids and steroids after dental surgery / procedure (Stellalife vega oral care gel and rinse).
  • Editors’ Choice Award: Highest difference awarded by Consultant Dentistry (5 stars, 96% clinical score).The dentist advised.
  • All natural: organic ingredients, sugar free, gluten free, non-toxic, non-GMO, vegan.

  How to get rid of white bumps on your gums naturally

  How to get rid of white bumps on your gums at home? It must be remembered that the best way to fix bumps is to first tackle the underlying cause of the bumps; white bumps on the gums are not an infection by themselves. Lumps on the gums are a symptom of an underlying medical condition or health problem.In addition to antibiotics and pain relievers, you can quickly reduce pain and speed up the healing process by following the same simple natural home remedies listed below.

  Keep in mind that the following solution will only help relieve pain, irritation and dry out the ruptured wound. Solutions do not address the cause of the tumor, you need to seek the help of your dentist or primary health care provider as soon as possible.

  a) Use Aloe Vera as a mouthwash

  Since time immemorial, aloe vera has been considered a medicine and has been used in different areas around the world.Aloe vera has a variety of anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antibacterial agents needed to treat many skin infections. When used on a torn wound, aloe vera can help speed up the healing process while reducing bleeding gums.

  To prepare the solution, simply mix the aloe vera gel in a glass of water, rinse the wound mixture three times daily after meals to reduce pain and speed up healing.

  b) Chamomile Tea

  Chamomile has actually been used in the United States and around the world as an herb to treat indigestion or improve sleep.Chamomile also promotes relaxation. All of this is made possible by the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic chemical found in chamomile.

  When used on white bumps on the gums, chamomile helps to reduce pain from ruptured ulcers, as well as accelerate healing and get rid of tumors. To prepare for treatment, you need to have and do the following:

  No.

  • Chamomile tea bag or teaspoon of dried flowers, wrapped in a clean cloth.
  • Fresh drinking water.
  • Soak the tea bag in water for 3 minutes.
  • After soaking, place it directly on the sores for 5 minutes.
  • Repeat this twice daily for optimal results.

  c) Coconut oil

  Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and generally beneficial health benefits when eaten. It is the best solution for ulcers that cause white bumps on the tongue, flaky mouth and white bumps on the gums.All you need to prepare this treatment is a fresh coconut.

  To prepare the solution, you need to follow the procedure below.

  • Apply a moderate amount of coconut oil with a swab to wounds.
  • Alternatively, you can put some coconut oil in your mouth and let it sit for 10 minutes before discarding.
  • Repeat this twice a day until the flaking and white bumps on the tongue disappear.

  d) Use raw honey

  For several years now, people have been using raw honey to treat most health problems at home. Honey can be extremely beneficial for simple coughs and sore throats and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

  Raw natural honey is an excellent soothing agent for sore throat and mouth ulcers. Dabbing honey on the white bumps on your tongue can help relieve pain and speed up your recovery completely.

  All you have to do is rinse your mouth with warm water, then apply a thick layer of raw natural honey, you can do this with your fingers or a spoon. Wait about 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this twice a day for perfect results.

  e) Use wax to close ulcers and reduce contact with teeth

  For ulcers that constantly rub teeth or become inflamed with dentures, applying a small amount of wax to the surface of the ulcers can actually reduce irritating friction.You need to make the wax thicker enough so that it doesn’t just move around the staple and stick.

  Just do the following and you will be ready to go:

  • Melt the beeswax and coconut oil and let them mix.
  • Allow the mixture to cool.
  • Gently press the spoon against the edge of the teeth to prevent the ulcers from chafing.

  .

  What to expect with the images

  Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that occurs as a result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).It is most commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse, be it oral, anal or genital sex.

  Genital herpes is usually caused by the HSV-2 herpes strain. The first outbreak of herpes may not occur for many years after transmission.

  But you are not alone.

  Approximately one in six people in the United States has contracted herpes infection. About 776,000 new cases of HSV-2 are reported each year.

  There is much that can be done to treat symptoms and manage outbreaks so they never disrupt your life.

  Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause oral and genital herpes, but we will focus mainly on genital HSV-2.

  Early symptoms usually appear 2–12 days after infection. There are two phases: latent and prodromal.

  • Latent phase: Infection has occurred, but no symptoms are present.
  • Prodromal phase (outbreak): At first, symptoms of an outbreak of genital herpes are usually mild. As the outbreak progresses, symptoms become more severe.Ulcers usually heal within 3-7 days.

  What to Expect

  You may feel mild itching or tingling around your genitals, or notice tiny, hard red or white bumps that are uneven or jagged.

  These bumps can also cause itching or pain. If you scratch them, they may open and ooze a white, cloudy liquid, which can lead to painful sores that can cause irritation from clothing or other materials without touching the skin.

  These blisters can appear anywhere around the genitals and surrounding areas, including:

  • vulva
  • vaginal opening
  • cervix
  • butt
  • upper thigh
  • anus
  • urethra

  also have symptoms similar to those of the influenza virus, including:

  The first outbreak is usually the most severe. Blisters can be very itchy or painful, and ulcers can develop in many areas around the genitals.

  But each subsequent outbreak is usually less severe. The pain or itching won’t be as bad, the sores won’t heal that long, and you probably won’t experience the same flu symptoms you experienced during the first outbreak.

  The symptoms of genital herpes differ at each stage of the outbreak. They may start weakly, but as the outbreak worsens, they become more noticeable and severe.

  Symptoms of genital herpes are not the same for everyone. You may even notice differences in your ulcers from outbreak to outbreak.

  Here are some examples of what genital herpes looks like in people with vulva at each stage.

  Genital herpes is spread through unprotected oral, anal, or genital sex with an infected person. It is most commonly spread when a person has sex with someone who has an active flash of open, weeping sores.

  After contact, the virus spreads through the body through mucous membranes, which are thin layers of tissue located around openings in the body, such as the nose, mouth and genitals.

  The virus then invades the cells in your body with the DNA or RNA material of which they are made. This allows them to essentially become part of your cell and reproduce themselves whenever your cells do.

  Here are some of the ways a doctor can diagnose genital herpes:

  • Physical Exam: The doctor will look at any physical symptoms and check your general health for any other signs of genital herpes, such as swollen lymph nodes or high fever.
  • Blood test: A blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test can show the levels of antibodies in your bloodstream to help fight HSV infection. These levels are higher when you have had a herpes infection or an outbreak.
  • Culture for virus: A small sample is taken from fluid oozing from an ulcer or from an infected area if there is no open ulcer. They will send the sample to a laboratory for analysis for HSV-2 viral material to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: First, a blood or tissue sample is taken from an open wound. The lab then runs a PCR test with DNA from your sample to check for viral material in your blood – this is known as viral load. This test can confirm the diagnosis of HSV and tell the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2.

  Genital herpes cannot be completely cured. But there are many ways to treat the symptoms of a flare-up and prevent them from occurring – or at least reduce them throughout life.

  Antiviral drugs are the most common form of treatment for genital herpes infections.

  Antiviral drugs can stop the virus from multiplying in your body, reducing the chances of an infection spreading and an outbreak. They can also help prevent transmission of the virus to anyone you have sex with.

  Some common antiviral treatments for genital herpes include:

  Your doctor may only recommend antiviral treatment if you begin to see symptoms of a flare-up.But you may need to take antiviral drugs every day if you have frequent flare-ups, especially if they are severe.

  Your doctor may recommend pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve any pain or discomfort you experience before and during a flare-up.

  You can also place an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel over your genitals to reduce inflammation during an outbreak.

  Here are some methods to make sure that herpes is not spread or has gotten from another person:

  • Ask partners to wear a condom or other protective barrier during intercourse.This will help protect the genital area from infected fluid in your partner’s genitals. Keep in mind that a person with a penis does not need to ejaculate in order to transmit the virus to you – touching infected tissue with your mouth, genitals, or anus can lead you to infect you with the virus.
  • Get tested on regularly to make sure you are not carrying the virus, especially if you are sexually active. Make sure all of your partners are tested before having sex.
  • Limit the number of sexual partners to to reduce the likelihood of you unknowingly contracting the virus from a new partner or partner who may have sex with other partners.
  • Do not use douches or vaginal perfumes. Douching can upset the balance of beneficial bacteria in your vagina and make you more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.

  You are not alone.Tens of millions of other people go through the same thing.

  Try talking to someone close to you about your experience with genital herpes.

  Good hearing, especially someone who might be experiencing the same thing, can greatly relieve pain and discomfort, and may even give you some tips on how to best manage your symptoms.

  If you are uncomfortable talking to a friend, try finding a genital herpes support group.This could be a traditional meeting group in your city, or an online community in places like Facebook or Reddit where people can openly and sometimes anonymously share their experiences.

  Genital herpes is one of the most common STIs. Symptoms are not always immediately noticeable, so it is important to see a doctor right away and get tested if you think you may have been infected and want to avoid transmitting the infection.

  Although there is no cure, antiviral treatment can minimize the number of outbreaks and the severity of symptoms.

  Just remember that you can still transmit genital herpes to someone even if there hasn’t been an outbreak, so always practice safe sex to keep the virus from spreading.

  . 90,000 Infectionist – about death and disability from a tick bite

  – Now I understand what your dispute is with those people who claim that there is chronic Lyme. They just continue to treat the infection.

  – They keep treating the infection, yes. But the infection as such is no longer there, there are consequences.

  – This is an important point. It just seems to me that in those posts or articles that I have seen, it is not clearly formulated that you, too, acknowledge that people have consequences.

  – Well, no, the consequences after any infection can remain …

  – Yes, but what is wrong with chronic Lyme as a concept to denote these consequences? People feel bad.

  – Firstly, the word “chronic” does not reflect the essence of the process, because the infection itself is gone, there are consequences.Let’s say a child suffered from herpetic encephalitis at the age of one month, which formed a severe organic lesion of the central nervous system with epilepsy. We do not then say that he is a deeply disabled person, that he has chronic herpes. Herpes has been in an inactive phase for a long time.

  He developed a gross defect in the nervous system – these are the consequences of the transferred infectious process, but the process itself is over. That is, there is no longer active inflammation.

  Secondly, there is an alternative organization ILADS, created by patients and the “loyal” doctors who have joined them, as it is now fashionable to say “integrative direction”.These comrades are trying to link many of the manifestations not associated with Lyme disease with Lyme disease.

  – For example?

  – Well, these are mainly somatoform disorders, anxiety disorders, a wide range of depressive disorders. When a patient feels bad, vague pains, anxiety, he goes to doctors, conducts numerous studies, but finds nothing terrible.

  After all, damage to the nervous system can be not only against the background of borreliosis. There are many problems after other inflammatory manifestations.

  There is such a psychological concept – avoidance. For example, patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease deny their diagnosis to the last. Because they find it uncomfortable – it changes their way of life. It is easier for them to look for an intestinal infection until the last, but they need to find an “enemy” and fight with him, for example, as the adherents of “chronic yersiniosis infection” do. They will treat their Yersinia or other bacteria to the last, because, in their understanding, the bacteria are to blame for the symptoms they have.Therefore, they are looking for a doctor who will agree with their perception of the disease. And, unfortunately, there are such doctors.

  – This organization, which you named, ILADS, where is it and what is its status in general ?

  – It is originally from the United States of America, not created by doctors. But there are doctors who are considered friendly to this organization. It is not recognized by either the World Health Organization or the CDC. That is, it is an alternative club of interests. This is a big “cesspool” in which you need to understand.Because there may be real Lyme patients who have not been treated, and those who cannot come to terms with its consequences, believing that if you continue to be treated with an antibiotic, something will be cured. And there are patients who have no symptoms of borreliosis at all, they have other disorders, but they are more comfortable this way.

  – But here, too, a number of doctors recognize chronic Lyme, including, for example, the Research Institute of Rheumatology. There is also a well-known specialist …

  – There is a certain specialist at the Institute of Rheumatology who is not an infectious disease specialist.And according to certification requirements, it has no right to treat infectious diseases in principle.

  – But at the same time, the Research Institute of Rheumatology is still a status, it is not a private organization.

  – We do not have strict requirements for the work of research institutes. For example, in St. Petersburg, at the Mechnikov Northwestern Medical University at the Mycology Research Institute, there is a completely insane doctor of medical sciences, professor, allergist-immunologist. She denies the benefits of vaccinations and treats everyone with dietary supplements and piles of immunomodulators.She is in severe delirium and writes letters to the president that vaccination will destroy the Russian nation, for example. Unfortunately, these characters are everywhere.

  – With psychiatry, of course, this is a streamlined story. But if a person really continues to twitch the nerve on the leg or face, or with the joints, problems remain. He has already gone through several courses of antibiotics and it does not help.

  – Borrelia has some proteins with a similar antigenic composition to the tissues of the human body, it can trigger autoimmune reactions.There is a specific genotype associated with the HLA B-27 genes in patients in whom any infectious process, in principle, can trigger the development of reactive arthropathy.

  It is the same with neurology. We have physiological methods for studying the nervous system. We can examine nerve conduction. If there is no problem in the study, and the patient feels it, it does not mean that he is inventing it. But it means that his perception of these symptoms is distorted.

  In this case, psychiatrists, psychotherapists are needed.But the patient will refuse to the last the help of these specialists, of course. Patients believe that they will be immediately registered at the district neuropsychiatric dispensary, this will entail infringement of their rights, restrictions on hiring, and so on. In our country, a diagnosis from the field of psychiatry is considered shameful, although it is the same diagnosis as for heart or kidney disease.

  – And if a patient went, say, to a psychiatrist, and he does not see the patient’s problems with the perception of reality, does not see strong anxiety? And the person continues to feel problems in the body.

  – Psychiatrists are different. It might be worth seeing another psychiatrist. Perhaps the patient is poorly formulating the purpose of the visit to the psychiatrist. You can also go to a psychiatrist and say: “Here, they sent me to be checked.” Or you can say: “I have complaints, I go to the doctors, I get examined, I am worried that everyone kicks and says that they are healthy, but I feel bad”. Agree, different situations.

  Symptoms can be tested to see if they persist or not. In any case, the symptoms do not require repeated courses of antibiotic therapy, because the maximum course completely removes the pathogen from the body.

  – Or maybe it’s like they cured me, the symptoms went away, and returned a year later?

  – No, this practically does not happen. We must look at what these symptoms are and what these symptoms are associated with.

  What You Should Know About Herpes During Pregnancy

  • Causes
  • Influence on the Baby
  • Treatment
  • Postpartum
  • Takeaway

  If you’ve ever had herpes – these annoying, painful, tiny blisters filled liquid that usually forms around your mouth and on your lips – you know how uncomfortable they can be.

  But also, if you have ever had cold sores (and therefore already have the virus that causes them), did you know that they can recur, especially when you are under stress or hormonal fluctuations?

  Herpes during pregnancy is not uncommon and usually does not affect your growing baby. So, first breathe a deep sigh of relief. Then read on – because there are still important things to know about herpes if you expect it.

  Causes of Herpes in Pregnancy

  After you have had herpes (oral herpes), the virus stays in your body for life – it is simply inactive unless you have an ongoing outbreak.

  If you’ve never had HSV, you can only get it through contact with someone who was sick. When it comes to the first herpes infection, it can happen through actions such as:

  • kiss;
  • exchange of food or dishes;
  • someone else’s use of ChapStick or lip gloss
  • oral sex

  Impact on your developing baby

  Here’s the really good news: if you already have the virus, it causes cold sores and you have an oral herpes outbreak during pregnancy it probably won’t affect your growing child in any way.

  Herpes is a localized infection, usually around the mouth. They usually do not cross the placenta or reach your baby.

  The highest risk scenario is infection with the herpes simplex virus for the first time in the third trimester of pregnancy.

  Congenital herpes is serious. However, this is a problem of genital herpes, not oral herpes. That being said, since the same virus can cause both, it is important to talk to your obstetrician about any herpes during pregnancy.

  Treating herpes during pregnancy

  The most common treatment for herpes is the over-the-counter topical cream docosanol (Abreva). But the FDA did not assess its safety during pregnancy.

  Although some studies have determined that it is “probably safe” during pregnancy, at least one pharmaceutical company that makes the drug warns against its use.except when really needed – which really means you need to consult your doctor. You may want to try other treatments first.

  If you have had herpes in the past, your doctor may recommend antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or valacyclovir starting at 36 weeks and continuing until the baby is born. even if you do not have an ongoing outbreak of rashes in the genital area. This helps prevent the virus from reactivating and spreading to the genital area.

  This precaution is that you should not expose your baby to vaginal herpes during labor.

  Alternatively, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section that avoids the birth canal entirely – which is especially important if you are currently having a genital herpes outbreak.

  Herpes after your baby is born

  Herpes is highly contagious even though it will not affect your baby in the womb. If you have them after giving birth, do not kiss these adorable cheeks or touch any sores, and then touch the newborn without first washing your hands with soap and water.

  In very rare cases when you have herpes. on any breast, avoid feeding from that breast while you are still infectious.

  Your cold sores are contagious until they crust over and begin to heal.

  If you pass a herpes infection to your newborn, it is called neonatal herpes. While not as serious as the birth-born version, it can still cause serious complications in a baby who has not yet developed a strong immune system.

  Conclusion

  Cold sores on your mouth are likely to be more annoying than they pose a serious risk to your developing baby, especially in the first two trimesters of pregnancy and especially if you have had one before. But you should still inform your midwife about this.

  The herpes virus – usually HSV-1 – can also cause genital herpes, which poses a greater risk to your pregnancy and the growth of your baby.

  If you have an outbreak in the third trimester or the first time you get the virus in the third trimester, your doctor may ask you to follow certain treatment guidelines or precautions, such as antiviral drugs or caesarean section.

  • Parenting
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy health

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