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Herpes simplex is a common viral infection.When speaking about herpes, it is important to know that two basic types of Herpes simplex exist.
Herpes simplex 1 virus type 1 (HSV – 1) is usually related to the lip, mouth, and face infection, which is why this type of disease is called oral herpes or herpes labialis.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV – 2) is related to the damaged genital mucosa (mucosa of external sex organs) and is transmitted through sexual intercourse. This type of disease is also called genital herpes.
Both types of this virus are extremely contagious and the first symptoms tend to appear 1 or 2 weeks after being in contact with an infected person.
Today, it is known that HSV – 1, which has previously been considered as the only cause of the herpes labialis (herpes on the lips) and herpes diseases in the areas above the waist, can also cause genital herpes diseases.
It is estimated that 95% of population gets infected by Herpes simplex by the time they reach school age.
Herpes simplex type 1
The primary infection usually occurs in the early childhood, for example while playing or hugging, and the symptoms are usually not visible. Once the virus manages to reach the epithelium cells through the damages on the skin or on the mucosa, it travels via sensory nerves to the neural ganglia and stays there for life.
This type of a virus is usually transmitted through the mouth, by direct contact (a kiss or a drop of saliva will suffice). The infection can pass without any symptoms or symptoms that resemble infections of the upper respiratory tract. After the initial contact with the host, the virus plants itself in the part of the nervous system around the lips, remains in the body forever, and “wakes up” less or more often. The most common reasons that activate it are related to the immune system crash, flu, common cold, stress, fatigue, increased body temperature, cold air, or menstruation.
Even though the infection by Herpes simplex type is relatively harmless, some complications can occur if the disease spreads to other body parts. Transition of the virus to the eyes is extremely dangerous, because it can cause an eye infection near the eyelids, conjunctiva, or cornea, and thus damage cornea.
During the infection (while a small wound still exists), kissing should be avoided, as well as oral sex, because Herpes simplex type 1 can also transfer to sexual organs. This disease cannot be cured and can only be alleviated with the remedies for symptom relief.
Although more than 90 percent of adult population carries the type 1 virus, only 20 to 45 percent of virus carriers experience very frequent herpes manifestations.
How to recognize a Herpes simplex infection?
The initial signs of herpes breaking out, especially on a lower lip, are a slight burning and itching sensation accompanied by the appearance of redness and swelling, as well as the typical blisters the size of a millet grain that group into clusters. Liquid accumulates in the center of a blister, clear in the beginning and opaque later, which is very contagious and represents a genuine concentrate of viruses. Although the source of the infection can be a person who carries the virus without any visible symptoms of herpes, it is definitely more likely for sensitive persons, primarily infants and children, to get infected while being in contact with a person who has clear symptoms of the disease. After 5 – 7 days, the blisters break, dry out, and yellowish-brown scabs form in their place. In this phase, the disease is no longer contagious. Scabs fall off by themselves and do not leave scars.
Herpes simplex virus infection in children
During the first encounter with this virus (primal infection) against which he or she does not have immunity, an infant or a small child reacts by having very tumultuous symptoms, and the disease manifests itself as a heavy mouth inflammation, the redness of the mouth and pharynx mucosa, and, most often, with an unusually high temperature. The child’s indisposition, languor, rejection of food, and increased drooling are the precursors of the painful blisters that cover the mouth’s mucosa.
After a child gets over this heavy infection, the virus covertly stays within his or her body (nerve plexuses, ganglia), ready to reappear when the conditions are appropriate, and one of such conditions is the exposure to sun rays.
Ultraviolet (violet) rays of sun’s spectrum stimulate the central nervous system to some extent (brain, spinal cord), and in some other inexplicable way, they “wake up” the virus that lingers in the nerve ganglia. As a consequence, herpes appears most often on the lips (herpes labialis), but the appearance of blisters on the mouth and cheeks is not usual when it comes to children.
Why does the virus activation occur?
The most frequent triggers that can activate the concealed virus and cause relapse are:
• Skin injuries and irritations
• Increased bodily temperature
• Exposure to heavy ultraviolet radiation
• Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy)
•Stress, fatigue, psychological tension
• General immunosuppression, caused by certain medications, for example.
In these situations, the activated virus travels from the nerve ganglia to the skin and mucosa, where it affects the upper layers of skin, multiplies, and causes various symptoms.
Newer studies show that a person can have a relapse without having any of the classic symptoms, except the excretion of a virus, which can be proven by a PCR method or positive results of the HSV – DNA tests.
How to prevent a relapse?
In order to prevent the expansion of the virus, try not to touch the affected areas with your hands. Be careful when using cosmetic products in this stage, because viruses have the ability to survive on them for short periods of time. Apply cosmetic and medicinal cremes exclusively with Q-tips or cotton swabs.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid kissing and hugging during the acute infection phase. This is especially relevant for mothers with infants and small children, for whom the virus can be extremely dangerous. Do not forget that herpes is easily transferable through contact with dishes, silverware, and towels. This is why the infected person should use his or her own things and do not share them with others, at least until the infection persists.
Special caution is required of the persons who wear contact lenses. The herpes virus can be transferred to the eyes during the insertion of the contact lenses and cause serious damage to the eye.
Treatment
The only purposeful treatment is the use of an ointment that contains acyclovir, and preventing the appearance of the changes on the skin (esthetic problems, discomfort, and pain) by its timely usage. It is necessary to begin the treatment right after the first signs of skin lesions appear (prickling, tingling, itchiness).
Procedures that can alleviate the symptoms
Rest, use medicines against high fever and pain, do not squeeze the blisters or scratch yourself, avoid kissing and touching while the blisters are present, wash your hands thoroughly after touching another person.
While you have herpes, avoid contact with newborn babies and persons who suffer from skin eczema, because they are more prone to the infection. Also avoid contact with persons who have a weakened immune system (persons who are taking anti-cancer drugs or drugs for transplantation), because the virus can seriously jeopardize their lives.