Herpes Treatment

Herpes is a common infectious disease that manifests as characteristic blistering rashes on the skin or mucous membranes. After the primary infection, the virus remains in the body and may periodically become activated.

Exacerbations often occur against the background of decreased immunity, stress, or hypothermia. The rashes are accompanied by tingling, itching, or pain and may repeatedly appear in one and the same area. Herpes on the lip occurs most often, however the rash may also appear on other areas of the body.

The appearance of herpes on the face or body, the spread of the rash, pronounced discomfort, or frequent recurrences are grounds for undergoing a dermatologist examination. Properly selected treatment helps shorten the duration of the exacerbation, reduce the risk of complications, and control the course of the infection.

Herpesvirus infection has several clinical forms that differ in localization, course, and type of virus.

The main types of herpes:

• herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) — most often manifests as rashes on the lips, wings of the nose, and cheeks and may periodically appear in one and the same area;
• herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) — mainly affects the mucous membranes and skin of the genital organs and is transmitted mostly sexually;
• shingles (Herpes zoster) — caused by the chickenpox virus and manifests as a painful rash that is located on one side of the body in the form of a band.

Regardless of localization, an exacerbation goes through several consecutive stages.

Stages of herpes:

• prodromal period — tingling, itching, burning, or a feeling of tension appears;
• vesicular stage — small blisters with transparent contents form on a reddened base;
• erosive stage — the blisters open, superficial erosions form;
• healing stage — a crust forms, which gradually dries and falls off without scars if the area is not traumatized.

Usually, the rashes disappear within 7–14 days, however, with weakened immunity, the process may last longer.

After primary infection, the herpes virus remains in the body in an inactive state. Exacerbations occur under the influence of factors that weaken immune defense.

The main causes include:

• decreased immunity after a cold or other infectious diseases;
• hypothermia or overheating;
• emotional stress, overfatigue, lack of sleep;
• hormonal changes, in particular during menstruation or pregnancy;
• traumatization of the skin or mucous membranes;
• chronic diseases that affect the immune system;
• taking medications that suppress immunity.

It is important to understand that the herpes pathogen itself is already present in the body, and repeated rashes are a consequence of its reactivation. That is why treatment is aimed at controlling the activity of the infection and reducing the frequency of recurrences.

The first stage is an examination by a dermatologist. The doctor assesses the nature of the rashes, their localization, the stage of development of the elements, and the frequency of recurrences. In most cases, the typical clinical picture allows the diagnosis to be established already during the consultation.

To confirm the infection or clarify the type of virus, additional studies may be prescribed:

• PCR testing of the contents of blisters or swabs — the most informative method for detecting viral DNA and determining its type;
• blood test for antibodies — used to confirm contact with herpesvirus or in an atypical course;
• examination of the immune system in frequent, prolonged, or severe recurrences.

It is important to take into account that there are different types of herpes. If it concerns the genital form, the doctor may recommend additional testing for STIs in women and men. Such a comprehensive examination allows concomitant infections to be excluded and the optimal treatment tactics to be determined.

Treatment tactics depend on the type of virus, the localization of the rashes, and the frequency of recurrences. It is important to understand that it is impossible to completely eliminate herpesvirus from the body, however comprehensive treatment of herpes allows the course of the infection to be controlled and the number of exacerbations to be reduced.

Main approaches:

• systemic antiviral therapy — drugs based on acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, which suppress the replication of the virus and shorten the duration of the rashes;
• local treatment — antiviral creams or ointments used in the early stages to reduce symptoms, but they do not replace systemic therapy in a pronounced course;
• symptomatic agents — medications to reduce pain, burning, and inflammation;
• suppressive therapy — long-term use of antiviral drugs in a preventive regimen for frequent recurrences or the genital form.

In severe cases or in patients with reduced immunity, the treatment regimen is selected individually. Self-treatment is undesirable, since an incorrect medication regimen may reduce the effectiveness of therapy and contribute to more frequent exacerbations.

Since the virus remains in the body after primary infection, prevention is aimed at reducing the risk of exacerbations and transmission of the virus to other people.

Main recommendations:

• avoid hypothermia, excessive ultraviolet exposure, and severe stress, which may provoke a recurrence;
• maintain general health — adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and control of chronic diseases;
• do not touch the rashes with your hands and do not damage the blisters in order to prevent the spread of the infection;
• use individual towels, hygiene products, and cosmetics during the period of exacerbation;
• refrain from kissing and close contact during active rashes, and in the genital form — use barrier methods of protection.

With frequent recurrences, the doctor may recommend preventive use of antiviral drugs according to an individual regimen. Regular consultations with a specialist help control the course of the infection and reduce the risk of complications.

The cost of treatment depends on the form of the disease, the scope of necessary laboratory examinations, and the chosen treatment tactics. In some cases, a doctor's consultation and prescription of antiviral drugs are sufficient, while in others, extended diagnostics and an individually selected treatment regimen are needed.

You can preliminarily review the current price for doctors' consultations here. At the Oxford Medical clinic, patients can receive a full range of medical services — from consultation and laboratory diagnostics to the selection of individual therapy. To make an appointment at a time convenient for you, contact the contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.