Herpetic rashes localized on the skin of the face are one of the most common types of herpes. They are accompanied by severe pain and aesthetic rejection of the resulting blisters filled with clear liquid. Often this condition is accompanied by general intoxication of the body, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and weakness. What does herpes look like on the face (photo) and treatment.
Can herpes be on the body?
People suffer from all kinds of skin diseases and various rashes. However, it is herpes on the body that is quite widespread, while it looks extremely unpleasant and provokes many problems.
We can say that in terms of the ratio of the risk of getting sick and the disadvantages of the disease, it is herpes that is in the lead.
If you don’t have a clear idea of what these blisters with redness on the skin look like, you can look at the herpes in the photo. These are really very noticeable rashes, bright, convex, with pustules.
What is herpes photo
It is almost impossible to disguise them. In addition, using various cosmetics containing chemicals in order to hide such defects is generally not recommended.
Experts note that under a layer of makeup, irritation will intensify even more.
The disease can affect the mucous membranes, genitals, back and chest, even the neck
and face. Some believe that herpes traditionally forms on the lips, representing a kind of cold phenomenon, a symptom of hypothermia.
In reality, the disease is much more serious, and it can affect almost any part of the body.
Unfortunately, the herpes virus is so dangerous that it is capable of destroying the genes of cells from the inside by introducing itself into them from the outside. In this case, specialists will no longer be able to rid a person of the disease forever.
We will talk here only about temporary relief from unpleasant sensations and visual signs. In addition, it is extremely important to prevent relapses of the disease.
Herpes appears on the body unexpectedly. It is important to diagnose the disease in time and begin treatment immediately.
Routes of infection and types of herpes infection
According to the WHO, herpes is one of the most common infections in the world. Up to 90% of people are infected with herpesvirus and are carriers of the pathogen throughout their lives.
A person with a strong immune system may not even be aware of the presence of the herpes virus.
There are 8 known types of pathogens, of which 6 pathogens are the most common.
- Type 1 – herpes labialis virus. Affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, the skin of the lips and nasolabial triangle. Infection occurs through contact with a sick person or a virus carrier (through kissing, dirty hands), through sneezing and coughing with drops of saliva, through household items and toys. Infection occurs in early childhood (3-6 years). The most common representative of herpes viruses.
- Type 2 – genital herpes virus. It affects the mucous membranes of the urethra and vagina, the skin of the external genitalia, perineum, and inner thighs. Infection occurs during sexual intercourse without the use of barrier contraception. Infection with herpes infection occurs at the age of onset of sexual activity.
- Type 3 – varicella zoster virus in children and herpes zoster virus in adults. Primary infection is typical in childhood (3-7 years) by airborne droplets or contact and causes chickenpox. Once infected, the virus can take 10 to 40 years to reactivate and lead to shingles.
- Type 4 – Epstein-Barr virus. Primary infection occurs between the ages of 3 and 18 years. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, contact, blood transfusion (blood transfusion), and transplantation (organ transplantation). The pathogen manifests itself in the form of infectious mononucleosis, and less commonly causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma and herpangina.
- Type 5 – cytomegalovirus. Primary infection occurs in childhood (3-15 years) by contact (usually through kissing) or by airborne droplets, during organ transplantation and contaminated blood transfusion. The pathogen leads to the development of mononucleosopod syndrome.
- Type 6 is a virus that causes sudden (infantile) exanthema. Infection is typical for children aged 2-5 years. Infection occurs by contact and airborne droplets.
The herpes virus is transmitted vertically - during childbirth from a mother in an active form of the disease to the child. In such cases, infection of a newborn causes severe damage to internal organs, the nervous system, and the organ of vision.
Why does herpes appear on the body?
First of all, we will try to understand what causes herpes to appear on the body. Why does a particular person suddenly develop these rashes, experience irritation, and develop unpleasant blisters with suppuration?
The main risk factor is any contact with an infected carrier of the herpes virus. If a person comes into contact with such a carrier, he can become infected already in infancy, in the first year of life.
The pathogen is localized in the central nervous system, after which it can no longer be completely destroyed.
Herpes on the skin photo
However, the presence of a strain of the virus does not mean that the appearance of herpes on the body will be visible. The virus can lie dormant in the human body for years, decades. The latent period can last a lifetime.
Under favorable conditions, for example, a person’s immunity is sharply weakened, and the dormant virus instantly awakens. Then herpes becomes visible on the body.
Here are the most characteristic reasons why the disease begins to develop and its obvious symptoms appear.
- Immune deficiency, a significant weakening of the body's defenses.
- Regular overexertion, a state of permanent stress, psychological and emotional overload.
- Diabetes, instability of blood sugar levels.
- Temperature changes, hypothermia and overheating also have a negative effect on the body. And they may well provoke the activation of the previously dormant herpes virus.
- Sometimes the disease develops due to the use of specific medications.
- Exacerbation of chronic ailments.
- Colds, infections of various types.
Herpes on the body is of viral origin. And this must be taken into account during the treatment process. It is advisable to take into account whether the carrier can infect others with the disease.
It is important to note that herpes can be infected in different ways: through airborne droplets, sexual contact, and even through ordinary household contacts.
Thus, in order to become infected with herpes, you do not have to enter into any kind of close relationship with the carrier of the virus. It is enough to simply have common items of use.
The virus is characterized by increased resistance to negative conditions and environmental influences. Even if the source of the virus is frozen to a critical temperature of 70 degrees, the strain will live in such conditions for several more days.
True, it tolerates heat worse: it begins to die already at +55 degrees.
Is it possible to wet herpes on the body?
Why is it so difficult to create a cure?
Herpes is difficult to cure due to the nature of the virus. An HSV infection can lurk in a person's nerve cells for months or years before reappearing and reactivating the infection.
Experts suggest that even if antiviral drugs destroy the active parts of the infection, it only takes a small amount of the virus to hide in nerve cells and lurk for the herpes virus to continue.
To find a cure, scientists need to better understand the mechanism that allows the infection to hide. By preventing this mechanism, they could control the infection as a whole before parts of it go dormant.
Herpes on the body: types of strains
Experts have identified only eight different types of herpes strains on the body.
Herpes of the first and second types has become most widespread. These are the well-known small blisters on the lips, which have long been popularly called a cold, as well as a genital ailment.
The third type of disease occurs with herpes zoster and chickenpox. When a child suffers from chickenpox, the symptoms can be stopped fairly quickly. Ringworm is noticeably more difficult to treat, although with the use of well-chosen complex therapy, it can also be dealt with. Vitamins, pain relievers, and antihistamines are used.
The fourth type is less common. It is directly connected to the nervous and lymphatic system and provokes the development of mononucleosis and lymphogranulomatosis.
The fifth type of herpes has long been considered a sexually transmitted infection. The disease is caused by the virus cytomegalovirus. However, this virus is easily transmitted through blood, even by airborne droplets. It is incorrect to consider this disease a sexually transmitted infection.
There are three other types that are the most difficult for doctors to deal with. They are poorly studied in modern medicine. Symptoms include the appearance of herpes on the body. Rashes and redness occur. At the same time, deviations in the functioning of the central nervous system gradually develop. For example, chronic fatigue syndrome is characteristic.
Sometimes herpes does not appear on the body, but on the cuticle and nails.
Methods to speed up recovery
To ensure that simple genital or herpes zoster does not linger for a long time, at the first manifestation of symptomatic signs, all efforts should be directed not only to its elimination, but also to strengthening the immune defense. To do this, it is recommended to use plant-based immunomodulators in the form of tincture of Eleutherococcus or Echinacea. Isoprinosine tablets have no less effect. The duration of taking these drugs and dosage should only be prescribed by a doctor.
An important aspect of successful treatment is the use of antiviral drugs, among which the most effective are:
- Acyclovir tablets, gels and ointments;
- Zovirax cream;
- Bonafton ointment.
To speed up the healing process, traditional methods of treatment can also be used, in the form of:
- aloe or lemon juice;
- table salt;
- garlic cloves.
It is recommended to use the juice to lubricate wounds and blisters, and garlic cloves and salt should be applied to the affected areas.
Herpes on the body: how defects appear
When herpes appears on the body, the biggest problem is caused by the so-called herpes zoster - this is herpes zoster. It is very noticeable, instantly spoils the appearance, provokes severe pain, malaise, and is dangerous during pregnancy.
The person suffers from fever, weakness and chills. The skin becomes painful and very sensitive.
Sometimes the rash becomes further damaged and may persist for another month. This continues until all the pustules and wounds heal.
Herpes on the body becomes noticeable in the form of a rash. It consists of clusters of bubbles with different densities. Some burst, others remain in the same state.
Herpes on the body photo symptoms
When a herpes blister bursts, the wound then gradually dries out and crusts over. If everything has already passed, even the scabs have fallen off, small spots, quite light, may remain on the skin.
You can see very clearly what herpes looks like on the body in the photo. The rash is large, bright, and immediately noticeable.
Remember ! It is necessary to avoid any contact with people in whom you notice similar defects on their bodies. If it is a herpes virus, you are already at risk of infection, since it is transmitted quite easily, through household means.
Duration of the incubation period for herpes infection
The incubation (asymptomatic) period is the period of time between infection and the onset of the clinical phase of the disease. Depending on the type of herpes, the incubation period varies in length. At this time, the pathogen penetrates tissues and organs, causes a local and general inflammatory reaction, and leads to the body’s immune response to infection. The incubation period of herpes is of significant importance for diagnosing the disease, identifying the source of infection and the route of transmission of infection.
Herpes symptoms
The clinical picture depends largely on the state of health in general and the functioning of all human life support systems.
For example, if immunity is lowered, the symptoms will be more obvious and pronounced.
The localization of herpes is also of great importance.
Here are the key symptoms.
Fatigue. A person quickly gets tired, unable to perform even simple, familiar tasks.
Digestive problems begin.
In the area of the rash, discomfort, itching or burning, and pain are observed.
The temperature is subfebrile. It does not grow high, but at the same time it remains at average values, elevated, for a long time.
On the body, herpes appears in the form of numerous blisters and redness. Some bubbles begin to open.
Typically, the location of the virus depends on the method of infection and the place of initial entry. After four days, the illness begins to gradually disappear.
However, if the eyes, cornea, or nerve endings of the face and head are affected, the inflammation can take a long time, develop, and cause a lot of inconvenience.
When herpes develops with complications, accompanying symptoms appear:
- nausea with vomiting;
- fainting;
- chills;
- hyperthermia;
- distortion of taste and smell;
- weakening of muscles in areas of rashes;
- dizziness;
- headache.
When these symptoms are added to the standard signs, it is necessary to conduct an additional examination and begin intensive drug therapy.
Pathology in the lip area and treatment time
How many days it takes for herpes on the lip to go away depends entirely on the degree of damage, symptomatic signs and the timeliness of treatment measures taken.
When a herpetic infection develops in the lip area, a person first begins to experience symptoms of a slight tingling sensation, which gradually develops into a sensation of itching and burning, and the surface of the lips becomes swollen. After 24-48 hours, herpetic nodules begin to form in this area in the form of blistering rashes, which increase in size in a minimum period of time, causing a person an unpleasant feeling of pain and distorting external attractiveness.
If you pay attention to these symptoms in a timely manner, identify the development of herpetic pathology and immediately begin to treat herpes, the healing process will not take more than 5-7 days.
How many days does it take for herpes on the lips to go away in the later stages of manifestation, when herpetic blisters have already formed?
The resulting blisters contain clear liquid inside, and any contact with them is very painful. At this stage of the development of the disease, the person becomes infectious and poses a potential danger of infection to others, since the liquid contains a high concentration of herpetic viruses. This stage will last about 3-4 days. After this, the bubbles burst, the dangerous liquid flows out, and in their place painful ulcerative areas are formed, which become covered with a crust as they heal. At that stage, the main thing is not to come into contact with the sores with your hands and not to tear off the formed crust, as the likelihood of infection of healthy areas of the epidermis increases.
If a person’s immunity is in order, then when using special ointments, the brown crusts will begin to fall off on the 2nd or 3rd day, and only pink spots will remain in their place.
But how long does it take for herpes on the lips to go away if a person’s immune defense system is weakened? In such cases, herpes on the lips lasts longer, and the ulcers begin to heal only by the end of the second week. In such a situation, you should contact an immunologist to prescribe immune-strengthening drugs and vitamin complexes.
Virus in children
Children often become infected with herpes. First of all, they suffer from unpleasant sensations in the area of rashes, fatigue and poor health.
Often, in children, the rash lasts much longer, since they necessarily scratch the lesions, injuring the skin and causing further spread of the rash.
Chickenpox is easier to treat in children, despite chills and weakness with fever.
Also, sometimes herpes rash is confused with rubella. The difference is simple: if you press on the herpes, it will turn pale.
It is extremely important to promptly cure herpes in a child, since otherwise various complications may develop: sore throat, hepatitis or stomatitis, viral encephalitis and even cerebral palsy. After all, the virus can depress the nervous system.
What does herpes look like on the body photo
How and how long does it take for genital herpes to appear in men and women after infection?
Photo: Andrew Krasovitckii / Shutterstock.com
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the mucous surfaces of the genital organs, with the possible manifestation of neoplasms in the perineal area, anus, and inner thighs. The disease affects both men and women. In the latter, it proceeds more aggressively and for a long time.
How does genital herpes manifest in women and men? How long does it take for the disease to appear? What should you do if the disease makes itself felt and how to protect yourself from this disease? The answers to these questions are given in the article.
Illness in pregnant women
When a woman is preparing to become a mother, the situation is especially difficult. It is necessary to treat the disease, since the virus and the inflammation itself are dangerous to the fetus.
At the same time, it is very difficult to select medications, given the patient’s situation. A weakened immune system due to pregnancy also creates a problem.
There is a high probability of relapse, and inflammation sometimes provokes termination of pregnancy.
If the second half of pregnancy is already underway, herpes may cause disturbances in the development of the baby, or the disease will provoke premature birth with subsequent infection of the child from the mother.
Herpes on the body photo
Routes of transmission of the virus
The herpes virus is highly contagious (infectious). It is transmitted in a variety of ways, depending on the strains. Fortunately, the most dangerous types are less resistant, while the common first and second types cover up to 90% of the population of our planet.
You can become infected in the following ways:
- Sexually, if we are talking about the genital zoster type. The pathogens are specific strains that are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, both genital, oral or anal. Often aggravated by bacteriological infection - chlamydia, gonorrhea. They cause such an unpleasant manifestation of the disease as shingles.
- In everyday life, also with kissing. This is the most common type of transmission. When herpes appears on the face, it is enough to use the same towel, pillow, or touch the area of furniture with unprotected skin where the person with the open form of the disease had previously been. Infection occurs within two hours, but long asymptomatic carriage is possible.
- When using someone else's cosmetics, including samples.
- Children can become infected both in kindergarten or school, and from their parents. The virus is dangerous in the first months of a baby’s life, as well as herpes during the mother’s pregnancy.
Before deciding how to treat herpes, it is advisable to understand the source, because all forms except the one that causes chickenpox are recurrent. Thus, treatment methods will not bring the desired effect due to the problem of constant re-infection and recirculation of the infectious agent.
Diagnostics
The easiest way to diagnose the disease is visually. You can clearly see what herpes looks like on the body in the photo. It is also important to know the specifics of the rashes and the features of their localization.
Special tests may be prescribed to determine the presence of antibodies to herpes in the human body.
If the patient is pregnant, such an analysis will become a mandatory diagnostic tool in preparation for drug therapy.
In young children, the presence of the virus is primarily determined by seizures that occur for no reason.
What to do if signs of a herpes virus infection appear?
When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you must immediately consult a doctor - a dermatovenerologist, or for women - a gynecologist, and for men - a urologist-andrologist. To diagnose the disease, it is important to take smears to determine the infection, as well as do a blood test. After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe the correct treatment.
To treat genital herpes, doctors use the following drugs:
- antiviral tablets based on the active substance - acyclovir, which stops the replication of viral DNA and helps overcome the symptoms of the disease;
- ointments with a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic effect. The most common ointments are: Zovirax, Viferon, Herpferon.
If the cause of frequent exacerbations of genital herpes is reduced immunity, then, in addition to antiviral drugs, the doctor may prescribe immunostimulating agents that will improve the functioning of the immune system.
It is very important to treat the disease, since this disease can lead to the following consequences:
- herpetic cystitis - inflammation of the mucous wall of the bladder;
- herpetic urethritis in men - inflammation of the urethra;
- against the background of frequent attacks of herpes virus infection, men develop prostatitis, which can cause infertility and lead to problems with potency;
- In women, due to genital herpes, inflammatory processes of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may begin, which will lead to complications in pregnancy and gestation.
In some cases, an activated herpes virus infection leads to malformations of the unborn baby or causes premature birth. Due to bubble formations and erosions in the anal area, problems with defecation may appear, when the process becomes very painful, often accompanied by the appearance of blood from the anal area.
Treatment
It is imperative to treat herpes. It is important to eliminate symptoms and prevent complications from occurring.
There are a number of medications available to treat herpes. These are different types of drugs. Let's look at the main ones that enjoy well-deserved trust and demand.
- Painkillers. Uses Ibuprofen and Paracetamol to relieve irritation and pain. Lidocaine is used externally.
- Antiseptic agents are needed to treat wounds. You can choose Chlorhexidine, Miramistin.
- Antiviral. Zovirax and Valtrex are popular. The best solution is to start taking them before the blisters swell and the skin begins to itch.
- Regenerating. Healing is provided by Depanthenol, Panthenol. You can use ointment and spray in turn. Then you will be able to determine the most suitable option.
When there is herpes on the body, diet becomes of great importance. It is advisable to give up sweets and fatty foods, and also temporarily exclude seeds and nuts from the menu.
You need to take more vitamins, vegetables and fruits, and give preference to legumes.
Irradiation of the affected areas with ultraviolet rays helps. A modern technique using a laser is also used.
This ensures disinfection, elimination of the pathogenic environment, and good drying of the skin with further rapid healing.
Personal hygiene is also of great importance. This is important if a virus carrier lives in a house with healthy people.
It is important to have personal dishes, linen and towels, accessories, combs, etc. You should take a shower 1-2 times throughout the day.
Try to immediately diagnose herpes on the body. Treatment must be started immediately, as complications from the disease can be very serious. Be careful.
Prevention
Statistics show that almost 90% of the population is infected with herpes virus types 1, 2. However, a person can control the recurrence of this infection. To do this, it is important to adhere to certain preventive measures:
- strengthen the immune system, which is a reliable defense against many diseases and the basis of health;
- balance your diet by consuming more fortified vegetables, fruits, and herbs;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- avoid hypothermia, especially in winter;
- control sexual activity, use barrier methods of contraception during sexual intercourse - condoms;
- avoid frequent stress, excessive physical and emotional stress;
- Regularly, at least once a year, be examined by a dermatovenerologist.
The above information and advice will help you timely notice the onset of the disease, begin proper treatment, and subsequently protect yourself from the disease.
