Herpes on the nose is an extremely common problem, the appearance of which is associated with damage to the body by the Herpes Simplex virus. Experts note that about 95% of all people are exposed to this infection. The appearance of the disease is associated with a decrease in human immunity, so the risk group includes people taking antibiotics and other strong medications, as well as those struggling with dangerous diseases. The virus in question is in the body of almost every person from early childhood, but the problem begins to manifest itself when the functions of the immune system are weakened.
What is herpes
The infection belongs to the Herpesviridae family of viruses, posing a threat to all systems of the body. The mechanism of action is cell damage. Once inside, the virus settles there for the entire time. An inherent characteristic of infection is that it occurs when the immune system weakens.
In nature, there are several types of herpes infection:
- 1st simple;
- 2nd simple;
- 3rd shingles and chicken pox;
- Epstein-Barr virus 4;
- 5th cytomegalovirus infection;
- 6th latent internal;
- 7th is detected in 90% of healthy people;
- 8th Human gammaherpesvirus against the background of oncology.
All viruses circulate asymptomatically in the body. In people with weakened immune systems, they cause serious pathologies, sometimes fatal.
Features of treatment during pregnancy and children
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system is weakened. This risks awakening a latent viral infection. Primary infection is very dangerous for a child. Relapses are not dangerous. Before planning a pregnancy, girls should get tested. This way you can find out whether there is this infection in the body or not.
If a woman becomes infected at the very beginning of pregnancy, the woman will be prescribed certain medications and vitamins. The fact is that increased viral activity is a threat to pregnancy. It can cause a miscarriage.
If herpes has already appeared, it is recommended to get rid of the itching using external means. Pregnant women need to use products that have as few contraindications as possible. Antiviral drugs are dangerous for the baby. Because of them, adverse consequences may occur.
Even in the womb, a child can be a hidden carrier of the virus. In the future, with the appearance of provoking factors, the virus will make itself felt. Symptoms are similar to those of infected adults.
Children under 11 years of age should not use antiviral drugs as treatment.
If the child’s condition is satisfactory, then you need to:
- introduce foods with vitamin C into your diet;
- take 2 capsules of fish oil daily;
- introduce foods containing calcium into the diet;
- consume high-calorie foods.
The state of the child’s immune system must be brought back to normal. Then she will be able to defeat this virus herself. However, do not forget that self-medication is strictly not recommended.
Causes of herpes on the nose
The infection on the nose recurs under the influence of external factors. Most often it is activated in spring and autumn, when immunity decreases. May occur after a cold.
Other circumstances that provoke the appearance of a virus on the nose include:
- uncontrolled insolation;
- hypothermia;
- hypovitaminosis;
- somatic diseases;
- stress;
- eating disorders;
- emotional fatigue;
- long-term use of antibiotics;
- hypovitaminosis;
- sexual relations with an infected partner.
A person can become infected with herpes infection through airborne droplets. To do this, it is enough to spend some time next to a sneezing or coughing patient.
The effect of the disease on the body
The infection, unlike other viruses, manifests itself on the mucous membrane or skin. When multiplying, herpes leads to cell death. It takes several days for the infected cells to begin to die. At the same time, they manage to provoke the emergence of new sources of spread of the virus. It is not the superficial layer that is at risk, but a little deeper – the reticular layer of the skin.
The infection multiplies through a multi-stage process.
When the outer shell of viral cells connects with healthy cells, a number of viral proteins are released. Treatment for herpes on the nose is based on the rapid suppression of these beta proteins. But the infected cells do not disappear. They are in a dormant state, compatible with the normal functioning of healthy cells.
Signs and differences from a cold
Herpes after an incubation period that lasts 2-4 days is difficult to distinguish from a cold on the nose, because their symptoms are the same:
- face is swollen;
- nose is stuffed;
- breathing through the nose is impaired;
- small tense blisters appear on a swollen base with tingling, burning, itching.
Adults and children who are immunocompromised or who are experiencing the first acute episode of infection may develop common symptoms such as:
- increased fatigue;
- fever;
- possible enlargement of regional lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), with a large number of rashes occupying a large area.
In the future, differences will begin to appear. A cold under the nose is characterized by a rash in the form of lesions, which consist of 3-5 grouped blisters, while with herpes in the nose, blisters with transparent contents are observed, which are less likely to merge.
Later they burst, with the appearance of small erosions on the skin, which epithelialize and on the 6-8th day, without the addition of a secondary infection, a healing period begins, without causing scars on the skin and without marks on the mucous membrane inside the nose.
The herpes virus has an immunosuppressive effect: the production of the body's antibodies and the production of its own interferon are inhibited, which makes it possible to consider a herpes infection, including those with unusual localization of rashes, as a disease of the immune system.
Symptoms of herpes on the nose
The infection manifests itself with the development of the inflammatory process. The incubation period can last from one day to a month. First, redness, itching and swelling appear on the affected area. The swelling then turns into blisters filled with clear fluid.
After a few days, they become cloudy, burst, and viral particles begin to leak out. In place of the blisters, ulcers remain that are covered with a dry crust. At the slightest damage, they begin to bleed and cause pain.
In addition to local symptoms, other signs may appear:
- deterioration in general health;
- weakness;
- sometimes fever.
The disease is characterized by alternating remissions and exacerbations.
Diagnosis of herpes on the nose
The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture. An anamnesis is collected, with special attention paid to relapses. After a medical examination, laboratory tests are carried out. The main diagnostic methods for infection include a number of tests.
| Method | Description |
| Laboratory diagnosis of polymerase chain reaction | A simple method is based on the study of biomaterial by repeatedly copying DNA particles of infectious agents. |
| Serodiagnosis | Allows you to evaluate the body's immune response to the introduction of a pathogen into the body. |
| Enzyme immunoassay blood test | The method allows you to identify particles of protein nature. |
| Scraping for cytological study of cells | In laboratory conditions, the structure, size, location of cells, and structural changes in the skin are studied. |
Many people have protective antibodies in their blood, as a result of which tests are repeated after some time. Repeated tests show the degree of increase and change in antibodies.
A little about the pathogen
The virus is widespread in the environment. This is due to the high susceptibility of people to this microbe and the ease with which it is transmitted from one person to another.
There are 8 varieties of this microbe found in humans. The cause of the appearance of the disease on the skin of the face, mucous membranes and nose is the herpes simplex virus of the 1st, and less often of the 2nd type. Infection occurs after its contact with the skin or mucous membrane of a person. It is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person, less often a healthy carrier participates in the transmission.
Once in the body, it moves along the nerve endings into neurons (nerve cells), after which it immediately manifests itself or waits for favorable conditions. When contributing factors appear, characteristic symptoms develop.
Prevention of herpes on the nose
Herpes on the nose, treatment of which must be started quickly at the manifestation stage in order to prevent complications, should be classified as a disease that causes relapses.
Following generally accepted hygiene measures can help reduce the likelihood of getting an infection:
- do not use other people’s hygiene products, such as a comb, cosmetics, cutlery, or towel;
- maintain a sleep and rest schedule;
- to refuse from bad habits;
- during a flu epidemic, do not visit crowded places;
- carry out hardening;
- change bedding frequently;
- monitor the state of immunity.
Smoked meats, baked goods, and chocolate should be excluded from the diet, as they contribute to the multiplication of the virus. The main method of prevention is not to contact the carrier of the infection.
Illness in pregnant and nursing mothers
During primary infection, the pregnant woman’s body does not develop immunity, which can lead to serious complications - miscarriage or fetal development abnormalities . If a woman was diagnosed with the virus before pregnancy, relapses are not as dangerous. To achieve remission, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs. However, most medications are prohibited during pregnancy.
Herbal based preparations are recommended. Self-medication is unacceptable. Medications should be carefully selected when breastfeeding. During pregnancy and pregnancy, the doctor does not prescribe antibiotics. Zovirax and Acyclovir ointments are recommended. In severe cases of the disease, systemic agents are prescribed. To prevent them from harming the baby, breastfeeding should be stopped.
Treatment methods for herpes on the nose
Herpes on the nose, which must be treated quickly, causes quite painful symptoms. To alleviate the condition and prevent further development of the infection - all this can be done with the help of medications and home remedies. Therapy includes the use of antiviral ointments, tablets, and multivitamin complexes.
Medications
For effective therapy, ointments and creams are best suited. They do not cure the disease itself, but they shorten the time of relapse, which will prevent infecting other people. Such drugs are good because they have virtually no side effects, since they are used locally.
Popular and affordable antiviral medicinal ointments include:
- Acyclovir;
- oxolinic;
- Ribavirinum;
- Zovirax Duo;
- Fenistil® Pentsivir;
- Docosanol;
- Allostatin®1;
- Valacyclovirum;
- Famciclovir.
To quickly relieve painful signs of herpes, the ointment should be applied up to 6 times a day. The product must not be rubbed in; it must be gently patted with the pad of your finger. Do not injure the damaged tissue, as the wound will begin to bleed and cause pain. Medicinal ointments should be used for at least five days.
The figure shows a regimen for taking Amiksin for the treatment of herpes on the nose and lips.
Pharmaceuticals offer antiviral tablets for treatment. They are designed to stop the spread of infection.
Among these drugs are:
- Amiksin;
- Hepon;
- Groprinosin®;
- Valacyclovirum;
- Valtrex;
- Cycloferon®.
The advantage of the tablets is that they stop the formation of viral DNA and also stimulate the immune system, helping to quickly cope with the disease. The drugs are also suitable for preventive purposes.
Traditional methods
Herpes on the nose, which needs to be treated quickly, can be eliminated at home with the help of herbal products. They will not destroy the virus, but will reduce the severity of symptoms and accelerate the regeneration of damaged nasal mucosa.
You can apply to the area of concern:
- juice from fresh aloe leaves;
- potato juice;
- lemon juice;
- used tea bag.
An effective recipe is a mixture prepared from propolis tincture and boiled water. Everything is diluted in equal proportions and applied to the wound. A sage compress shows good results. You need to take a spoonful of herbs and brew them in boiling water. Dip a cotton pad and apply for 15-25 minutes. The course is held for at least three days.
You can make an ointment from a few cloves of garlic, half a small spoon of honey and 5 ml of fir oil. Garlic should be squeezed through a garlic press and mixed with other ingredients. Then apply the resulting mixture thickly to the blisters every 3-4 hours.
To prepare a healing ointment from aloe leaves, squeeze the juice out of them. Then take any essential pine oil and a little ash. Ash can be prepared by burning a clean sheet of paper. Mix everything and lubricate the blisters.
Quite a useful garlic ointment. You need to take a few cloves of garlic and mix with a couple of spoons of yogurt. Then add a little flour and honey there. The mixture is ready for use after everything is mixed until smooth.
Other methods
Treatment of infection has different approaches. A pulsed regimen for treating infection is practiced. This regimen is a short course of therapy at the beginning of the disease. Valaciclovir 4000 mg must be taken within 24 hours. The dose should be divided into 2 parts and taken every 12 hours.
A rather unusual method, but, according to reviews, better than many infusions and ointments, is a boiled egg with vodka. To do this, you need to peel the egg and put it whole in a glass, fill it with vodka to the very top and put it in the refrigerator for three days. After this, you need to eat the product and drink the vodka.
You need to do this once every 10 days - 3 times in total. This recipe is suitable for people who have no contraindications to these products. Vaccines have been developed that can prevent the virus from getting worse.
Complications
Leading dermatologists and immunologists agreed that the virus poses a significant threat to human health.
If the infection is not treated, complications can spread to all body systems, leading to the development of many diseases:
- keratitis;
- viral stomatitis;
- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus;
- inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa;
- bilateral interstitial pneumonia;
- secondary bacterial skin infection;
- cystitis;
- neuritis of the optic nerves.
A serious threat is the development of herpetic encephalitis, which affects the brain.
Herpes infection affects the functioning of the central autonomic nervous system. Therefore, do not underestimate the seriousness of this disease. Having diagnosed herpes on the nose, it is necessary to begin treatment as soon as possible. But it is better to prevent infection or reactivation of the virus through preventive measures.
Exacerbation of the disease, diagnosis
In some patients, relapses occur frequently, 5-6 times a year, in others - rarely - once every 3 years. Reasons for exacerbation:
- colds;
- hypothermia;
- chronic pathologies;
- iron deficiency anemia, stress.
To avoid relapses, you need to strengthen your immune system. If the disease worsens frequently, you should consult an immunologist.
The diagnosis of “Herpesvirus infection” is made on the basis of laboratory tests. Tests help identify the type of virus . To make a diagnosis, the following is carried out:
- PCR;
- histological examination;
- cytological examination.
Herpes on the nasal mucosa can be confused with a bacterial infection. To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out a differential examination.
