Herpes simplex is very common, and up to 90% of adults have been infected with the “herpes simplex virus”, which is often misdiagnosed as a “fire”, although most herpes simplex is self-healing, misdiagnosis and mistreatment can lead to adverse consequences or unnecessary over-treatment. The most important thing is to make sure that you have a good understanding of the problem.
1, the performance and site of herpes simplex?
The performance is a group of small blisters on the skin or mucous membranes, with pain, burning or slight itching, mainly in the face, the most common in the mouth and lips (see figure), but other parts can also be seen, such as nostrils, around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, and even fingers (herpetic whitlow), such as in the genital area, is called “genital herpes” (specifically See my article on genital herpes). If it occurs repeatedly, the site is basically the same each time. The first occurrence is heavier, the recurrence is lighter, and most people get lighter as they go along.
2. Is herpes simplex contagious?
Yes, it is. It is mainly transmitted through direct contact, but can also be transmitted through indirect contact.
3. What are the causes of herpes simplex?
Herpes simplex is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV for short). Most of them are caused by HSV type I, but sometimes HSV II can also cause it.
4.Does herpes simplex virus necessarily cause herpes?
Not necessarily. Most people (90%) have no symptoms after infection, but only 10% have symptoms and blisters. However, even those who are asymptomatic are contagious, which is why the infection rate is high.
5.What is the significance of positive HSV IgG and HSV IgM?
A positive HSV IgG indicates an HSV infection, and a positive IgM indicates a recent infection or a recent recurrence.
6. Can herpes simplex be cured?
Recurrent herpes simplex will heal on its own even if it is not treated, usually in 7 to 10 days. Using internal or topical antiviral drugs can reduce symptoms and get better faster. However, antibiotics are not helpful for herpes simplex unless there is a secondary bacterial infection; hormones will only aggravate the condition and even cause secondary bacterial infections and are contraindicated.
7. Does herpes simplex need treatment?
Primary herpes simplex can sometimes have serious consequences and is best treated aggressively. For example, herpes gingival stomatitis, which can cause fever and affect eating; herpes keratoconjunctivitis, which can cause blindness (the second most common cause of corneal blindness in the United States); disseminated herpes simplex, which can cause damage to internal organs, such as hepatitis, encephalitis, and other serious life-threatening or disabling; neonatal herpes is a high mortality rate and easy to leave behind brain dysfunction.
8. Can herpes simplex be cured?
Herpes simplex and genital herpes can be controlled, but not cured absolutely. Don’t believe the false advertisements of “cure” and “eradication”, which cheat you.
9. Is herpes simplex always recurring?
Not necessarily. Some people get infected and never get it; some people get it once and never get it again; some people get it again and again. Specifically for each person, it is impossible to predict. The general recurrence rate is 30 to 50%.
10.How to try to prevent recurrence?
First of all, we need to understand the triggering factors, including fever, cold, sun exposure, local injury, emotional excitement, poor digestion, irregular life, mental stress, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, etc. In short, the causes that cause the body’s resistance to decline may trigger, so it is necessary to try to avoid, and strengthen physical exercise.
11.What if there are frequent recurrences?
For more than 6 attacks per year, a long course of suppressive treatment can be considered. Recurrence can be suppressed during treatment, and some people will not recur after treatment.
12. What is the relationship between herpes simplex and genital herpes?
Both are caused by herpes simplex virus, which also manifests in clusters of blisters and can recur, but the sites are different. Herpes simplex mainly occurs on the face (mouth, lips, nostrils, around the eyes, etc.). Herpes simplex is caused by HSV I, but sometimes it is not “simple” and can also be caused by HSV II. The relative recurrence rate of genital herpes can be as high as 90%.