Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment methods of Herpes

2022-03-23 00:00:00

Infectious diseases should be treated without wasting time otherwise failure to do so may increase the risk of spreading diseases. One such infectious disease is herpes which affects the person's skin, mouth, eyes, face and genitals. It is a disease that is spread through the viruses herpes simplex which is why this disease is called herpes in which the patient may have to face problems like unbearable pain and burning.

 

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a type of viral infectious disease that affects the skin. It occurs easily on any part of the body such as the lips, face, between the fingers, on the head, on the hands, in the mouth or in the private parts of the body. The main reason for this is coming in contact with an infected object or infected person. The virus that causes this problem is known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV). When this problem occurs, a cluster of small pimples is seen in the affected areas due to which the person feels itching, pain and burning in the affected area which later takes the form of a wound.

 

Types of Herpes and their Symptoms

Herpes is mainly divided into two parts which are the following-

 

HSV I-

HSV I is also called oral herpes or type 1 herpes. The effect of infection in this type of herpes is mainly seen around the mouth and on the face of the person. It is spread through oral secretions or wounds on the skin. It can also spread through toothbrushes, eating utensils, oral sex, etc.

 

Symptoms of Oral Herpes-

• Itching and burning around the mouth or lips.
• Blisters or rashes in the gums, lips, mouth and throat.
• Red rash filled with water on the face.
• Tingling feeling around the lips or mouth.
• Sore throat.
• Fever.
• Difficulty swallowing.

HSV II-

This type of herpes is known as genital herpes where there is a problem of sores or herpes around the genitals or rectum of the infected person. Although this problem is mostly found below the waist. Genetic herpes is more common in women than in men. Pregnant women with genital herpes should consult a doctor immediately, as the disease can be transmitted from mother to child.

 

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

• Itching or pain in the genitals.
• Pain during intercourse.
• The appearance of swelling in the groin area i.e. between the waist and thighs.
• Water-filled blisters in the vagina or on the outside of the woman's vagina, around the anus or thighs.
• Water-filled blisters on the penis, anus or around the thighs of men.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fever.
• Feeling weaker.
• Soreness or pain while urinating.
• Excessive vaginal bleeding.

Causes of Herpes

There are many reasons for having herpes but the main reason for this is a virus called herpes simplex which has been mentioned above. According to experts, this virus came from different species of monkeys to humans millions of years ago. It is an infectious disease that is transferred by coming in contact with an infected object or infected person. Therefore, its transfer has been mainly attributed to herpes in humans. Let us talk about some of the same reasons, due to which there is a high possibility of spreading this virus from one person to another which are the following:

• Eating leftover food of an infected person.
• Weakening of immunity of the person.
• Kissing an infected person.
• Using lip cream or balm used by an infected person.
• Coming into contact with the genitals of an infected person.
• Having other sexually transmitted infections.
• Sexual intercourse with more than one person.
• Sexual intercourse at a young age.

Tests for Herpes

 

Viral culture-

Herpes is diagnosed through viral culture. It is detected whether the wound or blister present on the skin is infected with the herpes virus. For this, a sample of the fluid from the wound or blister present on the skin is taken. After that sample test is done to detect the presence of the herpes virus in the lab.

 

Blood test-

The level of antibodies is also detected with the help of a blood test by which the presence of the herpes virus is detected.

 

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test-

During this test, the DNA of the virus present in the liquid of the blister is examined. This diagnoses herpes type 1 and herpes type 2.

 

Treatment methods of Herpes

• To treat herpes, doctors give antiviral drugs to fight the virus. These drugs help reduce pain and relieve symptoms.
• Apart from this, antiviral skin creams are also used.
• Using antiseptic soap helps prevent the virus from spreading to other areas of the body.

Home remedies for Herpes

 

Tea tree oil-

The use of tea tree oil is a very good option for the herpes virus. The anti-viral, antibacterial compounds present in this oil prevent the spread of herpes and skin-related infections. Antioxidants prove to be effective in curing itchy and dry skin. For this, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with carrier oil and apply them to the affected area.

 

Honey-

Honey has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that kill the virus. It also helps in relieving pain and inflammation. Therefore, apply honey regularly to the affected area at least 4 times daily.

 

Ajwain oil-

Ajwain oil also proves effective for skin-related diseases. Carvacrol is present in this oil, which exhibits anti-viral properties. These properties found in it prevent the related infection from spreading. For this, mix a few drops of ajwain oil with a carrier oil and apply them to the affected area.

 

Baking soda-

In case of the herpes virus, wash the skin of the infected areas by adding baking soda in lukewarm water. By doing this, the problem of the herpes virus gets relief.

 

Aloe vera-

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that prevent the spread of skin infections. For this, apply aloe vera gel to the infected skin areas.

 

Sandalwood-

Grinding sandalwood in rose water and applying it to herpes sores is beneficial.

 

Liquorice-

The root of liquorice has also been used in Ayurveda to get relief from the herpes virus. For this, mix water in the powder of liquorice root and make a paste of it. Now apply this paste to the affected areas and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. After that wash it off with water.

 

Olive oil-

According to research, olive oil also proves effective in getting rid of the herpes virus or blisters because it has anti-microbial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which relieve the pain of infections and wounds. Mix about 10 drops of lavender oil and two teaspoons of beeswax in olive oil and heat it for five to ten minutes. Let it cool for a while, when it comes to normal temperature, apply it to the affected area.

 

Petroleum jelly or Vaseline-

In the problem of herpes, petroleum jelly or Vaseline also works like medicine. According to research published on the website of NCBI, the use of petroleum jelly proves to be beneficial to some extent in oral herpes.

 

Lemon balm oil-

Lemon balm oil is a good remedy for treating herpes. According to experts, antiviral properties are found in lemon balm. Apart from destroying the herpes virus, it is effective in removing its effect. For this, take two to three drops of lemon balm oil on a piece of cotton and apply it to the affected areas.