How dangerous is herpes? What is the danger of herpes and what are the consequences of this disease? Is herpes on the lips dangerous?

Most of the world's population is familiar with the trouble associated with the appearance of one or more transparent bubbles on the lips. Some people don't attach much importance to them. Others suffer from an annoying cosmetic defect and try to “fix” the problem with the help of lipsticks. And few people think about what is on other people’s lips and what these harmless bubbles are fraught with. Let's try to clarify the situation a little.

Insidious aggressor

Hidden danger

Almost 95 percent of earthlings are infected with herpes simplex. The remaining 5 percent can easily catch it if they do not take precautions. Unfortunately, a cure for herpes on the lip that can kill it forever has not yet been invented. There are only drugs that keep herpes in an inactive state. If you do not take any measures to improve your health, the activity of the virus can begin to manifest itself not only on the lips, but also on the eyes, causing inflammation of the cornea. Sometimes infected people develop rashes in the oral cavity and gingivostomatitis occurs. If the virus enters the brain, meningitis or encephalitis may develop. From someone infected to someone who is still healthy, herpes is transmitted through a kiss or household items. But the patient himself can transfer his own virus from his lips to other parts of the body. This happens if you touch the bubbles with your hands, and then with the same hands touch your eyes and genitals. If there are wounds on the fingers, the virus easily enters the body through them. On the fingers it appears similar to rashes on the lips. The blisters itch very much, the skin turns red, sometimes cracks, causing pain to the person.

At-risk groups

Is herpes dangerous for everyone? Maybe the devil is not as scary as he is painted? Unfortunately, anyone can get herpes. But the greatest likelihood is in people with low immunity who have suffered any disease that has weakened the body. Also at risk are people living with HIV and people who have had organ transplants. Those who are subject to stress, who live in constant voltage or works a lot without having the opportunity to rest, they also easily catch an insidious virus. Scientists have absolutely established that heredity also affects a person’s susceptibility to a given strain of viruses. This means that if one of the parents in a family is infected with herpes, their child may be more likely to get it than one whose parents are healthy. Children's immune systems are usually weak. Herpes on the lips is especially dangerous for them. How is it transmitted to an already born baby? Most often by airborne droplets from a sick mother. She is in contact with the child almost all day, and the virus is also present in her saliva.

External treatment

Most often, medicine for herpes on the lip is offered in the form of ointments. They effectively act only on the affected area, relieving itching, burning, pain, and drying out the blisters. The Russian market offers Acyclovir, Zovirax, Fenistil and others. Available in these ointments active substances disrupt the DNA division of viruses, leading to their death. But they have no effect on viruses located in human ganglia. Some patients lubricate with iodine or alcohol. Although these drugs have bactericidal properties, they do not kill herpes viruses, but they can cause a burn to the delicate skin of the lips. Therefore they should not be used. You can only dry the already formed crust. Also, do not puncture the bubbles or squeeze out liquid from them. Such “treatment” only leads to additional infection.

Treatment with tablets

As noted above, a cure for herpes on the lip or other parts of the body has not yet been invented. Only drugs have been created that help reduce the activity of the virus or reduce symptoms. For example, Lidocaine, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and similar medications relieve pain, itching, and fever. The antiviral drugs available to doctors can reduce the activity of the virus and transfer it from the active phase to the dormant phase. Vaccines against herpes are still being developed and undergoing testing. Fortunately, a person himself is able to develop immunity against this “infection”. Our body produces special lymphocytes called natural killer cells. They recognize the “enemy” with their receptors, invade his cells and kill him. It is thanks to them that herpes that appears on the lips rarely shows activity on other organs. These lymphocytes, as well as antibodies, produce immunity, which prevents relapses. That is, the herpes virus remains in a person, but is in an inactive state.

Prevention

Knowing what herpes on the lips is and how this virus is transmitted from sick to healthy, you can take measures to avoid contracting it or at least avoid relapses. These measures are very simple and consist of basic hygiene:

1. Do not kiss or share utensils, towels, or lipstick with a person who has rashes on their lips.
2. Be sure to wash your hands after returning from the street.
3. Strengthen and enhance immunity in all available ways. These can be teas and tinctures with echinacea and ginseng, herbal teas, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins. This also includes playing sports.
4. Lead a lifestyle so that the body does not experience stress and excessive overload.
5. If relapses occur very often, consult a doctor.

Anna Mironova

Reading time: 12 minutes

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Today, the herpes simplex virus is one of the most studied viruses that can cause disease in humans. But despite this, modern medicine I was never able to find a medicine that could get rid of this infection forever. Therefore, today we will tell you why this disease is dangerous and what methods are available to combat it.

What is herpes? Types of herpes, features of development and routes of infection

Herpes virus infection - This is a fairly common disease, the causative agent of which is viruses of the Herpesviridae family . Modern medicine knows about 100 types of this virus, but only eight of them can cause disease in humans. Viruses herpes simplex type 1 (better known as cold sores) and type 2 (genital herpes) are the most common. According to recent medical research, about 90% of the world's population is infected with them. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is quite insidious. Over the course of many years, it can develop in your body and at the same time not manifest itself in any way. And at the most inopportune moment, it can cause not only cosmetic problems, but also more serious diseases. Scientists have proven that HSV plays a significant role in development inflammatory processes ENT organs, central uneven system, cardiovascular system, respiratory organs etc. In severe form, this disease can affect several organ systems at once, as a result of which a person can become disabled. Most often, this infection affects the skin, eyes, mucous membranes of the face and genitals, and the central nervous system. The development of this disease is promoted by:

• Psychological and physical fatigue;
• Stress; hypothermia;
• Infections;
• Menstruation;
• Ultraviolet irradiation;
• Alcohol;
• Other contributing factors decreased human immunity .

With a sharp weakening of immunity, HSV can manifest itself in the most different forms Oh. Most often this small vials with transparent contents on mucous membranes and skin. They cause burning, itching and pain. These symptoms appear several days before the appearance of the blisters themselves, which burst after a few days. In their place, crusty erosions form. After a few days, the crust peels off and only a speck remains from the disease. pink color. But this does not mean that you have been cured of this infection, the virus just “fell asleep.” The herpes simplex virus has multiple transmission routes:

• HSV type 1 infection may happen upon contact with an infected person, and it is not at all necessary that the disease be in the active phase. The right way to pick up this type of HSV is the use of lipstick, cups, toothbrushes, kisses.
• HSV type 2 is a sexually transmitted disease, therefore the main route of transmission is sexual. In this case, infection can also occur during protected sexual intercourse; just contact of the affected tissue areas is sufficient;
• Vertical method. This virus can easily be transmitted from mother to child not only during childbirth, but also in utero.

Remember that herpesvirus infection is a fairly serious disease that can cause quite a lot of complications. Therefore, in order to protect yourself from its unpleasant consequences, try more carefully monitor your immune system . Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and alcohol is the key to your health and well-being.

Main symptoms of herpes

Clinical symptoms of herpesvirus infections types 1 and 2 can be divided into general and local . General signs are most often mild and may be absent altogether. Therefore, the main symptoms are still local.

Common signs of herpes

• Weakness;
• Increase in temperature;
• Enlarged lymph nodes ;
• Headache;
• Frequent urination;
• Muscle and back pain .

Local signs of herpes

• Characteristic rashes on mucous membranes and skin. If you are infected with herpes labialis (type 1), the rash will most likely appear on the nasolabial triangle, although other parts of the body can sometimes be affected. If you have genital herpes (type 2), then the rash will be localized on the genitals;
• Burning, itching and pain in the area of ​​the rash. This symptom may be a harbinger of the disease and will appear even before the rash appears.

Both labial and genital herpes do not pose a mortal danger to humans. This disease is much less dangerous than other hidden infections. The infection is not curable; once it enters your body, it will remain there forever. This disease can recur from 3 to 6 times a year. The impetus for this is weakened immunity. Read: . However, at first glance, this harmless disease can have very serious consequences:

• In women herpes can cause persistent itching in the vaginal area and external genitalia, unusual mucous discharge, miscarriage early stages, cancer, infertility.
• In men Constantly recurring herpes significantly reduces the body's immune defense. And this creates a favorable microflora for the development of diseases such as prostatitis, bacterial, vesiculitis, epididymo-orchitis.

The most effective treatments for herpes

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely recover from this disease. However, modern medicine has a number of specific antiviral drugs that suppress the herpes virus and prevent it from multiplying. Antiherpetic drugs are excellent for the treatment of labial herpes (rash on the lips) local application – Zovirax, Herpferon, Acyclovir, Famvir . The more often you lubricate the affected area, the faster the symptoms of herpes will disappear. The following drugs are most often used to treat genital herpes: Valacyclovir (0.5 mg 2 times a day), Acyclovir (200 mg 5 times a day) - course of treatment 10 days . Since relapses of herpes are provoked by reduced immunity, in addition to antiviral drugs, it is imperative to take immunomodulators and vitamins.

Cost of medications for the treatment of herpes

• Zovirax – 190-200 rubles;
• Gerpferon – 185-250 rubles;
• Acyclovir – 15-25 rubles;
• Famvir – 1200-1250 rubles;
• Valacyclovir – 590-750 rubles.

The website warns: self-medication can harm your health! If you suspect this disease, you should consult a doctor. All tips presented are given for informational purposes only, but they should only be used as prescribed by a doctor!

What do you know about the herpes virus? Comments from forums

Lucy:
A few years ago, herpes broke out on my lips every month. The doctor prescribed a course of Acyclovir tablets. It didn't help. And then a friend advised me to strengthen my immune system. Now I hardly remember about this infection.

Milena:
My friend was prescribed Viferon suppositories for genital herpes, and Epigen for rashes. It seemed to help her.

Herpes is viral disease, which currently infects more than 96% of the population globe. Whether herpes is dangerous and how it behaves in the human body can be found out in this article.

Doctors have found that infection with this disease occurs in early childhood. Children most often become infected with herpes from their parents. By the age of 35, almost all people on earth are carriers of the herpes virus.

But in only 10% of people, herpes is in the active stage and manifests itself in the form of rashes on the skin of the face, body and mucous membranes of organs. Currently, scientists have identified more than seventy different strains of this virus.

A person can suffer from eight types of herpes, the most common of which are types 1 and 2. The first mention of this disease occurs in scientific works Hippocrates, who gave the disease its name. Herpes translated from Greek means “creeping”.

The first type of herpes is considered to be a cold, previously it was classified as a cosmetic ailment. But that's not true. The virus itself does not cause a cold, but it is activated during periods of weakened immunity caused by hypothermia, other viruses and infections. Most often, herpes appears on the lips and on the skin near the mouth or nose.

Infection with the first type of herpes is possible in several ways. By airborne droplets, through a kiss, the household method (using the same dishes, hygiene items, cosmetics with a carrier of the active form of the virus). Self-infection is also possible - transfer of infection from one organ to another.

For example, scratching or touching a sore on your lips and touching your eye without washing your hands. This way you can transfer the infection from the lips to the mucous membrane of the eye. It is through a kiss on the lips that mothers, without meaning to, can infect their children. Licking a pacifier, nipple on a bottle or baby spoon during feeding are the most common ways of infection.

The second type of herpes is a genital virus that affects the mucous membranes of the genital organs. There are known cases when a person became infected with genital herpes through domestic means, but still 98% of infections are through sexual contact. Moreover, even a condom is not a means of protection. Herpes virus type 3 is better known as herpes zoster.

This virus also causes chickenpox or chickenpox, which almost every person gets sick with in their life.

The fourth type of herpes is called Epstein-Barr virus. It is considered the most dangerous type of herpes, as it provokes the development oncological diseases various organs.

The fifth type of herpes provokes the development of cytomegalovirus infection in the human body. This disease negatively affects the fetus during pregnancy and can cause miscarriage or the development of pathologies in the newborn child.

The sixth type of herpes contributes to the occurrence of cancer, and the disease is more aggressive and transient. Scientists have identified a pattern in the occurrence of oncology and the presence of this type of virus in the human body.

The seventh and eighth types of herpes have only recently been discovered by scientists and their nature and effect on the human body has not yet been fully studied. But early studies have proven that these viruses also contribute to cancer. Having one type of virus does not prevent you from becoming infected with others. Some people are carriers of several types of herpes, which negatively affects their health and condition.

Many people don't know if herpes is dangerous or how it can affect their health and well-being. Infection with the virus occurs through human mucous membranes or skin. Once on human skin or mucous membranes, the herpes virus quickly multiplies inside cells, after which it penetrates into the nearest nerve fibers.

It is impossible to cure this disease; it is along the nerve fibers that the active virus moves through the body, negatively affecting the central nervous system.

This disease in its active form is very dangerous for pregnant women. Even the first type of herpes can cause a miscarriage, provoke the development of physical abnormalities and deformities in the fetus, and cause delays in the development of a newborn child.

With the activity of any type of virus caused by stress, decreased immunity, hormonal imbalance in the body, hypothermia and many other reasons, there is a risk of developing various diseases.

Almost 95% of the population are carriers of herpes infection (herpes). This is a proven statistic in laboratory conditions by producing antibodies to this virus in human blood. The disease affects all organs. The virus is divided into serotypes, which have different gene structures. Each of them is responsible for the variety of varieties of this disease. Is herpes dangerous? To answer this question, we will analyze its types, causes, methods of infection, symptoms and manifestations of damage to various human organs.

Types of herpes

The virus is divided into types:

• the first, when it affects skin areas on the genitals, lips, eye tissue, brain, and subsequently pneumonia can form;
• the second type is expressed in the form of genital herpes and contributes to intrauterine infection of the fetus;
• the sixth is considered a serious cause of the development of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and convulsive syndrome of newborns, this type also acts as a cofactor for the AIDS virus and some types of uterine carcinomas;
• the seventh type is the main cause of chronic fatigue;
• 8th causes cancer in HIV patients and people with weakened immune systems;
• Cytomegalovirus in utero affects the organ system of the fetus, and also contributes to the occurrence of malignant formations in the nasopharynx.

Classification of herpes infection

The infection is divided according to a certain classification:

• According to the clinical manifestation: the typical form is expressed by the appearance of small blisters in the form of a rash, the atypical form is manifested by a mild rash;
• According to the form of flow: light, medium and severe;
• By location of the lesion: genital, in oral cavity, on the skin, nervous system and eyes;
• Acute course of herpes at initial occurrence and recurrent in chronic form.

How dangerous is herpes for women and men? You can always ask your medical professionals about this. And this is worth understanding. After all, about 90% of the entire population of the planet is affected by the herpes simplex virus. The virus is very insidious and ubiquitous. Once it enters the body, it settles there forever. The virus enters the cell and invades its genetic apparatus. During an exacerbation of the disease, herpes fills absolutely all body fluids: saliva, blood, breast milk, sperm, tears and urine.

There are quite a few different forms. A significant portion is difficult to tolerate, and the consequences can be very serious, especially in children and pregnant women. Even simple herpes on the lips of an expectant mother can have serious complications for the fetus.

A small percentage of people (about 10–20%) may experience various clinical manifestations, and in people with strong immunity, exacerbation of herpes occurs almost unnoticed.

But for some, the herpes simplex virus can cause serious complications. The risk group includes the following categories of citizens:

There are several clinical forms of herpes:

Some facts:

1. Research has shown that herpes infection can stimulate the development of Alzheimer's disease.
2. The infection is very contagious as it is easily transmitted by airborne droplets.
3. You can catch the virus at any time: by kissing, during sexual intercourse, by using shared hygiene items and utensils, even by coughing, talking and sneezing.
4. The infection penetrates everywhere - into all tissues and organs.
5. Severe forms of herpes occur with severe fever, obvious intoxication, and most often such patients require hospitalization.

Genital complications

For example, genital herpes is characterized by rashes on the thighs, in the sacral area, and on the genitals. This type of disease is dangerous for women due to inflammation of the genital organs, chlamydia, candidiasis, cervical cancer, infertility, and miscarriages.

In this case, born children may have serious pathologies. A baby can become infected through the placenta or during delivery, passing through infected tracts. For little man the disease virus poses a mortal danger.

For men, genital herpes is dangerous due to complications such as prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Personal hygiene rules

If one of the family members has a relapse of the disease in acute form, then you urgently need to take safety measures:

1. Be sure to boil linen, bedding, and towels.
2. All items must be individual: dishes, towels and bedding, washcloths, solid soap, comb, toothbrush.
3. Wash your hands often.
4. Treat taps and toilet seats.

The danger of colds on the lips

Is herpes on the lips dangerous? Common herpes type 1 appears on the lips and can be spread to different parts of the body through direct contact with the rash. It also provokes infection of healthy individuals upon contact with them.

Why is herpes on the lips dangerous? The most dangerous degree is ophthalmoherpes, when the eyeball is affected, which in half of the cases leads to partial or complete loss of vision. Transferring an infection is quite simple, you just need to touch the liquid from the burst bubbles and then touch the healthy area. The virus is in the liquid.

There is a possibility of the infection transferring from the lips to the oral cavity, where it can easily enter the digestive organs. This serious complication is characterized by constant pain in the localized area, and concomitant diseases begin to develop.

Stomatitis forms on the oral mucosa. Erosion of the hard and soft palate, gums, and mucous membranes develops, severe pain appears, and the inability to swallow and chew.

Herpes on the face

If there is a rash or “cold” on the lip, then this inflammation can spread to the entire face. The causative agent is the cold herpes and shingles virus. The danger is the same as with other forms.

In addition to the first type of herpes, there may be chickenpox in the facial area, which first appears in childhood. The body reacts very violently: specific rashes spread throughout the body, the temperature rises. At this time, the virus penetrates deep into the cells of various organs and remains there forever.

As soon as the body is exposed to various factors, the virus immediately makes itself known. With herpes on the face, rashes can appear on any area.

Skin and body damage

How dangerous is the herpes virus on the body? Herpetic rashes on the body with herpes zoster appear on the chest, but can also affect areas on the legs and. The consequences of herpes zoster are sometimes very serious.

The virus always enters the bloodstream and is delivered to any organ. The head gets infected spinal cord. The infection is actively multiplying there, and these processes lead to large-scale destruction of tissues and organ cells. As a result, paralysis of the arms, legs, and facial nerve may occur, and in severe cases, the respiratory organs and heart muscle stop working, and the patient dies.

Complications of herpes when it enters the brain, in the development of inflammation in the lining of the brain and in the brain itself, are encephalitis and meningoencephalitis.

After herpes zoster, consequences can affect both the lungs (pneumonia) and the liver (severe viral hepatitis).

After suffering from shingles, persistent residual pain may remain, which sometimes lasts for years - postherpetic neuralgia.

In addition, any other infection, viral or bacterial, can join a herpes infection against the background of weak immunity. The heart and nervous system will seriously suffer from such a load.

Chicken pox is. The rashes spread throughout the body and mucous membranes. The virus can enter the trachea. This causes chickenpox tracheitis and laryngitis. Characterized by severe cough, difficulty breathing, pain in the trachea. The infection sometimes travels lower to the lungs, and chickenpox viral pneumonia develops. The patient is immediately hospitalized. A severe hacking cough occurs. Sometimes there are spots of blood. The treatment is very difficult.

After herpes, complications also arise in the joints - these are purulent and serous arthritis, in the heart - myocarditis, in the kidneys - nephritis. Lymph nodes greatly increase in size.

Constant scratching of chicken rashes leaves scars. In the worst case, varicella eczema develops.

The consequences of herpes on the body with reduced immunity lead to the following diseases:

• erysipelas;
• bullous streptoderma;
• abscesses;
• phlegmon.

These skin diseases develop even if you follow all the rules of treatment and hygiene, and even more so if you ignore them.

It's so hard to treat infectious disease necessary. A visit to the doctor is required. The necessary tests are taken. The prescribed treatment and hygiene rules are strictly observed. Only with timely treatment can the development of severe consequences be curbed.