Herpes simplex is a very common viral disease which affected most of the people one or more times in their life time. Herpes viruses are very contagious. There are two strain of the virus.
1. Herpes simplex virus Type 1 or HSV-1
It is usually associated in the infection of the facial region. It causes blistering or cold sores in the mouth region particularly in lips. It also affects the face (orofacial herpes), neck, eyes (herpes keratitis) and hands (herpetic whitlow), but are uncommon.
2. Herpes simplex virus Type 2 or HSV-2
It mostly causes infection in the genital. It causes lesions in the genitals and rectal areas. It is a sexually transmitted disease.
Cross-infection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also occur depending on the environment
Symptoms of oral herpes, orofacial herpes and herpes keratitis
1. Skin lesions, single or multiple blisters appearing at lip joints and spreading to other parts like tongue and gums.
2. Inflamed red colored fluid filled blisters.
3. Primary infection is associated with very high fever for 2-3 days.
4. Associated glands in the oral region get swollen.
5. Painful sores which lasts for many days.
6. Bleeding gums.
7. Herpes keratitis is associated with tearing, decreased vision, irritation, blurred vision, pain and photophobia.
8. General malaise.
9. Sore throat.
10. Anorexia.
Symptoms of genital herpes
1. Enlarged lymph nodes in groin region.
2. Red colored lesions in the genital or rectal area.
3. Pus oozing from the lesions.
4. Severe pain.
5. Itching sensation.
6. Difficulty in urination.
7. Discharge of foul fluid from vagina or penis.
8. Bad smell from the affected regions.
9. Muscle cramps associated with high fever.
10. Irregular menstruation.
Treatment
1. Antiviral medication
Antiviral medication works by preventing the viral replication. Some of the drugs used to treat herpes infection are aciclovir, penciclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir. Herpes simplex keratitis can be treated by using vidarabine ophthalmic ointment.
2. Topical treatments
Docosanol is useful in the treatment of oral herpes. Tromantadine gel can prevent the spread of virus. Zilactin is useful in treatment of cold sores and fever blisters. It acts as a protective film over the applied area and quickens the healing process. Lipactin gel is suitable for the treatment of primary and recurrent infections due to Herpes simplex.
3. Barrier method
It is advisable not to have sex while infected. Condoms provide protection against HSV-2. One should try to avoid skin contact and oral sex while having infection.
4. Other drugs
Analgesics like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and diclofenac helps in reducing pain. Lidocaine, benzocaine or prilocaine gives relief from itching.
5. Laser treatment
Surgical treatment is very necessary for herpes keratitis if the total cornea is affected. Laser therapy can be used to treat orofacial herpes or herpes labialis.
Once a person is infected with the virus, it permanently resides in sensory nerve cell bodies in dormant state. Sometimes certain factor triggers them to become active and again they cause infection. It is only treatable but not curable.
