Overview of the shingles
The frustrating disease known as shingles is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which has slept for many years in a nerve root that happens to be in your body. The outbreak is usually triggered by a form of stress that lowers your resistance and puts the immune system under a threshold that allows the dormant virus to activate and enter an active phase. The appearance of the rash may be preceded by several days of burning pain of varying intensity, which are known to be quite uncomfortable. Since the virus is "trapped" in a nerve, the rash only occurs in the strip of skin provided by that nerve. Painful bladder accumulations follow a strip of skin known as a dermatome. The rash is limited to that area that never runs above or below this strip of skin and does not cross the midline at the front or back.
It is a herpes virus that differs significantly from those that cause cold sores or sexually transmitted lesions. However, it is not curable in the usual sense. Keep in mind that the virus has been inactive since childhood and is activated by a weakened immune system that would normally contain the virus. Treatment is limited to certain antiviral drugs such as Valtrex, Famvir or Zovirax. These can be very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation if triggered within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of the rash. Before the availability of these drugs, high doses of ibuprofen were and can be helpful in reducing pain intensity. In severe cases, a steroid can provide some relief. The average outbreak of shingles can last for several weeks and its intensity can vary considerably from individual to individual.
Shingles is not contagious in the usual sense. If you have had chickenpox, you need protection. If you have never had chickenpox, you have no immunity and may be susceptible to developing chickenpox through direct contact with lesions and vesicular fluid. Reducing the spread of chickenpox in general through regular vaccination of infants has raised hopes of reducing the problems associated with this disease. A vaccine (Zostavax) for adults over 60 who are at risk is also available. It is not perfect, but it significantly reduces the risk of shingles and its complications. There are few complications with shingles, but they can cause serious eye problems if they affect this area of the face. Postherpetic neuralgia is also a problematic condition in which the pain persists long after the rash.
How do I know if I have genital herpes?
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1 and its symptoms include cold sores and cold sores around the mouth. Genital herpes is caused by the second type of herpes simplex virus, HSV-2. It is a disease that affects the area around the genitals and anus and manifests itself in painful blisters, redness, burning and itching on the skin. It is mainly transmitted through skin contact. About one in four adults in the UK suffers from genital herpes. Unfortunately, 90% of people do not even notice that they are infected with the herpes simplex virus and could spread the infection without knowing it.
Genital herpes - the silent disease
The herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) can rest in your body for many years without causing symptoms. According to the Herpes Guide, the herpes virus injects its DNA into a nerve cell within 24 hours of infection and remains there in its latent form. When a trigger reactivates HSV-2, it replicates and spreads along the nerve pathways to the skin, where it causes symptoms.
Warning sign of herpes
People are often amazed at the various triggers that can cause a herpes outbreak. Some of the most common triggers are sun exposure, rubbing or genital injury, stress or anxiety, fatigue, and excessive alcohol consumption. Many people may experience warning signs that indicate the onset of a herpes outbreak. These signs may appear at the point where the outbreak will take place or on other parts of the body. Because these warning signs and symptoms vary from person to person, it is important to identify what your body is telling you. This way you can better control the appearance of symptoms.
Herpes cannot be transmitted sexually
Genital herpes is believed to be transmitted through sexual activity. However, since we know that direct skin contact is the obvious means of transferring the virus from one person to another, an infected person can remove the virus from the skin even when there are no visible symptoms. However, the herpes virus can only enter the body if there is a cut or an open wound on the skin and a simple touch is unlikely to cause a herpes infection. ,
What many people ignore is that a simple kiss can spread a herpes infection. If the parts of the body that get rid of the virus rub against another person's mouth, the virus can spread to that person. Kissing can therefore cause not only cold sores, but also genital herpes.
Antiviral treatment
Antiviral drugs have been shown to control and treat the symptoms of herpes when taken as directed by doctors. Famvir is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat or suppress genital herpes and to treat cold sores. This medicine cannot cure herpes. However, if taken at the first sign or symptom, it can prevent recurrent herpes outbreaks. Valtrex is another antiviral drug that is effective in treating an epidemic of adult herpes. It can also be used for the treatment of cold sores for three days. Valtrex can also be used to treat shingles for seven days. You should consult a doctor for the correct dosage of these medications so that you can get effective treatment for genital herpes.