Herpes is a viral disease that can affect the skin, mucous membranes in various parts of the body, and even penetrate internal organs. Most often, manifestations of this disease occur in the area of the face, for example, the nasolabial triangle, but herpes of the trunk, extremities, and in particular the legs also occurs.
Infection can occur through airborne droplets, through household contact, through blood transfusion, from child to mother during pregnancy or childbirth. Herpes on the leg can appear when using other people's towels and other objects, as well as due to one's own touching - first to the affected area of the skin or mucous membranes, then to the legs.
The main cause of this disease is the herpes virus type 1 or 2; however, herpes on the foot or toes is most often caused by the chickenpox virus (Varicella-zoster). Identifying the true cause of the disease is a key factor for the success of treatment, since the methods of treatment for various herpesvirus infections differ from each other.
How does Varicella-Zoster virus differ from herpes simplex viruses? Its most important difference is the ability to cause severe neuralgic pain during the course of the disease and postherpetic neuralgia after the disappearance of all symptoms, which can last for many years and is difficult to treat. Also, the Varicella-Zoster virus is characterized by a widespread rash throughout the body - which is why it is also called herpes zoster or shingles. However, it is only possible to accurately distinguish one disease from another using laboratory diagnostic methods.
According to statistics, up to 95% of the world's population are carriers of various types of herpes virus, but the manifest (open) form of the disease occurs in only a few. The fact is that there are many factors that contribute to the transition of the disease from a latent (latent) form to an open one. These factors can also rightfully be considered the causes of herpes:
The disease can occur either upon first contact with the virus or upon reactivation of a virus that already exists in the body. Having penetrated the body, herpes viruses remain in it forever, remaining in the nerve ganglia and other elements of the nervous system. When favorable conditions arise, they are able to reactivate and cause various manifestations of the disease.
The main manifestation of the disease is a herpetic rash. Herpes on the leg usually occurs in the area of the fingers, feet, and inner thighs, but other locations are also possible. Herpes zoster on the leg usually occurs on the skin along the branches of various nerves, and then spreads to other areas.
What does a herpetic rash look like? It usually begins with redness and swelling of the skin, itching and burning. Then small bubbles with a diameter of 1-2 mm appear on the surface of the skin, filled with transparent or cloudy contents. Usually the bubbles are located in groups, next to each other; merging with each other, they form large areas of rashes. In addition, during fusion, the formation of large bubbles filled with liquid is possible - bull.
After some time, the bubbles burst, liquid containing a huge amount of viral particles flows out, and in place of the bubble a small area of erosion and ulceration appears. This is especially dangerous with herpes on the feet, since the feet are in tight shoes during the day, as a result of which the areas of erosion are more slowly covered with fresh epithelium. There is a risk of a secondary bacterial or fungal infection, which can significantly change the symptoms of the disease and affect its course.
Blisters may appear on the skin throughout the entire period of the disease. However, usually after 1-2 weeks the rash stops appearing, and the areas of erosion heal slowly. Light or, on the contrary, dark spots that appear at the site of the vesicles usually also disappear within a month after the onset of the disease.
Other symptoms that often accompany herpes on the legs include systemic manifestations - fever, headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, deterioration in general well-being and sleep. Herpes zoster on the leg can also cause severe neuralgic pain and postherpetic neuralgia.
The main treatment for herpes infection is antiviral drugs - such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir. They may differ in the route of administration and effectiveness against different types and strains of herpes viruses, but have a similar mechanism of action. Antiviral drugs are not able to destroy the virus completely, but they effectively suppress its replication (reproduction), which leads to the disappearance of symptoms.
Strengthening the immune system is also of great importance, since the body’s own defenses cope with the virus much more effectively and prevent relapses in the future. For this purpose, various immunomodulators, interferon preparations, and immunoglobulins are used in the treatment of herpes.
You should not refuse external remedies that alleviate the symptoms of the disease and prevent infection. To do this, use a solution of brilliant green and other disinfectants and skin-drying agents.
Everyone is familiar with herpes, but sometimes it can appear on such parts of the body that doubts arise as to whether it is herpes. Usually, the familiar rash is located in the form of a small sore near the lips or nose. Many people have heard about herpes zoster, which affects the torso, but whether herpes occurs on the leg is unclear. Perhaps this is a completely different disease?
Herpetic rashes were known back in ancient Rome, but that they were caused by a specific virus became known only at the end of the last century. Due to the fact that the infection is “young” for science, it has not yet been studied thoroughly, but some important facts are still known.
It penetrates inside the body easily and unhindered, which can be understood from its ubiquity. The likelihood of infection does not depend on age or gender, nor on social status or lifestyle. The main condition for this to happen is contact with the carrier.
Once on the skin or mucous membranes, the virus penetrates through minor injuries into the body and is first sent to the nerve fibers, where it will live for the rest of a person’s life. Yes, it is still impossible to get rid of herpes infection.
From time to time, the virus begins to multiply, which manifests itself on the surface of the skin with the well-known blistering rashes. They are usually localized in the area of the lips, nose, and genitals. But nothing prevents the infection from spreading throughout the body. Can herpes be on the leg? Maybe, although this is not a typical location for the disease.
Herpes rashes always appear along the nerve in which the infection “sits.” But it determines which nerve it hits, the site of infection. Since we usually become infected through the mouth and nose, the rash most often appears in the area of the nasolabial triangle.
But if the infection occurred through sexual contact or the virus entered the body through damage to the skin in the lower part of the body, then it will settle on the nerve processes of the spinal cord there. Fortunately, in most cases the virus cannot migrate along the nerves inside the body.
Herpes on the legs can be caused by three types of herpes infection:
The first type of virus usually enters the body through airborne droplets and causes a rash near the mouth. In rare cases, it gets into small wounds or scratches on the legs, and then the bubbles appear there.
It is difficult to say which of these types causes the characteristic inflammation of the lower extremities. It is believed that herpes on the foot or fingers appears after injury due to the activity of the first type of virus. The same infection or the second type virus is predominantly localized in the area of the inner thighs and knees. But the outer side of the legs is under the influence of the Zoster virus, that is, shingles.
This division is very arbitrary and any of the three types of infection can provoke inflammation of any part of the legs.
Whether it's herpes on the thigh, knee or big toe, the reasons for its development are basically the same. We have already said that the virus is constantly inside the body and never leaves it. What leads to exacerbation and rash? Decreased immunity. The infection, localized in the nerve endings of the lower part of the body, is activated and provokes an inflammatory process when the body's defenses fail. This happens if there is:
Often, the premenstrual period or pregnancy triggers a recurrence of rashes on the genitals in women, which can cause herpes on the thigh.
Another decrease in immunity occurs when taking certain medications, for example, after an organ transplant. Hormonal drugs also do not have the best effect on the body's defenses.
Herpes on the toes often develops when the skin in this area is damaged and infection gets there. You can bring it there yourself from other parts of the body where there are rashes, because watery blisters contain a large number of active viral particles.
Rarely, but still happens, herpes on the foot or calf due to contact sports, especially wrestling. The patient grabs the opponent’s skin with infected hands and if there is damage on it, the virus easily enters the body and begins to act.
The photo of herpes on the leg shows that the rash has the same character as on the face. The only thing is that there are slight differences between the inflammation caused by viruses of the first and second types, with those caused by herpes zoster.
Sometimes, in addition to rashes, a person is worried about high body temperature and general malaise. With very severe intoxication, the patient loses his usual ability to work. For people with HIV infection, herpes on the heel, ankle or thigh should be a signal that they urgently need to see a doctor. In this case, the disease will be severe, and it is quite dangerous for the patient’s life.
Herpes caused by the Zoster virus goes through the same stages as described above. However, it has characteristic differences that make it easy to identify. Among them:
Treatment for herpes on the legs depends on what type of virus it is caused by. Shingles requires a more thorough approach and includes several types of medications, among which antiviral and painkillers come first. As for the fight against viruses of the first and second types, there is nothing complicated here, and they often do not pose a danger to the patient.
For this reason, before treating herpes on the leg, you need to see a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. He will also prescribe the necessary medications, most of which are quite toxic. Therefore, they cannot be used independently, uncontrolled.
Treatment of herpes on the leg is a complex process. These are measures such as following a diet excluding foods containing a lot of sugar, giving up bad habits, and switching to a healthy diet. The complex will help improve immunity.
In some cases, doctors prescribe special drugs that have an immunostimulating effect. However, it is better for the body to learn to cope with the infection itself. This will be useful in case of possible relapses, which the prepared immune system will cope with much faster. Since treating herpes on the leg is not always easy, it is better to do everything possible to avoid it.
At the same time, it is impossible to exclude the entry of herpes simplex viruses into some particular area of the leg. A child can become infected with herpes simplex through contact with a patient whose skin has herpetic rashes.
Herpes zoster can develop on the skin of the legs along the branches of individual nerves. In this case, at first, unpleasant sensations appear, a feeling of numbness, pain along the affected nerve, and only then, after some time, redness and swelling appear on the skin above the nerve. Then characteristic herpetic vesicular rashes with transparent contents appear on the swollen, reddened skin, which becomes cloudy after a few hours. The bubbles are arranged in groups, closely adjacent to each other. Sometimes they merge with each other, forming larger blisters - this form of herpes zoster is called bullous.
After the blisters burst, the affected skin becomes wet. This is very dangerous on the feet, since herpes on the feet and herpes on the toes can be complicated by the addition of another infection.
Fungal and bacterial infections are often present on the feet and toes; this may well complicate the course of the herpetic process, since the skin on the feet is constantly injured by wearing shoes.
This is a very dangerous moment, since a mixed infection on the skin of the feet is often the cause of the development of microbial eczema. Therefore, foot skin care is of great importance. If the course of herpes zoster is not complicated by anything, then after about two weeks it will go away. Sometimes brown or white spots on the skin remain at the site of the rash, but these also go away after a few weeks.
Another possible complication of herpes zoster is the appearance of constant pain along the affected nerve. These pains bother patients after all skin lesions have disappeared; they are associated with damage to nerve tissue by the varicella-zoster virus. This complication is called postherpetic neuralgia.
How to treat herpes on the leg? If herpes on the leg is a manifestation of herpes zoster, then the prescription of systemic antiviral drugs cannot be avoided - this is the only means of preventing postherpetic neuralgia. Patients are prescribed antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir. The most effective antiviral drug is famciclovir (trade name Famvir).
Immunomodulators are also prescribed - these are interferons (for example, Viferon in suppositories), inducers of endogenous interferons (amixin, cycloferon - these drugs promote the formation of endogenous interferon by the body's own cells).
An alcohol solution of brilliant green can be applied externally to the affected areas of the skin - this dries out the elements of the rash and crusts form on them more quickly. Antiviral ointments and creams based on acyclovir are applied at least five times a day, and in between, 5% cycloferon liniment can be applied to the skin - it has immunostimulating properties.
With herpes zoster, it is not least important to adhere to bed rest, proper balanced nutrition and the exclusion from the daily diet of foods that could irritate the skin - these are spicy, salty, smoked foods, sweets, baked goods, sweet carbonated drinks, strong tea and coffee , alcohol.
Herpes on the leg should be treated only as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor, otherwise complications in the form of constant pain along the affected nerves cannot be avoided.
Summary of the article:
Herpes is probably one of the most ancient and widespread diseases on Earth. At least ninety percent of the inhabitants of our planet already have the DNA of this virus. Isn't it interesting? Indeed, in this case, almost everyone should walk around with a characteristic rash and sores on the lips, nose, hands or any other part of the body. But this does not happen, and all thanks to our immune system.
The herpes virus is a rather “smart” virus, it has its own DNA and invades our cells (nerve ganglia). If you get herpes once, you won’t be able to get rid of it. But almost everyone suffered from chickenpox or chickenpox during their school years. In addition, we know that having chickenpox in childhood is much better, no matter how punish it may sound. The body copes with the infection more easily, however, we are not talking about very young children, because they tolerate a herpes infection quite hard.
Herpes on hands with photo
Today, more than fifty percent of the Earth’s inhabitants have been sick with one type or another of herpes at least once in their lives, while another forty percent have the virus in a latent (dormant) state. And this condition can last a lifetime if there is no reason for the awakening of a herpes infection. And there are quite a lot of them, now we will talk about this in more detail.
The life of a modern person is filled with stress, we are always in a hurry and in a hurry. Sometimes, without even having time to eat properly, let alone rest. Stress and poor nutrition are the first reasons for the activation of the virus.
Reasons for activation of the herpes virus
Due to the changeable autumn weather, we don’t always choose the right wardrobe, or we just want to wear something beautiful, but it’s not suitable for this weather. As a result, a person freezes - this is the second reason for the awakening of the virus.
Do we not always strengthen our immunity and easily catch the flu or cold in the fall? This is the third reason for the activation of herpes in our body.
At a party with friends, you decided to smoke another cigarette and drink an extra glass of wine? A lot of nicotine and alcohol is the fourth reason why herpes bothers you.
In addition, herpes can arise due to chronic diseases, chemotherapy, menstruation or pregnancy. As you can see, there are many reasons for the virus to awaken. What is the best thing to do in this case? Strengthen your immunity. Only this will protect you from the disease; nothing else will help, because a vaccine has never been invented. Although, thanks to American scientists, female genital herpes is already completely curable. There is nothing to please men yet. But not only maintaining your immunity will protect you from herpes, but also something else - personal hygiene.
Therefore, if you were previously worried about the question: can there be herpes on your hands ? as in the photo . It can, but it doesn't appear as often as lip fever. The main reason for the appearance of this infection on the hands is failure to comply with the rules of personal hygiene. After all, it is known that the location of the rash depends on how the lesion occurred. That is, in the case of herpes on the lips, it is airborne droplets or a kiss, but the appearance of a characteristic rash on your hands indicates that you were in contact with the patient (handshake) and did not take action (did not wash your hands). The virus multiplies especially quickly if there are small cuts or hangnails on the hands.
Why did herpes appear on the hands photo
After we have found out the cause of the infection, let's look at the main symptoms of herpes photo on the hands . this way you can react in time. By the way, most often herpes on the hands appears in the area of the periungual space on the thumb and index finger. But let's look at the problem in more detail. A disease such as herpes occurs in several phases.
Unexplained spots on the skin
We advise parents to look at what herpes is on a child’s hand . photo provided . After all, you can recognize the disease in a timely manner and take all necessary measures, thus speeding up treatment.
A course of drug treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor; the dose and duration of treatment depend on the individual characteristics of a particular person, his state of health, age, and the presence of allergies to drugs.
Basically, a standard treatment regimen is attributed, which includes the use of antiviral drugs, immunomodulatory and vitamin complexes. As for antiviral drugs, this could be: Zovirax, Panavir, Valacyclovir and the like. The main thing is that they contain an active ingredient such as acyclovir. There are plenty of immunomodulatory and vitamin preparations. By the way, you can drink them for the purpose of prevention.
Did you like the article? Share it:
Herpes is a viral disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and organs. The virus most often appears on the face – lips, nose. However, it often occurs in other areas, in particular on the legs. A person becomes infected through airborne droplets, through direct contact with a carrier of the virus, it can enter the body through blood transfusion, and during pregnancy - from mother to baby. What are the features of herpes on the leg? How does the disease progress? What therapy does it require? Let's figure it out.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! The only remedy for HERPES and diseases associated with herpes virus, recommended by Olga Samarskaya! Read more.
Herpes on the leg and on the lip (nose) are different diseases, although they have the same etiology. If the rash affects one side of the limb, it is herpes zoster type 3, the medical name is “varicella zoster.”
Even after being cured, the patient can never get rid of herpes completely - it remains in the body until the end of human life. As soon as favorable conditions are created, it immediately makes itself known with new rashes in the affected areas. This happens because the virus “takes root” on the nerve endings of the spinal cord. Through nerve endings, the virus enters the skin, where it begins to reproduce.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! Almost 90% of people are infected with the herpes virus. Today there is a way out that puts an end to these torments. Start reading.
The main reason why herpes appears on the leg (shingles) is a decrease in the body’s protective functions. This happens most often during viral diseases and colds. The risk group includes people who have had chickenpox.
According to statistics, young people are less likely to get herpes than older people
In addition, representatives of the stronger half are more susceptible to this disease.
Virus activation occurs for several reasons:
Do not give in to stress, because it is the cause of herpes activation
When the disease recurs, careful diagnosis is required. Herpes on the toes is not common, but those at risk should be extremely careful.
The disease manifests itself as a herpetic rash. As a rule, herpes on the leg affects the fingers, feet, and inner thighs - where the nerves pass. As it progresses, it can spread to other parts of the limbs.
Initially, the skin turns red and becomes swollen. Itching and burning are constant companions and the first harbingers of a herpetic rash. Soon the skin becomes covered with small blisters (they are no more than two millimeters in diameter). Liquid collects inside - it can be clear or cloudy. Such blisters appear in groups, merge, forming large affected areas, sometimes large blisters, inside of which there is also liquid.
After a while, the bubbles burst, fluid leaks out (it contains many viral particles), and ulcers form. This condition is dangerous when it comes to herpes on the foot - erosions here heal slowly and are often infected with bacteria or fungi.
It is noteworthy that the blisters do not go away until they are completely cured. After a week or two, the patient’s condition begins to improve, new rashes do not appear, and erosions heal. The spots that remain at the site of the rash disappear after a month.
Systemic symptoms include:
In addition, neuralgic pain and post-nerpetic neuralgia are often symptoms.
If herpes on the legs is not a manifestation of shingles, treatment is aimed at eradicating the viral infection. The main drugs prescribed in this case are antiviral medications. Only the attending physician should choose them; self-medication is completely excluded!
The patient must undergo a course of immunotherapy. The affected areas of the skin are spot-treated with an alcohol solution of brilliant green. Zelenka dries out rashes and promotes the formation of crusts.
At least five times a day, the affected areas are treated with antiviral ointments and creams (their base is usually acyclovir). Between these procedures, the skin is lubricated with 5% cycloferon liniment - it stimulates the immune system.
When a diagnosis of herpes zoster is made, bed rest and diet are required ("irritating" foods are excluded - spicy, salty, smoked, sweet, soda, caffeinated drinks, alcohol).
There are also folk remedies that can help treat the disease. They can be used as additional therapeutic agents, preferably after consultation with a doctor.
To protect yourself from constant relapses of the disease, you should constantly strengthen your immune system (drink vitamins, eat them with fresh fruits/vegetables, go for walks more often) and harden your body.
At the first manifestations of herpes, consult a doctor without delay.
Now answer the question: are you satisfied with this? Aren't you tired of suffering from herpes? How much money have you already spent on ineffective treatment? That's right - it's time to put an end to the virus! Do you agree? That is why we decided to publish the exclusive story of Olga Samarskaya, in which she revealed the secret of her getting rid of herpes. Read more.
The ubiquitous herpes is least likely to appear on the legs. He is not always capable of the thick layer of epidermis that distinguishes the limbs from other parts of the human body.
Many even doubt: is it possible for sores to appear on the heel or knee? Unfortunately, yes it can. In this case, the person experiences serious discomfort.
According to medical statistics, this problem occurs less frequently in women than in men . Males over 12 years of age are at risk for this type of herpes.
In most cases, the cause of the disease is the 3rd type of virus - herpes zoster (shingles). It usually affects one of the legs, and only on the outer side of the thigh. You can see photos of shingles and learn about its treatment here.
Herpes simplex (popularly called “cold herpes”) of type 1 and genital herpes, which is classified as type 2, are very rarely chosen to infect the legs, but if this happens, the rashes are concentrated on the inner side of the thigh.
The immediate source of infection is sores in the groin area.
Very rarely, rashes on the legs are manifestations of a person’s primary infection with herpes. In this case, the infection enters the body through wounds, scratches, and abrasions from prostheses on the legs.
The situation of infection among those involved in wrestling is quite real: as a result of close contact, the virus is transmitted from a sick person to his healthy opponent who has cuts or wounds on his legs.
Another rare case that should be mentioned is the activation of the so-called disseminated infection, in which the virus travels throughout the body absolutely freely, appears wherever it wants (including on the legs), without encountering any resistance along the way. This happens in people with immunodeficiency.
However, if resistance to infection is low, then any of the following factors can cause herpetic rashes:
Very often the problem occurs after nervous strain, operations (organ transplantation), complex procedures (radiation therapy), serious illnesses (HIV, cancer).
In children, the list of negative factors should be supplemented with frequent colds, replacing one another, and changes in the lifestyle of the little patient leading to stress.
The very first symptoms of the disease are itching and pain in those places where rashes will appear in a few hours, or in extreme cases within a day.
Very quickly they transform into papules - fluid-filled vesicles that should not be pierced under any circumstances: this will not speed up the healing process and will contribute to the spread of infection, since the virus is contagious.
When the blister opens on its own, it will be replaced by sores, and later by dry crusts, scabs, which should fall off without any accelerating actions on the part of the person.
Another danger awaits those who have fungal and bacterial infections on their toes, in addition to herpes. In this case, microbial eczema may occur, which is much more difficult to cure.
Herpes on the legs has symptoms characteristic of this type of disease:
It is especially difficult to cope with pain for those who have herpes located between their toes - every movement only intensifies the unpleasant symptoms.
If the rash is on the foot, then, if possible, the patient should be kept in bed to eliminate the pain from the rash and not disturb the inflamed areas. In this situation, even wearing shoes becomes a big problem.
In a child, the symptoms of the disease are the same as in an adult, but the doctor chooses the method of treatment in accordance with the age of the patient.
It is very important that it is carried out correctly, since the risk of complications is very high. Moms and dads are unlikely to be able to cope without the help of official medicine.
There is a direct connection between a correct diagnosis and the speed of recovery.
Therefore, you should not treat every sore the same way, even if it looks exactly the same as the manifestations of a disease that you already have an idea about and know what and how to treat.
What can herpes be confused with and what distinctive features should you pay attention to:
This article provides instructions for use of Emolium cream for your information: composition of the drug, indications and contraindications, methods of use.
Symptoms and treatment of toxicoderma with photos are discussed in this material.
To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the rash, assessing its size and “dislocation.”
The information that the patient can give about his childhood illnesses (did he have chickenpox) and about possible contacts with sick people helps.
Laboratory tests of blood and the contents of papules are carried out. Sometimes fluorescent hybridization is required to determine the genome of the virus as accurately as possible.
The treatment of this type of herpes is approached in a comprehensive manner. Since it is impossible to wet the sores, a shower, and especially a bath, is canceled for a while.
But other hygiene requirements must be strictly observed - towels and bed linen should be changed more often than usual to prevent the infection from spreading to healthy areas of the skin.
If the patient has herpes type 1 or 2, then minimal treatment is required - painkillers in cases where the inflamed area hurts and aches.
What to do if the cause of a viral infection is herpes type 3, the doctor decides.
The most commonly used drugs are acyclovir-based. The doctor’s task is to begin proper treatment as early as possible and cope with the disease in order to prevent the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia.
Although these drugs do not completely destroy the herpes virus, they are able to suppress it and reduce painful symptoms.
Among the drugs used for this purpose: Acyclovir, Foscarnet, Zovirax, Famciclovir, Viferon.
This group includes painkillers (Lidocaine, Fenistil) and sedatives.
In addition, techniques are used to help relieve pain: electrical nerve stimulation and interstitial blockade.
It is recommended to smear the skin surfaces, be it the sole of the foot, fingers or thigh, with acyclovir-based preparations - 5 times a day.
In the intervals between these treatments, the diseased areas are lubricated with 5% cycloferon liniment, and in order to speed up the process of crust formation, they are spot-coated with a solution of brilliant green.
Ointment and cream Acyclovir-acri, Panavir help eliminate itching and speed up healing.
To support the immune system, immunomodulatory drugs are used: Cycloferon, Amiksin, Viferon (this drug in the form of suppositories is allowed to be prescribed during pregnancy).
Traditional medicine is used under two conditions: firstly, if it is done with the approval of a doctor, and secondly, if it is part of a complex treatment.
Here's what may be useful for treating herpes on the legs:
If herpes is treated in pregnant women, first check with special care to see if there is an allergic reaction to any of the natural components.
At home, you can use ice to treat herpes. It dulls pain and reduces itching.
A piece of ice is wrapped in a clean cloth and applied to the painful area on the leg.
Alternatively, you can brew natural coffee without sugar and freeze it. It should be applied, without wrapping it in a cloth, to places where the rash is just emerging, but is already painful and itchy.
For physically strong people, herpes on the legs usually does not pose a serious threat. But to whom he is truly dangerous:
Are you looking for analogues and substitutes for Advantan cream? Be sure to read our post and learn more about them!
What treatment methods for oral dermatitis on the face exist in modern dermatology? This article will tell you how and what to treat.
Herpes (of any type) usually does not bother people with strong immunity, so the best prevention of the disease is a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, hardening, and physical activity .
To protect yourself from risk, you need confidence in your partner and strict adherence to hygiene standards.
Did you like the article? Share it with your friends:
Herpes on the legs is a serious disease that is a form of shingles. This disease is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus, or the causative agent of chickenpox. The disease manifests itself in the form of a shingles rash, which can be localized on the thighs, knees, legs and even on the soles of the feet. This type of herpes is particularly painful and therefore brings serious discomfort to a person. Self-medication for this disease is unacceptable. You should not try to cope with herpes on your own, as incorrect actions are fraught with serious complications.
A herpetic rash will indicate the onset of the disease. It consists of small bubbles filled with cloudy liquid. The diameter of the rash does not exceed 2 millimeters. They can occur either singly or in large groups. By merging, they are able to form large areas. The following symptoms precede the appearance of bubbles:
You can distinguish herpes on the leg from other types of rashes by severe pain. This is a specific symptom of herpes zoster. Neurological pain accompanies the patient constantly. In addition, when the disease is severe, the following symptoms appear:
A few days after the rashes appear, they burst. In their place, extensive erosion areas form. At this stage of the disease, it is very important to prevent secondary infections from entering the wounds, as this threatens the appearance of purulent complications.
The disease occurs in people who have previously had chickenpox. Herpes on the toes is a reactivation of the virus of this disease. A problem arises only when the immune system is significantly weakened. In conditions when the body's defenses are not working at full capacity, the virus begins to actively multiply, causing the appearance of a herpetic rash. Most often, predisposing factors include:
The disease most often occurs without complications. However, refusal of therapy may threaten the patient with serious problems, for example, postherpetic neuralgia. Although this problem is not life-threatening, it deprives the patient of normal sleep and greatly reduces his performance.
It is important to remember that self-medication for this disease is unacceptable. The patient requires qualified medical care. Diagnoses and treats herpes on the legs:
At the first appointment, the specialist must carefully examine the person. He will assess the extent of the lesions and ask the patient to describe all complaints. The doctor will also conduct a survey that will help him create a complete clinical picture of the disease. The patient will be asked to clarify:
Based on the data obtained, the doctor draws up a treatment program for the patient. At the same time, it necessarily takes into account the person’s age, his general condition and the presence of chronic diseases.
Therapy begins with prescribing antiviral drugs to the patient. These drugs do not improve a person’s well-being, but help stop the infection and speed up wound healing. The doctor independently selects medications for the patient, and also develops a regimen for taking them and dosage. To improve the general condition, the patient is prescribed:
In cases where the pain is especially severe and simple analgesics do not help to cope with it, the person is given a blockade with painkillers. Doctors recommend lubricating the affected areas of the skin with a solution of brilliant green. It dries wounds and promotes their rapid healing.
Herpes on the skin can occur on any part of the body. The face, scalp, torso, arms and legs - nothing is immune from the appearance of a blistering rash, which itches and burns and interferes with normal life. There are many horror stories about herpes infection, some of which are true, and some of which are just myths. In this article we will analyze everything that is currently known about it.
Most often we encounter three types of action:
Skin herpes begins after the virus enters the body through the mucous membrane or damage to the skin. This doesn't happen right away. In some cases, the infection does not manifest itself for several years. This is typical for the first type of virus. The second and third types provoke rashes much faster, already on days 2-14.
Most of the time, the infection in the body is in an inactive state. Then it “wakes up” if the immunity decreases. After the disease is cured, it goes into hibernation until favorable times. Unfortunately, today there are no medicines, no vaccines, or any other ways to protect yourself or get rid of it forever. Even a complete blood transfusion will not help, since the main habitat of viruses is the nerve processes. The virus settles on the fibers and from time to time provokes rashes that appear along the course of these nerves.
Whether you develop symptoms of skin herpes and how intense they will be depends on the state of your immune system. This is not a manifestation of a cold, as many people think. On the contrary, herpes is a separate disease that occurs against the background of others, because the body directs all its defenses to fight them. Meanwhile, the herpes infection begins to multiply unhindered.
What leads to decreased immunity? First of all, these are all kinds of acute and chronic diseases. Also, some treatments are specifically aimed at suppressing the immune system. For example, after organ transplantation, people are forced to take immunosuppressive drugs so that the new organs can take root and are not rejected.
The modern lifestyle of a person has a significant impact on protective functions. Stress, overwork, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, bad habits - all these are risk factors for the development of herpes. Also at risk are pregnant women and women before menstruation. Relapses occur especially often during such periods.
Transmission of the infection through blood transfusions, organ transplants and during childbirth is also possible, but this happens much less frequently.
A person is most contagious during the period when he has blistering rashes on his body. This is due to the fact that they contain a large accumulation of viruses. It is enough to touch the bubbles and not wash your hands afterwards for the infection to be transmitted. Thus, self-infection often occurs. For example, a person had a sore on his nose, and he scratched it, and then touched his lips or eyes. The virus spreads instantly.
Perhaps everyone knows what herpes looks like on the skin. These are small transparent bubbles with liquid, which as they ripen become cloudy and burst. A rash is already the second stage of the disease, and the first is often confused with a common cold or flu.
In general, herpes on the skin is not considered such a dangerous disease as many people think, and can go away on its own without treatment. Unless it's shingles, of course. However, no one wants to suffer from its unpleasant symptoms. People resort to the help of various drugs. It is also recommended to do this in order to avoid complications.
If we are talking about herpes zoster, then in the elderly it causes neuralgic pain that does not go away for several months or years. The body of most other people copes well with the infection; treatment of skin herpes occurs quickly, without any negative consequences.
The virus is also dangerous for the fetus, which is just being formed. Penetrating into it, the infection causes various pathologies, sometimes incompatible with life. However, only those women who have never had herpes before should be afraid. This is extremely rare, as infection usually occurs in childhood.
Treatment of skin herpes should be comprehensive, since it is a problem for the whole organism as a whole. If you want to get rid of relapses for a long time, then using ointments alone is not enough. You will have to change your lifestyle to strengthen your immune system. This is also necessary for recovery. The faster the immune system reacts to the activity of the virus, the sooner the rashes and other unpleasant symptoms will go away.
It is necessary to consult with doctors about how to treat herpes on the skin. Depending on the manifestations and severity of the inflammatory process, you will need to consult an infectious disease specialist, dermatologist and immunologist.
The basis of treatment is antiviral therapy, which includes the use of ointments, tablets or injections, and sometimes all at once if the situation is too severe. There are many similar drugs on the pharmaceutical market today. They are based on the same active drugs. The oldest and most popular is acyclovir. Some time ago, analogues appeared: famciclovir and valacyclovir.
In addition to antiviral drugs, the use of antiseptics and painkillers is necessary. The first ones are needed to prevent additional infection from getting into the wounds, and the second ones are needed for severe pain. Those suffering from herpes zoster are often prescribed sedatives or antidepressants, which are needed so that the patient can at least get some sleep.
Since it is difficult to treat skin herpes in patients with poor immunity, sometimes doctors prescribe special medications. They support the body's defenses and are called immunomodulators and immunostimulants. These are serious medications and should not be taken on your own.
If you want to forget about herpes, get rid of habits that negatively affect the functioning of the immune system. These include a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, disruption of sleep and rest patterns, tanning, eating processed foods and unhealthy delicacies. These changes to your daily habits may seem overwhelming at first, but once you develop new ones, you won't regret it.