Unsightly blisters: Lip herpes and genital herpes – the so-called herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are responsible for this. They occur in two different variants: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). While HSV-1 causes cold sores, HSV-2 is responsible for genital herpes. Once herpes simplex viruses enter the body, they remain there for life.
What are herpes simplex viruses?
About 90 percent of the population carries the herpes simplex viruses – the best-known is cold sore (herpes labialis). The herpes simplex viruses are localized in the blisters of the skin as well as the mucous membranes of the diseased persons. The transmission takes place from person to person. The person affected does not notice the initial infection. The herpes simplex virus enters the body in two ways – either via droplet or smear infection or via direct skin contact. Therefore, great caution is advised when sneezing, coughing, etc., as well as when kissing or having unprotected sexual contact. Shared utensils can also pose a particular risk. As a rule, the smallest injuries to the skin or mucous membrane act as entry points. This explains the relatively high risk of infection and infection rate.
Significance and function
It is estimated that almost all older adults have had contact with the virus at least once during their lifetime. Surprisingly, however, about 60 to 70 percent of those infected never experience symptoms. To date, there is no explanation for this lifelong absence of symptoms. In most cases, infection with herpes simplex viruses occurs in childhood – usually without symptoms.
Diseases and symptoms
However, once a person has had a herpes infection, it does not mean that he or she is immunized. Rather, herpes simplex viruses are always “on standby”: seemingly unnoticed in the body – lying dormant in the nerve nodes – they can become awake and thus active again at any time. Reactivation is a special ability of the herpes simplex viruses and makes their reappearance possible at irregular intervals. The latter is especially the case when the immune system is weakened – when we have stress or are ill. It is recommended to pay attention to sufficient sleep, balanced diet and exercise. In this way, the risk of a new outbreak of herpes, in whatever form, can be effectively reduced. Treatment of symptoms is indicated both for the initial infection and for any recurrence. So-called antivirals are used in the treatment of viral infections. They curb viral replication and in this way contain the further spread of the pathogen. Herpes simplex viruses are persistent: once they have entered the body, they remain there for life. Reactivations can occur again and again at various intervals. This means renewed multiplication of the virus – renewed occurrence of the disease. Such reactivations are based on a wide variety of causes: In addition to a weakened immune system, these include psychological and hormonal influences as well as sunlight exposure.
Dangers, disorders, risks and diseases
If the vesicular disease also proves to be unpleasant, it is largely harmless in the vast majority of cases. Complications such as encephalitis are comparatively rare. However, it becomes dangerous when HSV-1 infects the cornea of the eye: this can result in impaired vision – in some cases even blindness. HSV-1 can be particularly dangerous for newborns and people with a weakened immune system. In individual cases, which are sometimes fatal, blisters form all over the body. Herpes simplex viruses should by no means be underestimated, as they have an oncogenic potential: Under certain circumstances, they can be carcinogenic. In expert circles, it is assumed that the herpes simplex virus type 2, for example, is a trigger for cervical cancer. Infection with HSV-2 proves particularly dangerous for newborns, as infection is possible during birth. If the infection is known to the mother, transmission of the virus to the newborn can be prevented qua delivery by cesarean section.
Treatment and therapy
To date, there is no efficient therapy for infection with herpes simplex virus.To date, it has not been possible to destroy herpes simplex viruses once they are in the body. This means that the treatment of a herpes infection merely involves reducing symptoms such as inflammation and any pain etc. Antiviral ingredients – for example aciclovir – therefore only minimize the suffering of the person affected. Herpes on the lips is easy to treat on one’s own. Various ointments and creams containing active ingredients are available over the counter in pharmacies. The first signs of a recurrence of cold sores in the form of tingling or taut skin should be taken as an opportunity to initiate appropriate treatment. In contrast, consultation with a physician is recommended for genital herpes.
