Herpes Simplex: what it is, what are the causes, how it is prevented

Herpes Simplex is the name of a family of viruses that are divided into two main groups: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2.
Type 1 is the most common and can be traced back to cold sores (sometimes it also affects eyes, nostrils and oropharyngeal cavity) which is unleashed with the formation of itchy blisters with escaping serum.
Type 2, on the other hand, develops in the private parts and it is better known by the name of genital herpes.

Highly contagious and lacking a cure that definitively solves the problem, Herpes Simplex prefers people under the age of 50 who are its most coveted targets for lifestyle and habits.

It is estimated that around 4 billion people around the world are affected by the virus each year, of these about 400 million contract the type 2 variant which vents at the level of the genitals following unprotected sexual intercourse.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT
Herpes is a type of virus that causes an infection that causes the death of epithelial cells, with the consequent formation of very inflamed and itchy vesicles that are localized as already mentioned in the nose, mouth, eyes (herpes 1) and genitals (herpes 2).

The reconstructive phase of the epithelium begins about a week after the onset of the disease, the formation of small crusts is the signal that everything is going well and that we are faced with the submissive phase that it usually resolves within 10 days.

It is not just a blemish but a a highly contagious chronic herpetic infection.

MAIN RISK FACTORS
Close contacts are the first cause of contagion: unprotected sexual intercourse, a simple kiss or the bad habit of exchange very personal items such as towels, cutlery, razors, lipsticks etc. they are a breeding ground for contamination and disease development.

Other factors that increase the possibility of contracting it or the incidence of a relapse are for example periods of strong psycho / physical stress, drop in immune defenses, drug therapies, prolonged exposure to sunlight, jump in temperature, irregular nutrition with vitamin deficiencies.

It’s a smart virus, when it makes its first appearance, it decides not to leave the host body anymore, sneaking into the nerve ganglia and peeping from time to time.
It affects men and women equally without any discrimination and once permanently established it remains latent in the organism as it survives the immune system and is resistant to drugs. During a herpes manifestation, extreme care must be taken to avoid the spread of the virus to other parts of the body.

MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS
But let’s see the symptoms specifically, because recognizing them helps us to anticipate to limit the “damage”:
–itch e burning accompanied by pain in the affected area at times loss of sensitivity to touch.
–purulent and inflamed vesicles which evolve into crusts after a week.
– some individuals develop headache, anxiety, general exhaustion together with muscle aches.

CAUSES OF FREQUENT APPEARANCE
As already said, being an intelligent virus, its trump card is the “latency strategy”. Hiding in the nerve ganglia it does not show any sign of its presence and is consequently unassailable by the immune system itself and by drugs, as it does not replicate like most viruses (for example flu). Latency can last for weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime.

LE FASI
They are essentially four:
– The prodromic phase, which is essentially the one preceding the appearance of the vesicles and is accompanied by a tingling sensation on the affected part.
– The inflammatory phase, is that of the actual eruption with the appearance of small red spots and bubbles.
– The ulcer phase, that in which there are real vesicles and pain appears in some cases.
– Phase last, that of formation of the crust which will fall off after 3/4 days giving way to perfectly regenerated skin.

HOW TO PREVENT
It is known that hygiene in these cases is the best defense, therefore wash your hands often with soap and water ed avoid touching each other in contaminated areas to prevent the virus from spreading to other areas. Losing the unhealthy habit of exchanging very personal items, especially if you know you are contagious. Use high protection stick for lips when you are exposed to the sun, both at the sea and in the mountains.

HOW IT IS CARED FOR
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor usually proceeds with the prescription of a antivirals, in cream or in tablets, according to gravity. The drug relieves the discomfort related to the disease and decreases the healing time. Keep immune defenses high it is certainly a winning weapon for those who are at risk.
On the food front, green light a seasonal fruit and vegetables rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and, why not: take in cycles a good food supplement based on Echinacea which with its antiviral and antibacterial action stimulates the T lymphocytes to produce antibodies, proving to be a good ally to defend against this unwelcome guest.
It might give relieflocal application of ice and so does the application of patches for herpes which not only protect but reduce contagion in other areas.