Definition
Herpes simplex is a viral infection that affects skin and / or mucous membranes: the infectious disease, caused by the homonymous virus, generally affects the face (cold sores, HSV I) or genitals (genital herpes, HSV II).
Causes
The man is the only host of the virus, therefore he represents the only source of contagion: the Herpes simplex virus is transmitted almost exclusively by direct interhuman way, through micro-droplets of saliva (herpes labialis) or by sexual intercourse ( genital herpes). Systemic problems and fever are rarely reported.
The predisposing factors for Herpes simplex include: decrease in immune defenses, sun rashes, infectious diseases, stress and hormonal variations.
Symptoms
Herpes simplex, in general, begins with small blisters typically round, similar to bunches, located on skin or mucous membranes of the facial or genital area, responsible for burning, discomfort, itching and localized redness.
Natural Care
Diet and Nutrition
Information on Herpes Simplex - Drugs for the Treatment of Herpes Simplex is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Herpes Simplex - Herpes Simplex Medications.
drugs
It should be pointed out that there is no drug capable of definitively eradicating the herpes simplex virus, despite the fact that various pharmacological substances are active against these viruses. The best therapy is to keep the immune system efficient by combining a healthy diet with sport.
The treatment of Herpes simplex must always be timely, to avoid the worsening of the prodromes:
- Acyclovir (eg Aciclovir, Xerese, Zovirax): being an inhibitor of herpes virus DNA synthesis, acyclovir is indicated in the treatment of Herpes simplex Labialis skin and mucosal infections (including relapsing). Apply the cream (5%) locally 5 times a day for 4 days: the therapy must be timely. The active ingredient aciclovir can also be found in the form of 200 mg tablets: take one tablet orally every 4 hours for 10 days (when Herpes occurs for the first time), or one 400 mg tablet three times a day, for a period varying from 7 to 10 days, according to what is prescribed by the doctor.
- Penciclovir (eg Vectavir, Zilp): apply the cream (1%) on the infected area every two hours (however 8 times a day) for 4 days. Also in this case it is recommended to start the treatment as soon as possible, preferably during the symptomatic phase.
- Idoxuridine (eg Iducher, Idustatin): it is an antiviral drug that acts as an inhibitor of DNA virus replication, therefore it is used in the treatment of Herpes simplex infections. Apply the product directly on the lesions 4 times a day, for 4 days. In the case of childhood Herpes simplex, the application of products based on Idoxuridine is not recommended, as well as in pregnancy.
Topical application of medicines against Herpes simplex can generate burning, irritation, skin maceration and tingling: to avoid unpleasant side effects, apply a moisturizing cream several times a day.
In the case of a first episode of Herpes simplex, in addition to following a light diet and taking plenty of fluids, analgesics can be applied locally, such as, for example, NSAIDs:
- Benzidamine (eg Benzirin): in the case of intraoral Herpes simplex, benzydamine-based rinses exert a good topical analgesic action: 5 rinses of 5 ml (one teaspoon) are recommended every two hours and before meals. It is possible to find the active ingredient benzidamine also in the form of oral mucosa spray: in this case, it is advisable to apply 4-8 sprays of product per day, directly on the area affected by Herpes simplex.
