Herpes simplex is a virus (herpes simplex virus) that causes numerous diseases, especially skin diseases, and can be divided into two subgroups. A distinction is made between HSV 1 and HSV 2.
Cold sores (in the mouth area) are usually triggered by HSV 1, genital herpes, however, by HSV 2.
For more information, see the main Herpes article.
Similar to that Varicella zoster virus will that Herpes Simplex Virus 1 mostly absorbed by the human body in childhood. The virus is transmitted through the Air via droplet infection (e.g. sneezing) or through direct skin or mucous membrane contact (e.g. kissing). In 99% of the cases there are no symptoms at first contact, rarely the so-called occur Mouth rot (Aphthous stomatitis). The virus remains unnoticed in nerve endings, but can break out under certain conditions and it comes to Cold sore.
$config[ads_text1] not found
One goes from one today almost 90% contamination of the virus in the population. Are particularly at risk immunocompromised and elderly patientswho, due to their weakened general condition, can become life-threatening due to a herpes infection.
Herpes simplex virus 2 however, it is usually transmitted through sexual contact. The first infection usually only takes place in late adolescence to adulthood. When there is an outbreak, it happens Genital herpes.
Basically any skin area in the body can be affected by a herpes simplex infection. The most common locations are Outside of the lips. It mostly arise painful blisters with purulent, crusty coverings. Many patients notice an itching or burning sensation before the actual outbreak occurs.
Of course, you should be aware that you are infected during an active period as well contagious are. So contagious that over 90% of all adults latent, so without complaints are infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1. Anyone who is once infected with the virus has a "chance" of about 20-30% that the annoying blisters will come back. Fortunately, for an unknown reason, these reactivations are becoming increasingly rare over time.
Depending on where the viruses have been carried, corresponding infections of herpes simplex can develop in different parts of the skin. Also to be mentioned are:
Unlike the Shingles however is not a whole Dermatome affected, the borders are therefore not sharply delineated but rather flowing. The appearance of the flaking skin, the redness and the elevation can, however, resemble shingles.
This virus is when Sexual intercourse or at the birth transfer. With this infection, itchy blisters form on the Genital mucosa. The risk of infection is present with an active infection, but it can be through Condoms effectively prevented.
If a pregnant woman suffers from genital herpes, a Caesarean section can be done to prevent infection of the child during birth. Infection is particularly dangerous in newborns, as they tend to be life-threatening due to a still weak immune system Meningitis to get.
Herpes simplex infections can be particularly difficult if inner areas of the body are not affected.
Severe courses and complications are:
$config[ads_text3] not found
$config[ads_text2] not found
$config[ads_text4] not foundThe herpes simplex virus can rarely have one Inflammation of the brain (called encephalitis) cause. In this case, what is actually a harmless herpes infection becomes a serious medical emergency that, if left untreated, results in more than 75% of cases fatal runs.
Since using Antivirals, i.e. agents that inhibit the multiplication of viruses, the risk of dying from herpes encephalitis has become relatively low. Therefore, only if herpes encephalitis is suspected, courageous treatment is required.
Although herpes simplex encephalitis accounts for only 10% of all encephalitis, it is responsible for most of the deaths from encephalitis. Get sick every year 1-2/100.000 People with herpes encephalitis.
Encephalitis almost always develops from an acute infection with the herpes simplex virus. The viruses migrate from the blood via the so-called Cranial nerves retrograde, so practically backwards into the brain, mostly this happens along the Olfactory nerves. Unfortunately, there are no known factors that affect the likelihood that a "normal" herpes infection will turn into encephalitis, so there is little protection against such an infection.
It is known, however, that most of the brain inflammation occurs reactivated infections arise and not from initial infections.
If you have encephalitis, the symptoms usually begin flu-like, so with fever and Headache and body aches. After a few days, complaints from the impairment of the brain come to the fore. It often happens Impaired consciousness and epileptic seizures. Not infrequently also occur Speech disorders and Signs of paralysis on.
Which mostly Not occurs are Cold sore. If the meninges are also affected by the infection, severe headaches and neck stiffness usually occur. If herpes encephalitis is suspected, this is always a emergency and must be treated in a neurological ward. Usually the brain will then use one MRI of the brain examined for suspicious changes and also from the spinal canal nerve fluid (so-called "Liquor") Taken.
This CSF is then examined to confirm the suspicion. Regardless of this, before there is any certainty about the pathogen, "Acyclovir“Administered. This is an active ingredient that can also be found in creams for cold sores. In encephalitis, however, the drug is injected in high doses through a vascular access or as a infusion administered. In addition, because of the risk of epileptic seizures, an epilepsy drug is administered until the encephalitis is over.
This is decisive for the chances of survival early treatment of encephalitis. Here, “danger recognized, danger averted” actually applies. Because if no therapy is administered, the mortality is 70%, with therapy only at 20%.
In the case of survivors, the lasting damage after the illness is great differently often, depending on how quickly therapy was started. Around half of the patients retain permanent damage on average, mostly epileptic seizures or mental impairments. If therapy is started very early, this number drops to below 30%. So overall, herpes simplex encephalitis is one serious illnesswhich is unfortunately difficult to identify due to its mostly unspecific complaints. If it is recognized, however, herpes simplex encephalitis can be treated very well.
For the diagnosis of a herpes simplex infection, the clinical look. If the course is severe, or if the internal organs are also affected, it can go through appropriate immunological procedures evidence of a herpes infection can be provided.
The treatment is carried out with so-called antivirals, which inhibit the further multiplication of the virus. Acyclovir is used for herpes simplex infections. In the case of mild infections, it can be local, e.g.as an ointment, in severe cases or when complications occur, it must be given systemically (e.g. as an infusion).
However, what no drug can do today is to fight the viruses in their permanent form in the nerve cells.
Read more on the subject at: Duration of cold sores
