Saturday, March 16, 2024

What Does Herpes Do To Your Body

Can Shingles On One Part Of My Body Spread To Another

Herpes (oral & genital) – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

I broke out with shingles to my face. Can I spread the virus to other parts of my own body by scratching?

Ive googled and found contradictory information. Some sites say it can be spread to any part of the body.so Im confused.

I know shingles can be spread to other people, but can shingles on one part of my body be spread to another?

The herpes virus responsible for chickenpox, Varicella zoster lays dormant in nerves after the chickenpox outbreak. Shingles break out in the region affected by that nerve or nerves, which is also why shingles are usually restricted to one body side .

Spreading the virus to other parts of the body is called autoinoculation. I could not find this described anywhere for Varicella zoster in healthy patients. In the related Herpes simplex, it is uncommon.

Sometimes, infected people can transmit the virus and infect other parts of their own bodies . This process, known as autoinoculation, is uncommon, since people generally develop antibodies that protect against this problem

Basically, the other parts of your body are vaccinated against the virus.

For Varicella zoster, it is a concern when considering immunocompromised patients :

If your immune system is weakened, shingles blisters may spread to other parts of your body and it will likely take longer for the symptoms to heal, maybe lasting for months

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What Is The Long

People who contract HSV will have the virus for the rest of their lives. Even if it does not manifest symptoms, the virus will continue to live in nerve cells.

Some people may experience regular outbreaks. Others will only experience one outbreak after they contract the virus, and then the virus may become dormant. Even if a virus is dormant, certain stimuli can trigger an outbreak. These include:

  • fever or illness
  • sun exposure or sunburn

Its believed that outbreaks may become less intense over time because the body starts creating antibodies. If a generally healthy person contracts the virus, there are usually no complications.

Although there is no cure for herpes, you can take measures to avoid contracting the virus, or to prevent transmitting HSV to another person.

If youre experiencing an outbreak of HSV-1, consider taking a few preventive steps:

  • Try to avoid direct physical contact with other people.
  • Dont share any items that can pass the virus around, such as cups, towels, silverware, clothing, makeup, or lip balm.
  • Dont participate in oral sex, kissing, or any other type of sexual activity during an outbreak.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and apply medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores.

Women who are pregnant and have an infection may have to take medication to prevent the virus from infecting their unborn babies.

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Cocoa Powder For Double Chin

Cocoa powder is also another effective home remedy for double chin. It is loaded with vitamin E which is known to possess a very high moisturizing property.

This property of cocoa powder helps to ensure that your skin remains hydrated, which can lead to improving the elasticity of your skin.

This will also reduce the appearance of a double chin.

Do This:

  • Add the cocoa butter in a bowl and slightly heat it.
  • Gently massage the heated cocoa butter into your jaw and the upper neck for about 5 minutes.
  • You can decide to wash it off after about 30 minutes to an hour or you can also allow it on overnight.
  • Apply the cocoa butter once every day.

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Herpes Simplex Virus: The Basics First

Before jumping into the details, lets first discuss some basics.

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Herpes infection is due to a virus called the Herpes Simplex Virus . Its two types are HSV1 and HSV2. While HSV2 is more notorious for genital herpes outbreaks, and HSV1 is commonly known for cold sores of the mouth, both can cause the sexually transmitted infection.

HSV2 is also known for more severe symptoms and outbreaks, as well as a greater number of them. Where a person might get four to five outbreaks of genital herpes with HSV2, that number could be one to two outbreaks per year with genital herpes from HSV1.

Not to worry many people have fewer outbreaks as time goes on, or even stop having them entirely.

Keep in mind, however, that this is highly personal. Different people can expect different outcomes, but everyone can take steps to manage them.

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How To Get Rid Of Herpes Symptoms Naturally

Herpes Simplex

By Joe Boland

Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases , prompting many to wonder how to get rid of herpes naturally.

The herpes virus can live dormant inside a persons immune system for a lifetime, periodically causing blisters that burst and turn into open cold sores or ulcers before healing. When left alone, herpes cold sores usually last about 1014 days and are uncomfortable for a variety of reasons causing redness, pain, burning and often embarrassment.

Many people wonder if there is a natural cure for herpes or are looking for ways on how to get rid of herpes for good. While technically the virus that causes herpes is not curable, there are many natural herpes remedies that can put herpes into remission. In fact, many people with herpes dont experience any symptoms at all, especially long term, once they learn to manage triggers of outbreaks. So while theres no guide for how to get rid of herpes naturally, there is a method for how to get rid of herpes symptoms the natural way and keep breakouts at bay.

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Is Herpes Simplex Related To Herpes Zoster

Herpes simplex and the varicella-zoster virus are related, but they arent the same. VZV causes chickenpox and shingles.

Like HSV-1 and HSV-2, shingles can cause a painful, blistering rash. The shingles rash usually shows up on the back, side, abdomen , neck and face. It is often only on half of your body, following the pattern of your nerves. See your healthcare provider if you have a new rash and suspect you may have shingles.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Herpes simplex is a virus. Once you have herpes, its a lifelong condition. A herpes infection can lead to outbreaks , but youll also have times when you have no symptoms. The main sign of herpes is sores that appear on the infected skin. Some people choose not to treat herpes, especially if symptoms are mild. Others take antiviral medications to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/17/2022.

References

Why You Should Go To A Sexual Health Clinic

You can see a GP, but they’ll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.

Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.

Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.

They’ll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.

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Can You Spread Herpes To Different Parts Of Your Body

There is no cure for herpes.

  • The health care provider may prescribe antiviral medicine to help speed up the healing process. It also shortens the time when the virus can spread from the herpes sores.
  • Pain may be treated with medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin or by applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area.
  • If sores are in the mouth, avoid foods high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
  • The infected area should be kept clean and dry.
  • Wash hands often and avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the virus.
  • It is important to stay healthy by getting enough rest, having proper nutrition and exercise and managing stress well.

How Do You Get Herpes

How Contagious is Herpes?

The skin on your genitals, mouth, and eyes can be infected easily. Other areas of skin may get infected if theres a way for the herpes virus to get in, like through a cut, burn, rash, or other sores. You dont have to have sex to get herpes. Sometimes herpes can be passed in non-sexual ways, like if a parent with a cold sore gives you a peck on the lips. Most people with oral herpes got it when they were kids. A mother can pass genital herpes to a baby during vaginal childbirth, but thats pretty rare.

You can spread herpes to other parts of your body if you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth, genitals, or eyes without washing your hands first. You can also pass herpes to someone else this way.

Herpes is most contagious when sores are open and wet, because fluid from herpes blisters easily spreads the virus. But herpes can also shed and get passed to others when there are no sores and your skin looks totally normal.

Most people get herpes from someone who doesnt have any sores. It may live in your body for years without causing any symptoms, so its really hard to know for sure when and how you got it. Thats why so many people have herpes its a pretty sneaky infection.

Because the virus dies quickly outside the body, you cant get herpes from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats.

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How Can You Contract Cold Sores

Cold sores are generally contracted from skin to skin contact with an infected area. For example, if someone has a cold sore on their lip they can pass on the virus to another persons mouth through kissing. HSV-1 is often the most easily acquired herpes infection. Usually the first herpes simplex virus that people encounter, oral HSV-1, is typically spread simply by the kind of social kiss that a relative gives a child. Because children have no prior infection with any HSV type, they have no immune defense against the virus.

Primary And Recurrent Infection

After the first infection, HSV, like other herpesviruses, remains inactive in the body for life. A latent infection may not cause symptoms again, or it may periodically reactivate and cause symptoms.

The primary HSV infection produces an eruption of tiny blisters. After the eruption of blisters subsides, the virus remains in a dormant state inside the collection of nerve cells near the spinal cord that supply the nerve fibers to the infected area. Periodically, the virus reactivates, begins multiplying again, and travels through the nerve fibers back to the skinâcausing eruptions of blisters in the same area of skin as the earlier infection. Sometimes the virus is present on the skin or mucous membranes even when no blisters can be seen.

The virus may reactivate many times. Reactivation of a latent oral or genital HSV infection may be triggered by the following:

  • Emotional stress

  • Suppression of the immune system

An episode of cold sores can develop after physical trauma, such as a dental procedure or overexposure of the lips to sunlight. Often, the trigger is unknown.

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Realistic And Unrealistic Expectations

People may just need a little time to assimilate the information. This is where having well-written information helps. Consider giving them reading the material or referring them to a Sexual Health Centre, the Herpes Helpline: 0508 11 12 13 or the herpes website www.herpes.org.nz, to verify the information youve given them.

Whatever the reaction, try to be flexible. Remember that it took you time to adjust as well.

Negative reactions are often no more than the result of misinformation. In some cases, they are brought on when a person fears that youre asking them to commit to a relationship, instead of just informing them of the situation. If your partner decides not to pursue a relationship with you simply because you have herpes, its better to find out now. It takes a lot more than the occasional aggravation of herpes to destroy a sound relationship.

Some people react negatively no matter what you say or how you say it. Others might focus more energy on herpes than on the relationship. These people are the exception, not the rule. This is not a reflection on you. You are not responsible for their reaction. If your partner is unable to accept the facts about herpes, encourage him or her to speak with a medical expert or counsellor.

All relationships face challenges, most far tougher than herpes. Good relationships stand and fall on far more important issues including communication, respect and trust.

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What Is Oral Herpes

GRAPHIC IMAGES

More than half of American adults have oral herpes. Some estimates say up to 80% of American adults have oral herpes.

Oral herpes is primarily caused by HSV-1, although it is also possible to have an HSV-2 infection around the mouth.

A person with an oral herpes outbreak may first feel itching, burning, or tingling around the mouth, lips, or tongue. Later, cold sores or small blisters may develop in these areas or anywhere on the skin.

Roughly four to six days after these cold sores start leaking, they start healing by forming a crust. Outbreaks of oral herpes can last for two to three weeks, which can be shorter than the two to six weeks of a genital herpes outbreak.

People who develop symptoms of herpes may first experience tingling, itching, or burning, then notice sores or blisters forming around the mouth or genitals.

Symptoms tend to develop 220 days after exposure to the virus.

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What You Need To Know

  • Herpes simplex virus , also known as genital herpes, is most likely to be spread when an infected person is having an outbreak, but it can also be transmitted without any symptoms being present.
  • Medications can help reduce your symptoms, speed up the healing of an outbreak and make you less contagious.
  • If you know you have genital herpes before becoming pregnant, your physician will monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy. If you have an active outbreak at the time of delivery, cesarean section may be recommended.

How Do People Get Genital Herpes

People can get infected with genital herpes when the virus comes into contact with a break in the skin in or around the mouth or genital area. This can happen when:

  • They receive oral sex from a partner who has oral herpes .
  • They touch a herpes sore and then touch their own genitals.
  • Their genitals touch the skin in the genital area of someone who is infected .

Genital herpes can spread even if there are no sores because the virus is still in the body. The virus can be in the skin near the genitals and infect another person during sexual contact.

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Is There A Link Between Genital Herpes And Hiv

It is easier for a person with genital herpes to get or transmit HIV infection.

If a person with a herpes infection is genitally exposed to HIV, their risk of acquiring HIV is than someone without genital herpes. This is because genital herpes can cause breaks in the skin and make a person more vulnerable to HIV infection.

A person with HIV and genital herpes is more likely to transmit HIV to sex partners.

Do Symptoms Differ Depending On Location

Cold Sores | Oral Herpes | Causes, Signs & Symptoms, Treatment

Youll most likely notice similar blisters and prodromal symptoms, no matter what type of the virus you have or where it shows up. The two different types of HSV .

The only major difference, of course, is where you experience symptoms:

  • If HSV affects your genitals, you might notice pain or burning during urination.
  • If HSV affects your mouth, you might have difficulty eating spicy or acidic foods while you have open sores.

Theres also a slight difference in where oral blisters appear, depending on whether theyre primary or recurrent. During the first episode, blisters may appear on your mouth and lips, but during later episodes, theyre more likely to

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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDAs Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

If you have a cold sore, you do not necessarily need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider because the sore will likely go away on its own within a few days. However, make an appointment for an evaluation if you have signs and symptoms of cold sores that are persistent and/or extremely painful, especially if they are associated with fevers, swelling, bleeding, or oozing. Though cold sores are generally not serious and rarely cause complications, you’ll want to get outbreaks under control.

If you have any signs of genital herpes, however, you should see a healthcare provider within a few days, before the lesions go away.

Sores on or near the genital area can herald a sexually transmitted infection , or they may be the result of some other type of irritation. Most STIs are treatable, but it is difficult to know which one you may haveor if you have one at allunless you are trained in diagnosing them.

Many people do not freely communicate with sexual partners when it comes to STI status, so it’s best to get a definitive answer on what’s causing your symptoms.

If you have pain or bleeding with urination, pain with sexual activity, or if you notice that lesions in the genital area seem to be inflamed, you should call your healthcare provider, even if you have already been diagnosed with and treated for herpes.

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