HERPES

<p>Herpes is caused by one of two viruses: herpes simplex type 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV2). Herpes</p><p>is a common infection that causes &quot;cold sores&quot; or &quot;fever blisters&quot;on the mouth or face (known as oral herpes) and similar symptoms in the genital region (known as genital herpes).</p><p>Oral herpes<br>, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called <br>cold sores<br> or <br>fever blisters<br>, infects the face and mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form of infection. Genital herpes, known simply as <br>herpes<br>, is the second most common form of herpes. Other disorders such as herpetic whitlow, herpes gladiatorum, ocular herpes .cerebral herpes infection encephalitis, Mollaret&#x27;s meningitis, neonatal herpes, and possibly Bell&#x27;s palsy are all caused by herpes simplex viruses.</p><p>The body’s natural defense system is called “The Immune Responses”. Whenever herpes attacks the immune system, the body fights back against this menace. As the battle grows more intense, there are heavy losses by both the herpes virus and the immune system. This causes the body to be less able to defend itself from attacks by other viruses. For those very reasons, a herpes patient should try to keep the herpes virus under control at all times.</p><p>Herpes viruses are a leading cause of human viral disease, second only to influenza and cold viruses. They are capable of causing overt disease or remaining silent for many years only to be reactivated, for example</p><p>Herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1)</p><p>Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2)</p><p>Epstein Barr virus (EBV)</p><p>Cytomegalovirus (CMV)</p><p>Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)</p><p>Human herpes virus 6 (exanthum subitum or roseola infantum)</p><p>Human herpes virus 8 (Kaposi&#x27;s sarcoma-associate herpes virus)</p><p>Diseases caused by Herpes Simplex Viruses</p><p>Herpes simplex 1 and 2 are frequently benign but can also cause severe disease. In each case, the initial lesion looks the same. A clear vesicle containing infectious virus with a base of red (erythomatous) lesion at the base of the vesicle. This if often referred to as a &#x27;dewdrop on a rose petal&#x27;. From this pus-containing (pustular), encrusted lesions and ulcers may develop.</p><p>Oral herpes - Cold sores</p><p>As already stated, this can be the result of an HSV-1 or an HSV-2 infection. Because of the association of HSV-2 with sexual transmission, infections in children are usually the result of HSV-1. In primary herpetic gingivostomatitis , the typical clear lesions first develop followed by ulcers that have a white appearance. The infection, often initially on the lips spreads to all parts of the mouth and pharynx. Reactivation from the trigeminal ganglia can result in what are known as cold sores. Herpes pharyngitis is often associated with other viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. The disease is more severe in immunosuppressed people such as AIDS patients .</p><p>Herpes keratitis</p><p>This is an infection of the eye and is primarily caused by HSV-1. It can be recurrent and may lead to blindness.</p><p>Herpes whitlow</p><p>This disease of persons who come in manual contact with herpes-infected body secretions can be caused by either type of HSV and enters the body via small wounds on the hands or wrists. It can also be caused by transfer of HSV-2 from genitals to the hands .</p><p>Herpes gladiatorum</p><p>This is contracted by wrestlers. It apparently spreads by direct contact from skin lesions on one wrestler to his/her opponent, and usually appears in the head and neck region (which are frequently sites of contact in wrestling holds). Oddly, the lesions are more often on the right side of the body (perhaps because most wrestlers are right handed). It is also seen in other contact sports such as rugby where it is known as scrum pox (Herpes Rugbeiorum).</p><p>Eczema herpeticum</p><p>This is found in children with active eczema, preexisting atopic dermatitis, and can spread over the skin at the site of eczema lesions (The virus can spread to other organs such as the liver and adrenals. A similar disease may also be caused by vaccinia (eczema vaccinatum).</p><p>Genital herpes</p><p>Genital herpes is usually the result of HSV-2 with about 10% of cases being the result of HSV-1. Primary infection is often asymptomatic but many painful lesions can develop on the glans or shaft of the penis in men and on the vulva, vagina, cervix and perianal region of women (figure 12). In both sexes, the urethra can be involved. In women, the infection may be accompanied by vaginal discharge. Genital herpes infections, which involve a transient viremia, can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms including fever, myalgia, glandular inflammation of the groin area (Secondary episodes of genital herpes, which occur as a result of reactivation of virus in the sacral ganglion, are frequently less severe (and last a shorter time) than the first episode. Recurrent episodes seem usually to result from a primary HSV-2 infection. Patients who are about to experience a recurrence usually first experience a prodrome in which there is a burning sensation in the area that is about to erupt. Some patients have only infrequent recurrences but others experience recurrences as often as every 14-21 days. Whether there is an apparent active disease or not, an infected patient remains infectious without overt symptoms. Clearly, these persons are very important in the spread of herpes infection.</p><p>HSV proctitis</p><p>This is an inflammation of the rectum and the anus</p><p>HSV Encephalitis</p><p>This is usually the result of an HSV-1 infection and is the most common sporadic viral encephalitis. HSV encephalitis is a febrile disease and may result in damage to one of the temporal lobes. As a result there is blood in the spinal fluid and the patient experiences neurological symptoms such as seizures. The disease can be fatal but in the US there are fewer than 1000 cases per year.</p><p>HSV Meningitis</p><p>This is the result of an HSV-2 infection. The symptoms seem to resolve spontaneously.</p><p>HSV infection of neonates</p><p>This results from HSV-2 and is often fatal, although such infections are rare. Infection is especially possible if the mother is shedding virus at the time of delivery. Thus prospective mothers should avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy. A first episode of HSV-2 infection during pregnancy creates a greater risk of transmission to the newborn. If a woman has active genital herpes at delivery, a cesarean-section delivery is usually performed. The virus can either be obtained <br>in utero<br> or during birth with the latter being more common. Because the neonate has an underdeveloped immune system, the virus can spread rapidly to many peripheral organs (e.g. lungs and liver) and can infect the central nervous system.</p><p>Varicella-Zoster Virus (also known as Herpes Zoster Virus, Human Herpes Virus-3)</p><p>zoster means girdle from the characteristic rash that forms a belt around the thorax in many patients (figure 18). The structure of Varicella virus is very similar to Herpes Simplex virus although the genome is somewhat smaller.</p><p>Diseases caused by Varicella-Zoster virus</p><p>This virus causes two major diseases, chicken-pox (Varicella), usually in childhood, and shingles, later in life. Shingles (Zoster) is a reactivation of an earlier varicella infection.</p><p>Chicken Pox</p><p>This virus is highly infectious (figure 19) and even if we do not remember getting it, more than 90% of the population of the US has antibodies against varicella proteins. In the household of an infected patient, 90% of contacts who have hitherto not had the disease will get it (unless vaccinated). It is spread by respiratory aerosols or direct contact with skin lesions. As with HSV, infection is via mucosa, this time in the respiratory tract.</p><p>Shingles</p><p>After the infectious period, the virus may migrate to the ganglia associated with areas in which the virus is actively replicated. The virus may then be reactivated under stress or with immune suppression. This usually occurs later in life. The recurrence of varicella replication is accompanied by severe radicular pain in discrete areas, those innervated by the nerve in which latent infection has occurred.</p><p>Epstein- Barr Virus</p><p>Epstein-Barr virus is the causative agent of Burkitt&#x27;s lymphoma [ The association between Epstein-Barr virus and Burkitt&#x27;s lymphoma has long been established. This is a tumor of the jaw and face found in children ] in Africa, nasal pharyngeal carcinoma in the orient and infectious mononucleosis in the west. It was first discovered as the causative agent of Burkitt&#x27;s lymphoma and it was later found that patients with infectious mononucleosis have antibodies that react with Burkitt&#x27;s lymphoma cells.</p><p>Cytomegalovirus</p><p>Cytomegalovirus has the largest genome of all herpes viruses and appears only to replicate in human cells. Its name derives form the fact that, like other herpes viruses, it can form multinucleated cells (syncytia) with characteristically staining inclusions.</p><p>OTHER HERPES VIRUSES</p><p>Human herpes virus 6</p><p>This virus is found worldwide and is found in the saliva of the majority of adults (&gt;90%). It infects almost all children by the age of two and the infection is life-long. Again, it replicates in B and T lymphocytes, megakaryocytes, glioblastoma cell and in the oropharynx.</p><p>Human herpes virus 7</p><p>This virus binds to the CD4 antigen and replicates in T4 (CD4+) cells and is found in the saliva of the majority of the adult population (&gt;75%). Most people acquire the infection as children and it remains with them for the rest of their lives.</p><p>Human herpes virus 8</p><p>This was formerly known as Kaposi&#x27;s sarcoma associated herpes virus and is found in the saliva of many AIDS patients. It infects peripheral blood lymphocytes.</p><p>Herpes B</p><p>This is a simian virus found in old world monkeys such as macaques but it can be a human pathogen in people who handle monkeys (monkey bites are the route of transmission)</p><p>How is herpes spread?</p><p>Herpes is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, directly from the site of infection to the site of contact. For</p><p>example, if you have a cold sore and kiss someone, the virus can infect your partner&#x27;s mouth. Herpes can also be</p><p>spread sexually when there are no visible signs or symptoms.</p><p>Symptom..</p><p>First episodes of the disease tend to be more severe than recurrences. Symptoms of an infection may include a</p><p>burning or tingling sensation, followed by multiple painful vesicles at the site of infection (e.g., cervix, vulva,</p><p>penis, mouth, hands). A low percentage of patients experience symptoms so severe that they must be hospitalized.</p><p>Women often have more severe first episodes than men. Subsequent recurrences of infection vary from person to</p><p>person. Some people who have HSV infection never experience symptoms.</p><p>The first symptoms appear within 2 to 12 days after infection.</p><p>How long can an infected person spread the virus?</p><p>Patients with primary genital lesions are infectious for about 7-12 days, and with recurrent disease from 4-7 days.</p><p>Asymptomatic viral shedding is probably common.</p><p>DIAGNOSIS</p><p>If you have symptoms, the most common test is a viral culture. To perform this test, your physician must take a</p><p>sample from a lesion, preferably on the first day.</p><p>How can one reduce the risk of spreading herpes?</p><p>Abstain from sex when signs and symptoms of genital herpes are present.</p><p>Tell your partner if you have herpes. Use condoms between recurrences of herpes.</p><p>Condoms offer useful protection against unrecognized herpes by protecting the mucous membranes that</p><p>are the most likely sites of transmission.</p><p>Wash your hands after touching sores or using the bathroom.</p><p>Avoid kissing others when you have active cold sores to prevent the spread of oral herpes.</p><p>Remember</p><p>Take care of the affected skin area. Keep the area dry and clean during outbreaks to help healing.</p><p>Avoid physical contact with the area from the time of the first symptoms (tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are completely healed, not just scabbed - over.</p><p>Prevent self - infection to other areas of your body. Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch a sore. Better yet, don’t touch the sores.</p><p>Prospective parents: If either mother or father has genital herpes, or any of the mother’s previous sexual partners had genital herpes, tell your doctor about it.</p><p>Women with genital herpes: Don’t skip your annual Pap smear.</p><p>Complications..</p><p>Although rare, during delivery a newborn can contract herpes if the mother has active herpes at the time.</p><p>Herpes infections in the newborn are often quite severe, and may result in permanent neurologic (nervous</p><p>system) or ocular (eye) damage, even death of the newborn.</p><p>It is possible to move the virus from the location of the outbreak to other places on the body by touching the sore (s).</p><p>The fingers, eyes, and other body parts can become infected in this manner.</p><p>Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may result from primary or recurrent infection and is associated with fever, alterations in the state of consciousness, and convulsions.</p><p>Homeopathic remedies for genital herpes Before fever Blisters have appeared:</p><p>Homeopathic remedy for herpes includes Merc Sol, Sepia, Calcarea, Ter, Borax. These are given depending the kind of herpes which the person suffers from. Though basically there is said to be no cure for herpes but treatment of herpes in homeopathy is available which can prevent as well as cure the disease.</p><p>Sometimes sulphur is also used for the treatment of herpes in which burns occur on the body especially on the mouth blisters are formed. In this case the homeopathic medicine Borax is also used to treat blisters on the mouth. It is used twice a day. However, if there is no improvement after using this medicine then it is recommended that this medicine usage should be discontinued.</p><p>Yet another remedy is Thuja. This homeopathic medicine is taken in order to prevent the outbreak of genital herpes. If you are not using this medicine properly then chances are that this disease may get worsened even. Thus it is recommended that you need to take this medicine <br>only if it is recommended by the doctor.</p><p>Vaccinotoxinum:<br> at the first signs of infection</p><p>Apis Mellifica:<br> Apis is used to prevent blisters from forming. It is not useful once blisters have appeared. But you may have to use it several times before you see any results.</p><p>Rhus Toxicondendron:<br> after taking Apis mellifica you may take Rhus toxicondendron every 15 minutes as soon as stinging appears. Discontinue using if some blisters have appeared and broken.</p><p>Croton Tiglium:<br> if redness, itchiness and great sensitivity is present. This homeopathic remedy for genital herpes is mostly indicated for women.</p><p>Borax:<br> If stinging open sores are present. This remedy is mostly used by men.</p><p>You may combine some of those homeopathic remedies for genital herpes depending on your symptoms.</p><p>Natrum muriaticum:<br> to prevent or stop fever blisters at the tingling stage. It is mostly indicated if blisters tend to appear after long sun exposition.</p><p>Lachesis or Sepia:<br> These homeopathic medicines are mostly suitable for women who tend to have genital herpes outbreaks just before their periods.</p><p>Homeopathic remedies for genital herpes After Blisters have appeared:</p><p>Arsenicum album:<br> If eruptions come with a burning sensation and many small blisters.</p><p>Rhus toxicodendron:<br> Continue treatment until blisters start to crust</p><p>Borax:<br> If stinging open sores are present. This remedy is mostly used by men.</p><p>Calendula tincture:<br> You may use calendula tincture on the skin to soothe the pain associated with genital herpes.</p><p>Homeopathic remedies for genital herpes when blisters start to Crust:</p><p>Mezereum:<br> You may use Mezereum if your blisters are filled with a whitish liquid and rapidly evolve into itchy crusts.</p><p>Graphites<br>: use Graphites if you have burning and stinging vesicles that are filled.</p><p>Homeopathic remedies for genital herpes prevention :</p><p>According to your profile a homeopath is likely to give you Thuja, Medorrhinum Natrum muriaticum, Dulcamara, Mercurius solubilis, Sepia, Vaccinotoxinum (once per month)... and if cold sores appear during stressful events Staphysagria or Ignatia. <br>Thuja should never be used for self-treatment because it can worsen symptoms.</p><p>Only a trained homeopath can make appropriate recommendation for long-term genital herpes homeopathic treatment and prevention. <br>That&#x27;s why I highly recommend that you consult one at least once.</p><p>The constitutionally selected homeopathic treatment administered orally helps inner healing and the recurring, chronic infection is thus treated successfully. Over the year we have observed encouraging and positive result with well selected homeopathy medication. <br>Homeopathy is strongly recommended for Herpes infection.</p>