Herpes is one of the most common infections in both adults and children. Studies show that approximately 60% of people have had herpes at some point in their lives.
Why Herpes Occur?
The viruses that cause cold sores are called "herpes simplex". Herpes viruses; There are 2 types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1; usually on the lips, and HSV-2 in the genital area. Both types of viruses can cause skin rash.
Herpes viruses are contagious and are transmitted by contact. Herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted to the person once, can remain in the body without symptoms, or it can occur with recurrent infections in the future.
HSV-2 infection can cause serious illness in the newborn. For this reason, it is very important for those with herpes virus not to approach babies.
Lesions (herpes lesions) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) are typically; It is in the form of grouped vesicles (water-filled blisters) on an erythematous (red) and edematous (swollen) ground.
Herpes can occur anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes. But most of all; It is observed in the mouth, lips, nose, ears, conjunctiva (a thin and transparent membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eyes), cornea (one of the parts of the eye), and genital area.
Who Gets Herpes?
Herpes virus can be observed in everyone, woman, man and child. These symptoms are followed by the formation of water-filled blisters (vesicles) on the background of redness and swelling.
Herpes; It can have a more severe and widespread course in people with suppressed immune system (such as cancer patients).
How to Diagnose Herpes?
A small sample taken from the base of the newly formed vesicle (water-filled bubble) is examined under the microscope and examined under the microscope. It is possible to diagnose it.
It is also possible to detect "antibodies against the herpes simplex virus" in the blood. However, these values measured in the blood are only higher with the herpes simplex virus. It shows whether you have encountered it before.
The "Tzanck test" is also one of the diagnostic tests.
How to Treat Herpes?
Herpes treatment; It is provided by the elimination of the factors that trigger the emergence of herpes (such as strengthening the immune system, protection from the sun) and the use of drugs.
Medicines used for the treatment of herpes; It can be applied locally, taken orally and injected. They can sometimes be used alone or in combination for treatment.
Herpes in the genital area can increase the risk of HPV (human papilloma virus) causing cervical cancer and HIV virus causing AIDS disease. For this reason, herpes in the genital area must be treated. What are the things?
It is important for the rapid healing of herpes, especially in the lip area, for the nutrition to return to normal. Therefore, in addition to medical treatment, some natural products and foods that will accelerate healing can accelerate recovery.
- Probiotics; It helps to increase general immunity. They support the production of antibodies due to their rich protein content.
- Consumption of foods rich in vitamin E: Examples of these foods are nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts), seeds (sunflower seeds), green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, lettuce, cress), red meat, eggs can be given.
- Foods containing high vitamin C: Orange, tangerine, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, strawberry and many more fresh fruits, lemons, red and green peppers, tomatoes, arugula, Greens such as parsley, lettuce, fresh rose hips, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach are among the important sources of vitamin C.
- Zinc: The best sources of zinc are meat (preferably lamb), eggs, seafood and cereals. Peas and sesame are also rich in zinc.
- Aloe vera gel: This gel is a good moisturizer and an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever that soothes skin irritations. It moisturizes the symptoms of herpes and reduces the tension of the skin.
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