What is important to know about herpes on the body
The name of the virus was due to the peculiarity of itsexternal manifestation. Rashes as though encircle a body of the sick person, settling down, as a rule, in the field of a stomach, a back, a breast. But it can hit other areas of the body: the head, eyes, ears, hands. The virus is very cunning and contagious. He is transmitted through contact with a person who has herpes, and when using his hygiene items. A person who becomes ill with shingles presents a threat of infection from the first day of the disease and until the sores on his body are covered with crusts. In some people, the virus causes very serious and serious complications. Therefore, in the active period of the disease, it is necessary to stop contact with young children, people aged after 50, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity, as well as those who did not have chickenpox as a child. It is very important to comply with this rule. But in case the patient's contact with a person from the risk group is still held, the latter must immediately contact the infectious disease doctor to prevent possible consequences of infection. 
Causes and complications of herpes zoster
The development of the disease provokes a virus of the windsmallpox. The first time this virus penetrates the human body in most cases even in childhood, and then a person develops chickenpox. In all people who have had chicken pox, this virus remains in a "sleeping" state in nerve cells. But in the life of each person there are moments when the virus from the "sleeping" form goes into the active. As a rule, it occurs as a result of a decrease in immunity and in people older than 50 years. Studies have shown that the herpes zoster virus "lives" in the body of more than 90% of people and that every person has a 10-20% risk of developing a lifetime disease. Herpes zoster is a very serious disease that can have serious consequences and complications. As a rule, for young people it does not pose a serious danger and usually ends in complete recovery without consequences. Much more difficult to tolerate the disease of older people. But the biggest risk group is patients with reduced immunity, AIDS patients, diabetes mellitus, who underwent severe surgeries (for example, organ transplants). The greatest danger for this category of people is that the virus is able to penetrate and hit the brain and spinal cord. This destroys the tissues of these organs and can subsequently lead to paralysis of the facial nerve, legs or hands, to breathing and even death. If the herpes virus spreads to the eyes, it can lead to the development of glaucoma, to hit the cornea of the eye, resulting in a person can go blind. Sometimes the virus spreads to internal organs, which causes inflammation of the lungs and liver.
Symptoms of the disease
In order not to start the disease, it is very importantas soon as possible to diagnose the disease. If you know the symptoms characteristic of herpes zoster, you can start treatment in time and prevent the infection from developing further. At the very beginning of the disease, when there are no obvious symptoms yet, the sensitivity of the skin site, which is infected with the virus, weakness, malaise, chills, may increase in a person. After a couple of days, the headache usually intensifies, and red spots appear on the skin, which soon turn into bubbles with a clear liquid. The next 3-5 days the number of bubbles increases rapidly, they are very close to each other and can cover significant areas of the human body. Then the bubbles begin to burst. After them, there are small sores, which soon become crusted. The sores completely heal within 10-30 days. Even after the sores heal, there may be traces on the skin - light or dark spots. Usually they disappear with time, but some people can stay forever. Sometimes the signs of herpes are different from those described above: there may not be a rash, but the affected area of the skin will be very much hurt. There are several signs of herpes in the eyes. On this site, it is very cunning, because a long time may be invisible. The following symptoms may be cause for concern and referral to the doctor: a scratch or a vial appeared on the cornea of the eye, an itch and pain in the eye, a sudden decrease in visual acuity. Herpes in the ear is also very dangerous. Infection can be indicated by a blistering rash on the ear, pain, nausea, vomiting, sores in the sky and tongue, paralysis of facial muscles, pain in the eye, exacerbation or deterioration of hearing. At occurrence of even one attribute immediately address to ENT or infektsionistu! In any case, if you notice any symptoms of the disease, immediately consult a doctor, because such signs indicate some kind of disease. The sooner you contact a specialist, the sooner you will be diagnosed and begin treatment and the sooner the disease will recede. To address costs or stands to the therapist who can give out a direction to infektsionistu or the dermatologist. 
Methods of treating herpes on the body
Despite the fact that herpes on the body - a diseasedangerous, it is curable. The easiest way is for young people. As a rule, it does not even require treatment and goes by itself within two weeks. But patients from the risk group should receive a full and proper treatment, which is appointed by the specialist. First of all, after the diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes antiviral therapy. As a rule, appoint Acyclovir, Valaciclovir or Famciclovir in the form of tablets or injections. This contributes to a faster recovery, and also relieves pain. The average therapy is 7-10 days. The dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor individually for the patient. To ease the pain at the beginning of the disease, a doctor can prescribe painkillers, along with antiviral drugs. If the pain is moderate, the doctor may prescribe Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol or Lidocaine in the form of a gel. With severe pain will help Oxycodone, Gabapentin and other drugs. In any case, the doctors themselves point out that the pain caused by the virus can not be tolerated in any way. Sometimes after recovery, pain can remain for some time, from several days to several months. They, too, can not be tolerated, and it is definitely worth contacting a neurologist. The doctor will help to make effective therapy from postherpetic pain (neuralgia). As a rule, in this case, drugs of the tricyclic antidepressant group, Pregabalin, Gabapentin are used.
Treatment of herpes zoster at home
Note that the decision to treat herpes at home should be taken only by a doctor. In this case, it is very important to strictly follow all the rules of care for affected areas of the skin:
- do not scratch and scratch the affected skin. If there is no itching, the doctor can prescribe antipruritic;
- after each touch to the damaged area of the skin, it is necessary to wash hands thoroughly with soap;
- affected areas of the skin should not come into contact with clothing;
- in no way can one pierce the bubbles themselves;
- on fresh vials daily you need to apply gauze soaked in cool water for 20 minutes;
- When the bubbles dry, it is necessary to keep this place dry;
- in order to protect the affected skin, you do not need to stick an adhesive plaster: it will slow the healing;
- It is impossible to rip off crusts from healing ulcers.
With regard to treatment with folk remedies,doctors note that they are powerless against herpes zoster. Traditional medicine is effective only in the case of simple forms of herpes, heavy forms are treated with medication.
