I believe that many people have had this experience: a small blister will appear at the corner of the mouth and around the mouth, which is hot, itchy and painful. Sometimes these small blisters will scab over and crack while flowing yellow water.
What's even more unfortunate is that some relatives have been doing this repeatedly since childhood.
Source: Weibo
Is this "on fire"?
Well, in fact, these small blisters are called herpes simplex
And once the herpes simplex virus is infected
It cannot be removed and will be carried for life
And it's also contagious
The key, it still is
90% of adults will be infected with the virus
Can we prevent and avoid getting infected with it?
01. What is herpes simplex?
Does "herpes simplex" mean that this herpes is very simple?
Herpes simplex refers to a disease contracted by the herpes simplex virus, and its most basic type of rash is blisters. Because there are different types of herpes simplex virus, herpes simplex can manifest in a variety of forms.
Among them, herpes simplex virus type 1 infection is mainly transmitted through oral contact, and this type of herpes simplex is also called "cold sores".
Source: Weibo
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common type, and most people have herpes simplex due to it, which is often referred to as cold sores and mouth bubbles.
In addition, there is herpes simplex virus type 2. The herpes simplex it causes is called "genital herpes," although this infection is relatively rare in the general population.
02. What are the symptoms of herpes simplex?
With the support of immunity, most people are able to live peacefully with the virus, so they do not show any symptoms after infection, or only mild symptoms.
But once it happens, it drives you crazy:
At first, you just feel an area the size of a fingernail on your lips or around your lips that is red, itchy, and uncomfortable.
After a day or two, a small pile of blisters will come out and it will start to hurt.
After a few more days, the blisters begin to ooze fluid, then crust over, and may crack repeatedly, or with persistent oozing.
After 1-2 weeks, the scab finally falls off and heals, but the affected skin will continue to redden, which will make you embarrassed (don't ask Xiao Kejun how he knows......
The anxiety caused by herpes simplex ......
Source: Internet
Itchy and painful, not to mention, there are two more annoying aspects of herpes simplex:
One is easy to relapse. Although herpes simplex is not a serious disease, hard resistance can also wait until it heals itself, but after being infected, it will not be completely eliminated by the body, but latent, when you are sick, poorly rested, and under high work pressure, the virus will be reactivated and herpes will recur.
Data show that after infection with herpes simplex virus type 1, 20%~40% of people will have repeated herpes simplex on the lips and perioral area.
Source: Weibo
Second, herpes simplex virus is contagious.
Genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 infection can also be painful, causing blisters and small sores, and the blisters are also prone to rupture, seep and crust. In addition, genital herpes can also heal on its own, but it is also prone to recurrence.
Therefore, if cold sores or genital herpes are suspected, it is first recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner. Timely treatment will heal faster, and most importantly, reduce mental exhaustion!
Your dermatologist will usually treat you with antivirals
For example, give you a dose of topical acyclovir
03. Viruses can't be removed, what can we do?
First of all, do a good job of prevention.
If you've already had herpes, it's a good idea to summarize the triggers that preceded each episode and try to avoid it. The more mainstream predisposing factors include: sun exposure, prolonged sun exposure, mental stress, fever, trauma, illness, etc.
If herpes attacks are particularly frequent, regular antiviral therapy can be given under the guidance of a doctor to prevent recurrence.
Source: Weibo
Second, pay attention to reducing contagion.
Family members with herpes are the most at risk. The herpes simplex virus is contagious, and the risk is even greater if you are sick and symptomatic. If you don't have symptoms for the time being, you may be contagious.
The main route of infection is direct skin and mucosal contact, followed by indirect contact with virus-contaminated items. In order to reduce the contagion, people who have had herpes simplex should pay attention to:
(1) Avoid kissing others, especially lips and broken skin. Be especially careful not to kiss your child!
(2) Do not share personal items such as utensils, drinking glasses, towels, lipstick, razors, etc., especially during the onset of the disease.
(3) Actively dispose of items that come into contact with herpes and saliva, such as drinking glasses and towels used during the illness, and pay attention to scalding or disinfecting.
(4) If you have genital herpes, it is recommended to stop sexual life during the illness and take safety measures at all times.
Source: Suzhou CDC, Popular Science China, Popular Science Suzhou