Herpetic infection symptoms

Herpes viruses are several dozen DNA-containing pathogens that cause diseases of the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, and eyes. The manifestation of herpetic infection is accompanied by skin soreness, itching, burning. In pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriage, infection of the fetus, and newborn.

Herpetic lesions greatly reduce the quality of life, cause psychosexual disorders, and lead to depression. If the lesions are not treated, they pass in 10 to 14 days.

Disease symptoms are associated with a suppressed immune system. Most often, the reason is emotional overstrain. However, acute respiratory infections, hypothermia, allergic reactions, and cosmetic procedures sometimes may also lead to herpetic rashes.

Local treatment approach

Studies have shown that there is a high virus concentration in the areas of herpes simplex rashes. The virus suppresses the immune system and reduces the production of interferons and the body’s antiviral activity.

Antiviral agents for local treatment are used both for small and severe cases of the skin or mucous herpes manifestations. The greatest effect of all antiviral drugs is achieved if you start treatment in the first 1-2 days of the rashes appearance.

For local treatment, the most commonly applied single-agent preparation of acyclovir (as an ointment). It is effective against the herpes simplex virus. Acyclovir triphosphate is embedded in the DNA synthesized by the virus and blocks its reproduction.

Combined drugs for local use can increase the therapeutic effect of virus replication mechanism:

Lidocaine can also be included in the composition of combined drugs to reduce pain and itching.

Although viruses have learned to block the body’s interferon production, it has been experimentally proven that the local introduction of interferon significantly increases the body’s interferon synthesis.

Double-blind controlled randomized trial

Specialists of State Medical Academy of Nizhny Novgorod have compared the effectiveness of 5% acyclovir ointments and the combined drug interferon-alpha-2b (20,000 IU/g), acyclovir (3%), lidocaine (1%).

The study involved 35 people with herpetic infection rashes in the area of the lips and wings of the nose.

The first group of patients was receiving local treatment with acyclovir ointment 5 times a day with an interval of 3 to 4 hours for 5 days.

The second group received treatment with a combined drug with the same frequency.

On day 3, the participants of the first group had pain, itching, burning, fever, and redness. On the 5th day, the lesions healed.

In the second group, the duration of the disease was one day less:

 

Symptoms Group 1: acyclovir 5% Group 2: combined drug interferon alpha-2b (20,000 IU/g), acyclovir (3%), lidocaine (1%)
Symptoms duration (days)
Pain at the site of rashes 2,60 1,67
Fever at the site of rashes 2,30 1,33
Burning and itching 2,65 1,40
Redness 2,74 1,47
New lesions 4,0 3,0

 

Direct research

Specialists of the Omsk State Medical Academy have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of the combined therapy (interferon-alpha-2b, acyclovir, lidocaine) as part of complex therapy and monotherapy.

The study involved 40 people with symptoms of the herpes simplex virus on the face, thighs, and genitals.

The first group of patients was including people with face symptoms of the virus. They received monotherapy with a combined drug interferon-alpha-2b (20,000 IU / g), acyclovir (3%), lidocaine (1%) at a frequency of 5 times a day.

The second group had a more severe course of the disease lesions of the genitals and thighs. This group received combined therapy: for systemic action, they’ve used valacyclovir and combined ointment-drug – for the local treatment. Valaciclovir was used in the dose of 500 mg 2 times a day for 3-5 days. Combined drug – 5 times a day until the symptoms disappear.

On the 5th-7th day of treatment, the first group patient’s recovery occurred in 100% of cases. In patients of the second group – on the 5th-10th day of treatment.

Conclusion

A combination of drugs for the local treatment of herpesvirus infection accelerates average recovery in by one day compared to the monotherapy. In combined therapy, different pharmacological groups of medicines are used. This makes it possible to effectively suppress the reproduction of viruses and have a more pronounced therapeutic effect.

Sources

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