Herpes simple, what is and its psychological implications

Herpes is considered an endemic infection due to the large number of population that affects, the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) estimate that 67% of people under 50 years in the world are infected with VHS-1; They also consider that the 11% of the global population between 15 and 49 years of age have HSV-2 (2012), the symptoms of genital herpes usually go unnoticed, sometimes people can minimize risks to their manifestation for various causes, including: associated social stigmas and lack of information.

It is estimated that approximately 90% of patients with genital herpes, do not know that they have the virus, it is important to emphasize that It is contagious despite the fact that there are no visible clinical manifestations, so medical treatment is advised; Immunocompromised people tend to suffer more symptomatology. Due to the large population number with the virus, it is convenient to know a little more about it and know how we can protect ourselves

Content

• What is a herpe infection?
• Nervous system and herpes
• Simple herpes types
  • Type 1 herpes virus (HSV-1)
  • Type 2 herpes virus (HSV-2)
• Ozonotherapy to treat herpes
• Herpes and psychological factors
  • What are some psychological implications of herpes?
• Psychological phases with herpes patient
• 9 Recommendations for herpetic patient
  • Links

What is a herpe infection?

It is a type of infection caused by a herpes simple herpes virus (VHS), which causes 'fever blisters', lip ulcers in the mouth or around it, and is also able to spread other body regions. These injuries, Liquid full vesicles or ampoules, They can be in different parts of the skin, too They can be located in the rectum or even in the genitals, Well, once the ampules break become ulcers or sores, they are usually very painful and uncomfortable for the patient.

Other symptoms that patients with herpes single 1 and 2 viruses may present are: fever and pain that when persists beyond three months becomes another condition that should also be treated because virus infection more complicates: chronic pain: chronic pain.

Nervous system and herpes

How is it that the virus remains latent even if there are no visible symptoms? The 'winter' virus or remains in an inactive mode, in the membranes of the mucous membranes, the skin or near the spinal cord inside the nerve cells (ganglia); sometimes, The 'awake' virus is 'reactive' in the nervous ganglion and then travel through the nerve fibers to the skin to produce the skin rashes, usually in previously affected areas.

When it is believed that There may be cerebral infection Lumbar puncture can be performed to take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of the brain.

Simple herpes types

The simple herpes is divided into two categories:

Type 1 herpes virus (HSV-1)

It is common to be acquired during childhood, By contact with the oral mucosa, producing lip or oral herpes, it is often presented in the mouth or eyes; Some symptoms that precede visible "sores", can be a tingling, itching or burning around the mouth. Cutaneous manifestations may appear in other bodily regions.

Type 2 herpes virus (HSV-2)

It occurs in the genital or anal area, although there may also be infection in mouth and eyes. In general, it is transmitted sexually, there may be a sensation of tingling on the legs, hips or buttocks before the appearance of genital ulcers, it is usually transmitted by contact with the genitals, skin, wounds or secretions of an infected person with the virus, although not present visible manifestations. In case of having the HSV-2, it is necessary.

He Neonatal herpes, It happens approximately 10 out of 100 thousand births; However, much attention should be paid, as it can reach Cause neurological dysfunction for a lifetime. The risk of spreading the child is very low, however, pregnant women are suggested to seek medical advice in this regard, to avoid the risks that are in their hands to prevent.

The Herpes virus, can produce outbreaks and recurrences, Therefore, it is very important that the recommendations that the doctor have done for the patient are taken into account, since the treatments can vary depending on the location of their injuries, the type of herpes and other variables that they as health experts, consider.

Ozonotherapy to treat herpes

Although the virus will always remain latent in the person, the healing of injuries is slow and for many patients it is uncomfortable, because There are certain types of herpes that affect facial regions and can leave scar, When they are in the trunk, they sometimes become so painful, that patients hurts simple contact with clothes; In herpetic keratitis, the eye is infected with the virus.

When the patient follows the medical recommendations for their health, they can send their symptomatology with classical treatments, what other therapeutic options are there to treat herpes successfully? Ozonotherapy is an excellent option for the treatment of injuries caused by herpes virus: ulcers, sores, infected ampules can heal in less time, without harmful effects for the body, while the patient can strengthen their immune system through authemotherapy with ozone.

Herpes and psychological factors

The infection is caused by the Simple Herpes virus is very common, it can bring psychological implications that in turn exacerb. There are some psychological factors that should be taken: stress levels, sleep hygiene, are very important aspects, because when they are not taken care of they could be a trigger rather than exacerb.

What are some psychological implications of herpes?

Herpes can damage the self -esteem of the person who suffers from it; There are many sociocultural prejudices and stigmas around herpes, especially because of the aspect of clinical symptomatology, when the person has a large part of an area of ​​the affected body, such as the face, it can experience shame, some adopt bad adaptation mechanisms, instead of practices for emotional well -being, such as resorting to affective isolation, which can increase its emotional discomfort and in turn exacerbate herpetic symptomatology.

When contagion is because of the VHS-2, it is also conflicting for the patient, especially when he is young, it can be confused and not know who to approach for help, it is common for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to cause shame, fear, fear And sometimes even blame, which makes them omit to talk about that and do not request a necessary medical advice for their condition. However, this should not be an impediment, The most important thing is your well -being, you could have an unnecessary health complication.

Psychological phases with herpes patient

When the person has Herpes, he usually crosses certain phases, it is necessary to transcend them to take responsibility for their own health and adopt the appropriate management measures for their well -being:

2. Denial: When the person minimizes the risks of the symptomatology that manifests, even with medical diagnosis, staying at this stage can be very harmful to their well -being and that of their sexual couple (s) (s), since the patient does not responsible for your own health, nor do you be careful with people who have contact so as not to spread them.
3. Anger: patients infected with the virus can keep resentment towards themselves, when their skin lesions begin to affect their self -concept. They can also experience anger towards the person who believe they infected the virus, this happens especially when it was for vSH-2. You can be sure that your partner is the only one with whom you have sex, but ... could you ensure that he or she 'never' has had unprotected relationships with another person (s) (s)? To "heal your emotional wounds", it is necessary to transcend anger and feelings of self -pity: "Remember that the responsibility for taking care of health is of each individual", VH-2 is very common among the population, so it is most convenient to maintain safe sexual practices: "We see faces, sex we don't know".
4. Sadness, shame and guilt: In this phase the patient is affected in his mood, he experiences feelings of disappointment, they often begin to worry because the latent presence of symptoms can be more evident; Some in this phase begin to think about attending the doctor or "start paying attention to him". It is important that the patient does not fall into an anxiety and despair loop, since self -patient feelings only complicate the patient's mood, damaging his self -esteem. In any case, something positive of these emotions and this phase is that the person can make introspection.
5. Acceptance, awareness and responsibility: It is when the patient becomes aware of his condition and future complications, so he chooses to adopt healthy, intelligent and adaptive coping strategies. At this stage, it is beneficial for the patient to abandon the resentments, guilt and feelings that contribute to their discomfort. In this phase he resorts to health professionals and tries to follow the suggestions that are made for his health.

9 Recommendations for herpetic patient

1. Attend with a trusted doctor and follow the indications, Do not minimize your symptoms, given the manifestation of some symptoms, the healthiest is that you contact your treating doctor, you are thinking of doing the “remedy” that someone suggested, before you must consult it, 'each organism is different'.
2. Protégete del Photodaño: With solar screens, hats, umbrellas and more. Sun exposure can cause damage to the skin of patients with herpes virus lesions, complicating their reactive pictures.
3. It is recommended that every person be done medical checkups at least once or twice a year, to monitor the status of your health, including sexual; Before the manifestation of symptoms or problems, the doctor must go as soon as possible.
4. Look for information In reliable sources about your condition and the ways in which you can get a higher quality of life.
5. Keep good bodily and sleep hygiene. It is important to sleep enough hours a day to help your immune system.
6. Go on Power guidelines healthy to strengthen your immune system.
7. The correct use of condoms To maintain sexual intercourse can help prevent the propagation of genital herpes, it is worth mentioning that there may be outbreaks of genital herpes outside the areas covered by the condom, some patients use gloves and dental protectors to protect and protect their partner (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) (s) s) Sexual (s).
8. Strengthen your self -esteem, Your talents and virtues.
9. In case you cannot transcend any phase of the aforementioned and you think that your physical and emotional health more complicates you, it is necessary to ask Psychological assistance. Psychologists are health professionals who can help you to transcend these stages and find the healing of your "heart" and your mind faster, while you treat your body.

Links

• https: // www.quien.INT/ES/NEWS-OOM/FACT-SHEETS/DETAIL/HERPES-SIMPLEX-VIRUS#VHS1
• https: // nacionfarma.com/Types-Common-Virus-Herpes-Y-Vacunas/
• https: // www.quien.INT/FR/NEWS-OOM/FACT-SHEETS/DETAIL/HERPES-SIMPLEX-VIRUS
• https: // health.NIH.GOV/ARTICLE/EL-HERPES-PUEDE-SUUDERE-A-CUALE/
• http: // www.Ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/statistics/