“Fears of pregnant women”: herpes, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus

Treatment of herpes in the mouth

Can herpes be in the mouth?
Maybe! Herpes in the mouth requires the same responsible approach and competent treatment as other diseases of the oral cavity. Despite the fact that the infection is often mild and goes away naturally, there are still risks of serious complications, and the possibility of infecting other people remains. Many factors influence the degree of development of the pathology and the presence of possible dangers for the patient. Complete diagnosis and comprehensive treatment can completely stop the manifestations of the infection, although complete elimination of the virus is considered impossible. Herpes, a viral disease known to many as a “cold sore,” is often perceived as a minor problem that does not require treatment. It is characterized by the appearance of a moderately painful blistering rash, but not many people know that this disease is not limited to appearing only on the lips , but can also develop on the oral mucosa . The disease is often accompanied by weakness, general malaise and severe itching, and in some cases can cause complications. During the active phase of the virus, a patient can easily infect others with it through household items, close contact or by airborne droplets.

Causes

The main provoking factors leading to the development of the disease in question have already been mentioned above. Let's look at all the most common causes of glossitis in more detail:

• damage to organ tissue: people often injure their tongue while eating, for example, with sunflower seed shells or fish bones. Injury can also result from accidental biting, the use of a worn-out prosthetic device, improper installation or adjustment of an orthodontic system to correct the bite, or damage to the mucosa from the sharp edges of a crown or filling. In addition, the cause of scratches and ulcers on the organ can be a burn or aggressive effects of acids contained in certain foods,

  
  Tongue injury can cause pathology

• long-term use of powerful medications, including antibiotics,
• allergies to hygiene products - toothpaste or mouthwash,
• disruptions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract: in this case, glossitis becomes a kind of symptom of a specific disease of the stomach or intestines, and here the help of a gastroenterologist will be needed,
• spread of infection - active spread of fungus or harmful bacteria in the oral cavity and esophagus,
• addiction to cigarettes and alcohol - the aggressive effects of tobacco smoke and alcohol on the oral mucosa in combination with a weakened immune system often leads to the development of various pathologies of the mucous membrane,
• acute deficiency of vitamins A and E.

This is what a fungal infection looks like on the tongue
. It is worth noting that glossitis quite rarely appears against the background of only one of the reasons described above. Typically, the development of pathology is facilitated by a whole range of problems associated with the condition of the oral cavity and the digestive tract, and injury to the organ becomes only a “trigger”. At risk are people whose professional activities involve constant contact with chemicals, as well as those who neglect to comply with hygiene rules.

Symptoms of herpes on the oral mucosa

Symptoms of herpes are individual, have varying degrees of manifestation, and can occur in different parts of the oral cavity. For most cases, there are a number of signs that indicate the occurrence of herpes:

• Regular headache;
• Fever;
• A person gets tired quickly;
• Discomfort when eating and drinking;
• The appearance of water bubbles filled with transparent white or yellowish exudate, up to 3 mm in diameter;
• The appearance of ulcers at the site of burst blisters;
• Inflammation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, redness, itching, burning, swelling of the lesion.

According to clinical studies, blisters in the mouth can form in different areas: on the palate, on the inside of the cheeks, on the tongue, on the gums, on the tonsils.

Herpes: what is it and what medications to use?

Herpes means “crawling” in Greek. At the moment, the relevance of this disease has not decreased. It occurs in more than 90% of the population.

What is herpes

Most often, problems are caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Type 1 is herpes on the lips, eyes and mouth. Type 2 is genital herpes and herpes of pregnant women and newborns.

How to understand that it is herpes?

Let's take for example the most commonplace herpes on the lips. The first thing a person feels is itching in the lip area (often it may not be noticed during the day). On the same day, redness and red spots appear. The next day, a blister and swelling appear at the site of redness. After 3-5 days, a crust forms at the site of the burst blisters. After 7-9 days, all symptoms disappear. Also, during the stage with blisters, the temperature may rise to 37.5-38.5°C and pain may appear.

But to reliably confirm the diagnosis, a blood test is required to determine the presence of a specific reaction of the body to the virus (IgM); it will indicate that at the time of donating blood you are experiencing an acute period of illness.

For genital herpes, discharge from the genital tract and urethra is also taken for examination. Consultation with a specialist (dermatovenerologist) is required.

It is worth noting that the virus is not eliminated from the body after chickenpox, but remains to “live” in a certain part of our nervous system, so taking an Ig G test does not make sense.

How can you get infected?

Infection occurs through mucous membranes:

• lips
• Rta
• Nose
• Genitals
• Eyes
• Through the skin in contact with biological fluids (saliva, urine, semen, tears, nasal discharge, direct fluid from the herpes vesicle).

That is, most often infection occurs due to poor hygiene and protection during sexual intercourse. Also, when scratching the blisters that have already appeared, they spread to new areas of the skin and mucous membranes.

A separate route of infection from mother to fetus, currently testing for HSV-1.2 is mandatory in women planning pregnancy and pregnant women.

The infection affects the nervous system and has dangerous consequences for the body.

How to behave with herpes

• Do not touch the rash with your hands; if you touch it, wash your hands immediately.
• Use separate dishes, cosmetics, and towels.
• Refrain from kissing and sexual contact.
• Apply medicated gels and ointments with a cotton swab, not with your hands.

Be sure to treat!

To reliably confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an analysis.

Drugs

Let us consider in detail the groups of drugs for treatment

1. Antiviral:

• Zovirax
• Valtrex
• Famvir
• Groprinosin

This group of drugs acts directly on the cause, the virus itself. The course and dosage regimen are prescribed by the doctor after a comprehensive examination.

The drugs are well tolerated; they are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use with caution and under medical supervision in persons with renal and hepatic insufficiency. For children, the dose is determined by the pediatrician based on weight.

2. Interferon preparations:

• Viferon
• Kipferon
• Reaferon EC lipint

When you get a herpes infection, there is a decrease in the production of your own interferon alpha, which means a decrease in the body's defenses against the virus.

This group has practically no contraindications. It is the main method of treating such a vulnerable group as pregnant and lactating women.

1. Interferon inducers:

• Amiksin
• Cycloferon
• Anaferon

Used to stimulate the production of your own interferon and avoid aggravation of the course and spread of infection. Well tolerated. Contraindications for each drug are for a certain age indicated in the instructions.

1. Local antibacterial and antiviral drugs:

• Grammidin
• Lysobacter
• Hexoral

These drugs are used for herpetic lesions of the oral mucosa, have an antibacterial, antiviral effect, and also relieve inflammation and relieve pain.

• Zovirax ointment and Zovirax Duo active
• Viferon
• Infagel
• Panavir

They have a local antiviral effect, Zovirax Duo Active in combination with the hormone hydrocortisone provides rapid relief from inflammation and, accordingly, pain, and also prevents the formation of new blisters. But since it contains a hormonal component, you need to read the instructions very carefully. Only from 12 years old. Before using any ointments and gels, it is necessary to cleanse the skin of cosmetics and impurities.

1. Immunomodulators under the control of an immunogram:

• Polyoxidonium
• Lycopid

Only under the supervision of an immunologist.

1. Painkillers:

• Nurofen
• Panadol

Relieves pain, inflammation and, if necessary, temperature.

1. Antihistamines:

• Zodak
• Claritin

Helps avoid swelling.

1. Vitamin complexes:

• Vitrum
• Complivit
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Vitamin C

You can also separately select a vaccine against herpes. It is indicated for adults who suffer from herpes more than 3 times a year and a high titer of antibodies, elderly people, and HIV-infected people. Also for children who have not had chickenpox.

Treatment for pregnant women is selected depending on the duration of pregnancy, strictly by an obstetrician-gynecologist and depends on the severity of the course!

Herpes is a complex problem. The cause of recurring or new herpes is a decrease in immunity and hormonal changes.

The main prevention is to maintain the functioning of the immune system:

• Complete nutrition
• Sufficient amount of meat, fish and vegetables.
• Taking complex vitamin preparations containing necessarily: zinc, vitamin A, E, C.
• It is necessary to monitor the level of iron in the blood.
• The largest organ of our immune system is the intestines; it is necessary to support its functioning and, if necessary, take pro- and prebiotics.
• Have a regular sexual partner and observe good hygiene.
• In case of frequent recurrence of infection, vaccinate during periods of “quiet” periods.
• People with systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus types 1, 2, etc.) need to control and maintain the underlying disease in the compensation stage.

Literature:

Federal clinical guidelines for the management of patients with genital herpes - Moscow 2015; Clinical guidelines for herpes simplex in adults - 2014;

Radar Directory

Stages of development of herpes in the oral cavity

The disease develops sequentially, including passing through several distinct stages:

• At first, the patient may experience drowsiness, malaise, and tingling or itching of the mucous membrane. Sometimes body temperature rises slightly;
• Next comes redness and swelling of the lesion, minor pain occurs due to the appearance of herpes on the tongue or lip;
• Blisters appear in the oral cavity, filled with transparent contents. During this period, the patient is most contagious, blood counts change;
• The blisters become cloudy and open, and yellowish, shallow, painful ulcers form in their place;
• A hard, fragmented crust forms on the ulcers, damage to which causes bleeding. After a few days, the crusts disappear.

In the best case, the disease resolves naturally within two weeks and without treatment. All wounds heal quickly and without scars.

But there are also complications that lead to infection of internal organs. Suppuration occurs at the site of the wounds, the temperature rises to 40 C. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the jaw and neck may begin.

What is glossitis

Glossitis is an inflammatory pathology of the tongue, which often begins due to banal injury to the organ and penetration of harmful microorganisms through an open wound. Hence the widespread prevalence of this disease, because all of us at least once in our lives accidentally bit our tongues while eating or talking. Another common prerequisite for the development of the disease is insufficient oral hygiene, which leads to the active proliferation of bacteria.

The photo shows glossitis of the tongue

Pathology can be either an independent phenomenon or a consequence of complex problems in the functioning of the body as a whole or a specific dental disease. If you ignore obvious symptoms for too long, things can end up with very serious complications.

Causes of oral herpes infection

Herpes that affects the oral cavity develops when infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1, which not only provokes the appearance of a blistering rash, but can also cause complications in 10% of cases. The second type of herpes virus (genital) also causes a rash in the mouth, but does not cause serious disruption to the body and differs in its mode of transmission (through sexual contact).

Most often, primary infection with a herpes virus occurs in childhood, after which it is introduced into the genome and remains in an inactive form for life.

The main routes of infection with a viral agent are close conversation, skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and the use of shared hygiene products or utensils. However, the entry of viral particles into the body does not guarantee that the disease will develop, since the immune system can suppress the action of the pathogen. In this case, situations that worsen the overall health of the body, on the contrary, provoke a clear manifestation of infection:

• surgical interventions;
• emotional and physical stress;
• lack of sleep, overwork;
• colds;
• chronic pathologies;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• periods of menstruation, pregnancy or lactation;
• vitamin deficiencies;
• AIDS;
• abuse of nicotine or alcohol;
• the appearance of microtraumas from excessive exposure to the sun or frost.

Herpetic form - features

One of the most common forms of the pathology in question is the so-called herpetic or herpetic glossitis. In this case, the development of the disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus. A distinctive symptom of this type of disease is the appearance of rashes in the form of watery blisters that appear on the surface of the organ - they can appear at the tip, directly at the root, under the tongue and even on the frenulum.

Herpetic form of glossitis

The tumors are very painful and cause a burning sensation, especially when eating. Herpetic glossitis is a serious disease that requires timely treatment. Like the herpes virus, this disease is extremely contagious, so during treatment it is better to isolate the patient, if possible, from contact with other people.

Diagnosis and treatment of herpes infection

It is better to start treatment of herpes in the mouth at earlier stages of development to reduce the risk of complications and reduce the likelihood of infecting other people. In order to identify the disease, specialists carry out diagnostic measures:

• collect anamnesis;
• conduct an examination, determine the location of the rash and its nature;
• take a smear to identify the herpes virus and determine its type;
• laboratory tests are prescribed.

Modern methods for identifying the pathogen are a patient’s blood test to detect antibodies to the pathogen and a PCR study of tissues aimed at searching for the DNA of the viral particle. Differential diagnosis is of great importance, since herpetic infection must be distinguished from other similar diseases: stomatitis (not herpetic), tonsillitis, etc.

How to treat herpes on the lip, tongue or gum? Herpes therapy is based on an integrated approach that combines:

• The use of local antiviral agents to stop the process of reproduction and spread of the pathogen;
• Prescribing antiviral medications for internal use (usually indicated for those whose symptoms occur frequently and acutely, or who are immunosuppressed);
• The use of antiseptic drugs for treating blisters and ulcers, rinsing;
• Use of topical anesthetic gels;
• Prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate general well-being;
• Strengthening the immune system by taking vitamins and immunomodulators.

To eliminate symptoms, advanced technologies such as laser radiation are also used. The technique allows you to quickly and painlessly destroy viral particles without harming mucosal cells and effectively healing damaged tissue. In most cases, several short procedures are sufficient for complete disappearance of symptoms in 2-4 days.

Appearance in children

The risk of developing herpes on a child’s tongue is increased by the fact that young children constantly put various objects in their mouths. Unfortunately, very often this disease manifests itself in children. In this case, the herpetic form of pathology is not the most common, because more often children have to deal with catarrhal inflammation, which is caused by injury to soft tissues due to constant biting, wearing an orthodontic plate and burns from eating too hot food.

“We had glossitis last winter. I noticed purple ulcers on the tip of my daughter’s tongue, I grabbed her and ran to the doctor. The child admitted to the dentist that her tongue began to tingle, but just the other day, that is, we managed to contact her at a very early stage. The doctor prescribed us pills and rinses with chamomile solution. We recovered in about a week.”

Oksana N., Omsk, from correspondence on the woman.ru forum

Stomatitis is common in infants.
An open wound on the oral mucosa opens a direct path for the penetration of harmful microorganisms. As a result of the development of the disease, the child may experience pain and burning in the organ. Another common type of glossitis in children is the candidal form - it occurs most often in the youngest.

Content:

1. Why does 1.1 occur? Infectious lesions of mucous membranes 1.2. Injuries as a provocateur of illness 1.3. Poor oral hygiene is a contributing factor to problem 1.4. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are the culprits of stomatitis 1.5. Stomatitis as a symptom of helminthic infestation 1.6. Allergy is the cause of illness 1.7. Intoxication causes illness
2. Classification
3. Symptoms
4. How to treat 4.1. Features of treatment of stomatitis

Tongue stomatitis is a dental disease in which the mucous membranes become inflamed. It is dangerous because it is prone to recurrence and sometimes becomes chronic. Children most often suffer from the pathology, but in 20% of cases it is diagnosed in adults.

How is herpes transmitted to children?

The herpes virus is very common and lives in almost all living things. It is transmitted by airborne droplets and contact . Once the herpes virus enters the body, it remains there for life. However, it can be in a “sleeping” state and not bother a person. If the herpes virus in a child has made itself felt, parents need to pay attention to this problem, because some herpes infections can take forms that are dangerous to health.

Children become infected with the herpes virus more often than adults, but overprotecting a child from infection is pointless and harmful. immunity to it . But the body is safe only in a situation where the infection is easy and without complications.

During pregnancy

Glossitis in a pregnant woman usually develops against the background of weakened immune defenses of the body. The lack of a balanced diet coupled with a lack of vital vitamins and microelements often provokes vitamin deficiency, and glossitis becomes one of the associated pathologies. Other provoking factors during this period may be exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as damage to the oral mucosa due to frequent vomiting against the background of toxicosis.

Treatment of the disease during pregnancy is carried out in such a way that the negative impact on the body of the mother and child is minimal. To do this, the specialist selects effective and at the same time safe medications, usually of local action - lozenges and lozenges, all kinds of rinsing solutions.