Herpes simplex
Diagnosis
In this the vesicles
are single, flaccid, rapidly increase in size and rupture, leaving an oozing
surface which soon becomes covered with a yellow crust. Fresh lesions are
constantly appearing on different parts of the face and the outline of each lesion
is a smooth curve.When this occurs on the face, it is generally in the
distribution of one of the branches of the fifth cranial nerve, usually the supra-orbital.
In any case it is unilateral whereas herpes simplex is often bilateral. Herpes
zoster is generally preceded for a day or two by pain and is accompanied by
swelling of the lymphatic glands in the neighbourhood. Previous attacks are
very rare. In herpes zoster, especially supra orbital, the vesicles are often
haemorrhagic and considerable scarring is left. Herpes genitalis from ehanuoid (soft sore). In this the ulcer has an inflamed
red margin, overhanging edges and a cribriform base covered with a yellow
slough. One or more of the inguinal glands are usually inflamed, tender,
adherent to skin and deep tissues, and may suppurate. Herpes genitalis bears
little resemblance to a primary sore except when the ulcers are healing, when
there is occasionally a good deal of induration immediately beneath and around
them. Typically there is no induration. The incubation period may be of some
assistance if all the dates of coitus for the previous month or five weeks are
considered. Herpes usually appears one to two days after coitus and a primary
sore from two to five weeks after. In a case of herpes genitalis there will
very likely be a history of previous attacks.
Treatment
Treatment of herpes
simplex. There is no specific treatment and all that can be done is to keep the
ulcers clean and dry. Antibiotic ointments will prevent secondary infection. I.D.u.
(iodo-deoxyuridine) appears to be helpful in ocular cases in the form of drops,
but the ointment is less effective on the skin. Unfortunately also there is no
known treatment which will certainly prevent the recurrence of herpes. If
discovered before the vesicles have begun to appear, an attack can occasionally
be aborted by superficial X-rays or by painting with spirit. Patients'suffering
from either variety of herpes simplex should not come in contact with cases of
atopic eczema, for fear of causing eczema herpeticum. Further, they should not
kiss infants or young children, because they may transmit the disease to the
eye. In this site it can cause scarring of the cornea and so lead to
interference with vision or even blindness.
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