Is herpes contagious? How to treat it?

In general, when people discover that they have herpes, they often pay close attention to whether the disease is contagious. So, is herpes contagious?

Is herpes contagious?

First of all, let me tell you clearly here that viral herpes is contagious, so everyone must take precautions.

On average, about 4 to 5 days after herpes infection, the affected area of ​​the vulva will first have a burning sensation, followed by the development of papules in groups, which may be one or more clusters, followed by the formation of blisters.

After evolving into a pustule, it will turn into erosion or shallow ulcer symptoms after rupturing, and will also be accompanied by conscious pain, and finally form a scab and heal on its own. Skin lesions often occur on the foreskin, glans, coronal sulcus and penis of men, and occasionally at the urethral opening.

Once infected with viral herpes, active and effective treatment is key. Patients should go to a regular hospital for treatment in time, and should keep the affected area dry and protect the affected area to prevent secondary infection.

Treatments for herpes:

1. General treatment

Get enough rest, eat easily digestible food, and stay hydrated. Strengthen care, keep skin clean and prevent secondary bacterial infection. Clothes, bedding, towels, dressings, etc. that have come into contact with herpes fluid should be disinfected promptly and not shared with healthy people. Patients with herpetic gingivostomatitis should keep their mouths clean and gargle with 1:1000 benzalkonium bromide solution. Patients with genital herpes should avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.

2. Symptomatic treatment

For itchy skin without ulceration, calamine lotion can be applied, and antibiotic ointment can be applied after the herpes ruptures. Patients with obvious pain from herpes zoster should be given analgesics such as indomethacin, and vitamin B1 and B12 can be taken orally or intramuscularly. In case of secondary infection, 0.5% neomycin cream or mupirocin ointment can be used externally.

3. Antiviral treatment

Nucleoside drugs are currently considered to be the most effective drugs against HSV. Acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir can be taken orally. Acyclovir ointment, penciclovir cream, etc. can be applied externally to the skin lesions.