Why do blisters on the skin cause itching?

Blisters on the skin are usually caused by herpes. Herpes is a skin disease that has a great impact on patients because when it occurs, it will cause people to feel extremely uncomfortable, especially itchy, but they cannot stop the itching by scratching. So, how should herpes be treated? Below, we will introduce the examination items and treatment methods of herpes.

1. Overview

Herpes is a type of rash that manifests as localized, raised, fluid-filled lacunar skin lesions. The blister walls are generally thin and easily broken, and can occur singly, in clusters, or scattered on the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. Herpes in a broad sense refers to diseases caused by viruses of the herpesviridae family. Currently, there are eight viruses in the herpesviridae family (herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, human cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus types 6, 7, and 8) that are known to cause human diseases. These viruses are collectively referred to as human herpesviruses (HHVs). HHV is a group of medium-sized enveloped DNA viruses that can cause a variety of diseases in humans and can remain latent in the body for a long time, causing recurrent infection under certain conditions. Common clinical diseases include chickenpox, shingles, herpes simplex, and genital herpes. It can invade multiple organs of the human body and can occur at any age.

2. Inspection

1. Varicella-zoster virus

(1) Antigen detection: Direct immunofluorescence, enzyme immunosorbent assay or ELISA can be used to detect antigens in herpes basal cell scrapings or herpes fluid, and a direct diagnosis can be made.

(2) ELISA method to detect IgM antibodies. The incubation period of chickenpox is generally about 2 weeks. When the rash appears, IgM antibodies have already been produced in the blood. IgM antibodies can last for about 2 months, and detecting IgM antibodies helps to establish a diagnosis. This method has strong specificity and high sensitivity. Herpes zoster is a recurrent infection with low IgM antibody titer and short duration, and 70% can be detected by radioimmunoassay.

2. Herpes simplex virus

(1) Immunofluorescence or enzyme staining to check for antigens. It is used for cell smears such as cervical exfoliated cells, corneal scraping cells, and cells scraped from the bottom of ulcers. Antigen detection is performed using direct immunofluorescence or enzyme immunosorbent staining. A positive result indicates infection.

(2) Double antibody sandwich ELISA antigen detection is mainly used to detect HSV antigen in cerebrospinal fluid. It can also be used to detect HSV antigen in patients' herpes fluid, scrapings from the bottom of ulcers and biopsy tissues.

Treatment

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.