Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are linear double-stranded DNA viruses that cause acute skin infections and present as grouped vesicles on an erythematous base. Rarely, these viruses can cause serious illness and can affect pregnancy, leading to significant harm to the fetus. Most infections are recurrent and tend to reappear at or near the same location. Herpes labialis is the most common infection caused by HSV type 1 (HSV-1), whereas genital herpes is usually caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2). Other clinical manifestations of HSV infection are less common.






 

Symptoms:-











 

Herpes usually causes blisters which can be itchy and uncomfortable. The first outbreak is usually the most severe. Blisters usually take between two days and three weeks to appear, following the initial infection. The blisters start off as small bumps, developing into full blisters and eventually bursting, releasing pus. Blisters can be small or large, and may be just one blister, or a cluster located close together. Other symptoms can include:

* Painful itching in the area of the outbreak
* Burning during urination and/or sex
* Headaches
* Swollen glands
* Muscle aches
* Feeling tired and run down













 

Transmission:- 

In newborns herpes infections are usually the result of the virus being passed from mother to baby at the time of delivery. The highest risk of passing herpes to a newborn occurs when a pregnant woman develops primary herpes during her third trimester. In contrast, the risk of transmitting herpes to a newborn is much less (about 3%) in women who have recurrent herpes during their pregnancy. Vaginal delivery also increases the risk of transmission if active lesions are present in the genital area at the time of delivery. Neonatal herpes (within the first month of life) can be very severe, affecting the brain and other internal organs. Even with treatment, newborns have a very high risk of death.

Infants can also become infected with HSV through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an active lesion. For instance:

* Kissing a child when you have an active lesion.
* Changing a diaper if there is a lesion on your hand.
* Breastfeeding with a lesion on the breast.

These infections are far less severe and usually result in only sores on the mouth or lips of the infant.









Ayurvedic Views and Treatments available:- 










Sarasapi or Sarasapika is the Ayurvedic term that can be correlated with Herpes infection, which means mustard-like blisters. Shukaja Sarasapi is genital herpes and Pramehaja sarasapi is facial herpes. Both of them may have the same characteristics but the etiologies are different.

It is one of the major skin diseases. Mainly pitta dosha aggravates along with involvement of kapha and vata dosha. Pitta dosha is a responsible factor for the eruption of reddish painful boils in the hands, armpit, shoulder, eyes and waist. 

Ayurvedic treatment for Herpes Simplex Virus:

For treating Herpes Simplex HSV-1 and HSV-2 Herpes labialis and Genital Herpes, Ayurveda recommends a combination of corrective diet especially pitta pacifying diet, daily exercise, and herbal medicines both for internal use as well as for external local application in the form of herbal pastes and medicated oils massage. Medicated oils in the form of Nasyam are also very effective.










Ayurvedic Herbs and Herbal products used for treating Herpes are:-

* Neem - Neem is very effective in treating Herpes infection by acting as an effective antiviral and antibacterial agent. Helps to avoid complications. Neem acts as an antioxidant as well. Helps to stop nerve damage caused by viruses and superadded bacterial infections. 

* Yashtimadhu - It is very effective in relieving itching, burning, rashes, and blisters. It acts as an antioxidant as well as an immune booster. Glycyrrhizin is a chemical constituent present in this herb, which is scientifically proven to act against DNA and RNA viruses including HZV, and HSV.

* Haritaki - It is a very good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and digestive herb; very effective in viral and bacterial infections. Thus it helps in reducing rashes, nervine pain, blisters, and burning sensation.

* Giloy - It is a proven best antiviral herb as well as it helps to raise immunity. Very effective in decreasing pitta to help with burning sensation and all flu-like symptoms, especially in the first few days of infection.

* Chamomille - Very good antiviral and effective in reducing all rash-related symptoms.

* Patol - This herb helps to reduce inflammation, and burning sensation.

* Ghritam - It is very good to balance pitta and vata doshas. Helps in reducing burning sensation, pain, and stiffness in rases. Makes skin more emollient and helps in soothing. 

* Boswellia - Helps in reducing inflammation and pain.

* Manjistha - Acts as an antiviral agent. Helps in reducing nerve pain and detoxification of the body.

Above mentioned Ayurvedic herbs along with many other Ayurvedic herbs not only help Herpes Simplex infected persons in reducing symptoms but also help to control this condition from the root cause. For a detailed treatment plan please contact Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic team here.