How do dermatologists diagnose herpes simplex?

Herpes simplex can be diagnosed at our dermatology clinic in the following ways:

• In most cases of herpes simplex, an experienced dermatologist can diagnose the disease by studying the sores present during an outbreak. A laboratory test of the swab taken from a sore during the examination can confirm to a dermatologist London if the patient is infected with herpes simplex.
• In the absence of sores, a sample of your blood could be taken, and a blood test can be done to identify the presence of the herpes simplex virus.

How do dermatologists treat herpes simplex?

Herpes simplex has no identified cure. Usually, the sores will clear without treatment, but treatment can control symptoms, and reduce the length and discomfort of an outbreak, so most people opt to get treated.

Make an appointment when you call 020 71833648, and visit Clear Skin London today to get treated!

Herpes simplex can be treated with an antiviral medication, either a cream or ointment to relieve the symptoms of burning and itching.  Oral antiviral medicine, such as pills, or an antiviral shot also can reduce the length of a herpes outbreak.

Antiviral medicine should be approved and prescribed by a dermatologist London. Some medications can be used for the treatment of both oral and genital herpes simplex. Some examples include:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir

When prescribed, these medications must be taken daily, as they control the intensity of outbreaks, and lessen its frequency. The medications, when taken by an infected person, can prevent the transmission of the virus to an uninfected person.

What is the outcome of the treatment of herpes simplex?

For most persons infected with either of HSV-1 or HSV-2, the first outbreak is considered the severest, although some initial outbreaks could be milder. In some people, the outbreaks usually are unnoticeable as they can be extremely mild in such situations. In cases of such mild outbreaks, usually in genital herpes, people often will mistake subsequent years later for a first outbreak.

The virus could be forever dormant, and so you could have only one outbreak. For some other people, the virus becomes active after a while. A second outbreak is termed a recurrence and is more common in the first year of infection. As years grow after the first outbreak, recurrences tend not to be as severe as the last, and they occur only occasionally. This is usually because the body makes antibodies to check the herpes virus.

Severe outbreaks are less common in healthy people infected with herpes simplex. You are more at risk of having a serious outbreak of herpes simplex if you:

• Are a Newborn (sometimes unborn babies are at risk of severe outbreaks)
• Have a weak immune system or long-term medical condition.
• Have any terminal illness such as cancer or HIV/AIDS,
• Had an organ transplant,

Early medical help is vital if you show any signs or symptoms of herpes infection.

What ways can Herpes Simplex be managed?

The pain and discomfort of sores can be managed by doing the following:

• Softly apply medicine to the blisters. Some medications such as benzocaine and L-lysine can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription from a dermatologist
• Place ice on the blisters to treat the pain
• Stress and sunburn could potentially cause an outbreak, so practice staying calm and don’t work too hard, and don’t expose yourself to the sun.

What ways can you reduce the risk of spreading the virus?

For oral herpes (herpes simplex type 1):

• Avoid giving oral sex and kissing anyone if you have sores on your mouth.
• Avoid all sharing of personal items such as culinary silverware, cups, towels, and lip balms.
• If you experience any tingling, burning, itching, or tenderness in any area of your body where there had been an outbreak, keep away and do not let that area come in contact with others.

How can you prevent the spread of sores to other parts of your body?

• Wash and dry your hands properly after touching a cold sore.
• Use a cotton-tip swab if you seek to apply herpes medicine to a cold sore,

For Genital herpes (herpes simplex type 2):

• Avoid sex with uninfected partners if you show any signs of sores, or experience any symptoms of the herpes virus.
• Use latex during sex if you show no symptoms or signs of the virus. This lowers the risk but does not eliminate the chance of an infection, as the virus can spread if present on nearby skin not protected by the latex.
• In case of pregnancy, make sure your doctor is informed if you or your partner has genital herpes. Medicine could be prescribed at the end of your pregnancy term to ensure the virus is not passed to the newborn baby.

Contact Clear Skin London, and book an appointment to see an expert dermatologist.

Call 020 71833648, or visit our Dermatology. Our dermatologists Harley Street London can help you find a treatment that works for your Herpes simplex, and we will also assist in the management of any side effects that might arise from the treatment.