Can Cold Sores Spread to Fingers and Genitals? Expert Answers - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Hello, the herpes virus can be divided into two types: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV).
Herpes simplex is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can infect any part of the body.
Generally, it can be classified into two types:
1.
Oral herpes: This is a common issue among white-collar workers.
Almost everyone who works diligently has been attacked by the herpes virus at some point.
Those who work very hard may experience outbreaks once a month, while those who are overworked might have them weekly.
About 80-90% of oral herpes cases are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), which is often found on the upper body, particularly on the lips, nose, and chin.
Infection is not necessarily due to poor hygiene or direct contact; it is often triggered by factors such as lack of sleep or high stress levels, commonly seen in students or office workers.
2.
Genital herpes: This condition often leads to misconceptions about its causes.
Many believe that genital herpes is solely due to promiscuous behavior.
In fact, 70-90% of genital herpes cases are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2), which typically affects the lower body, including areas around the genitals, penis, vagina, cervix, buttocks, anus, and thighs.
Symptoms of HSV-2 infection include itching and burning sensations in the penis, urethra, vulva, or cervix, followed by the appearance of small, painful, red blisters.
These blisters can become pustules, spread, and enlarge, eventually rupturing to form small ulcers.
The primary cause of HSV-2 infection is direct contact with the virus.
If patients do not maintain proper hygiene, the virus can spread to other parts of the body.

Prevention includes practicing safe sex and avoiding multiple partners.
Proper use of condoms can reduce the risk of infection, and it is crucial to prevent transmission to future generations and sexual partners.
Treatment for HSV-2 is typically diagnosed by a physician.
Current medical technology cannot completely eradicate the herpes virus; it can only manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.
When the immune system is weakened, the chances of recurrence increase.
A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, and strengthening the immune system, can help prevent recurrences.
The timeline from infection to healing typically takes about 5 to 14 days and can be divided into several stages:
1.
Painful stage: The skin may feel tingling and itchy.
At this stage, the virus is already contagious, and it should not be ignored.
If medication or ointment is applied at this time, it is most effective; unfortunately, patients often hope that it will resolve on its own, which rarely happens.
2.
Blister stage: Small blisters begin to appear on the skin's surface, which can be easily identified and may gradually swell into solitary or clustered blisters.
There will be burning and painful sensations, and it is crucial not to burst the blisters to prevent the virus from spreading and to avoid potential infection and inflammation.
Medication or ointment should be used at this stage.
3.
Ulcer stage: The blisters rupture, forming ulcerated wounds, which is when the virus is most contagious.
It is essential to keep the wounds clean and dry, possibly applying antibiotic ointment to prevent bacterial infection.
4.
Scabbing stage: The wounds begin to dry and heal, forming scabs.
It is important to avoid picking at the scabs, as this can lead to bleeding, infection, and unsightly scarring.
Shingles, caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, can occur anywhere on the body.
In fact, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles.
The first infection with the Varicella-Zoster Virus causes chickenpox, and after recovery, the virus remains dormant in the body's nerve ganglia for life.
It cannot be eradicated, and if a person experiences stress, lack of sleep, or undergoes chemotherapy, localized radiation therapy, surgery, or steroid misuse, the virus may reactivate along the nerves, leading to shingles.
Therefore, the situation you mentioned is indeed possible, and maintaining hand hygiene to avoid infections is an important preventive measure.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

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Reply Date: 2011/10/25