Herpes Or Impetigo

This paper will focus on the comparison and differences of the Herpes Simplex virus and Impetigo. First we will look at the Herpes simplex virus and some of its known symptoms. Herpes is a viral infection first and foremost therefore there is no known antibody or cure for it. The virus will most often present itself either above the waistline for example cold sores or below the waistline such as genital herpes. The symptoms for type one and type two are usually the same, as the affected area may have some pain, tingling or burning before an outbreak is visible.

The characteristics of the Herpes virus are similar for both oral and genital herpes. They both tend to be activated by a depressed immune system. The virus often causes small blisters that tend to leak an ooze like substance allowing viral fluid to escape. However, even after the blisters have erupted the virus is still able to live outside the skin for several hours. This allows it to have a greater communicability, people do not often know they are still infectious to others and inadvertently transfer the virus to another human or object.

Since herpes is a virus, only so much can be done to prevent outbreaks and exposure. Antiviral drugs may help with an infection by shortening its duration but that's about the extent of it. Should a client present with an active infection it's best to have them reschedule or at least avoid the local area. Clients with the virus may receive massage but the affected area is locally contraindicated especially during the acute stage of the infection. If you have massaged a client with an active herpes infection it is best to isolate their sheets in a separate container and have them washed with extra bleach or sterilized.

Now when we compare Impetigo to herpes, the difference between these two is that Impetigo is an infection of the skin typically caused by the staphylococci bacteria that are normally found on the superficial layer of the skin. Impetigo presents in three forms ranging from moderate itching and blisters to pus-filled blisters that can cause severe pain and scarring and affect the lymph nodes and systemic functions. The more severe version of Impetigo is known as Ecthyma which can put people with atopic dermatitis or diabetes at risk. The main characteristics of this condition are lesions typically around the nose and mouth which is often found amongst children. Impetigo however is not limited to a local area as it can spread to any part of the body.

To treat this disorder, topical antibiotics such as creams may help with the milder form of Impetigo. But if the infection has spread over the body or reached a systemic level, oral antibiotics will need to be prescribed.

Impetigo and its various forms are very contagious and precautions will need to be taken to prevent further contamination and mobility of the bacteria. Since the bacteria are so contagious massage is systemically contraindicated until all lesions have healed.

When comparing both disorders you can see that each present with a sore or lesion that will tend to leak out a fluid like substance allowing for mobility of the virus and bacteria. Both are highly contagious and can affect the body's systemic functions causing fever, chills and other types of disorders.

In contrast Herpes is a virus which no known cure exists for it today and can only be managed by a healthy immune system or antiviral drugs to assist in shortening the duration of the outbreak. Impetigo can be treated with topical creams if it is in a mild form but oral antibiotics are needed for the more severe cases. Herpes whether it's oral or genital will remain with that person for the rest of their life but Impetigo is only a bacterial infection and can be resolved in most cases.

REFERENCES

A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology 4th Edition (Pg 34 - Pg 38) - Ruth Werner

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