Herpes (Namla)

Introduction

Herpes (Namla), caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or herpes virus hominies, is one of the most common infections of humans throughout the world. It is a condition in which rapidly spreading superficial small eruptions (Busoor) and inflammatory patches appear on the skin. Symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection.

Herpes infections are most contagious when symptoms are present but can still be transmitted to others in the absence of symptoms. It is caused by yellow bile (Safra) mixed with sanguine (Dam).

It is characterized by appearance of rapidly spreading, superficial small eruptions (Busoor) and inflammatory patches on the skin with the sensation of ant biting, itching and burning. These eruptions may either resolve or turn into ulcers. As per modern philosophy, herpes simplex viruses which are more commonly known as herpes are categorized into two types:

Herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes)
Herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes)

Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sore around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2.

In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist. In other words HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause oral herpes, but can also cause genital herpes, while HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. Most oral and genital herpes infections are asymptomatic.

Signs and symptoms (Alaamat wa Asbaab)

Herpes type 1 (HSV-1), or oral herpes infection is asymptomatic in most of the cases even most people with HSV-1 infection are unaware they are infected. Symptoms of Herpes type 1 (HSV-1), or oral herpes include painful blisters or open sores called ulcers in or around the mouth. Sores present at the lips are commonly referred to as “cold sores.” Infected persons will often experience a tingling, itching or burning sensation around their mouth, before the appearance of sores. After initial infection, the blisters or ulcers can periodically recur. Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 can be asymptomatic or can have mild symptoms that go unrecognized. When symptoms do occur, genital herpes is characterised by 1 one or more genital or anal blisters or ulcers. After an initial genital herpes episode, which may be able to be severe, symptoms may recur. However, genital herpes caused by HSV-1 typically does not recur frequently, unlike genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)

Management/ Treatment of Herpes

There is no permanent cure for herpes. Unani medicine can ease herpes symptoms and minimize the chances of giving the virus to other people.

Principles of Management/ Treatment

Evacuation of yellow bile and sanguine (Tanqiya-e- Safra wa Dam) through purgation (Ishaal) for bilious part and bloodletting (Fasd) for sanguineous part, respectively
To normalize the heat of sanguine (Itfa-e- Hiddat-e- Dam)
Topical cooling (Tabreed-e- Mmaqaami) to relieve the symptoms
Local desiccation (Tajfeef-e-maqaami)

Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj Bil Dawa)

Oral administration of Ma-ul- Fawaakih with Saqmuniya (Convolvulus scammonia Linn.) for purgation of yellow bile (Ishaal-e- Safra).
Oral administration of “Joshanda-e- Halaila” for purgation of yellow bile (Ishaal-e- Safra).
Local application of paste prepared with Arminium earth (Gil-e- Armani), Berberis aristata DC. (Rasaut) and Camphor (Kaafoor) mixed with egg white.
Local application of ointment prepared with unripe Quercus infectoria Oliv. (Maazu Kham), dried leaves of Myrtus communis Linn. (Barg-e- Aas Khushk), Roghan-e- Gul and Wax (Mom) 3/4 of all the contents.
Local application of paste prepared with Arminium earth (Gil-e- Armani), Santalum album Linn. (Sandal Safed), Rosa damascene Mill. (Gul-e- Surkh), flower of Punica granatum Linn. (Gulnar) mixed with juice of leaves of Solanum nigrum Linn. (Aab-e- Inab-us- Sa’lab).

Compound Unani Drugs

Sharbat-e- Unnab
Marham-e- Isfidaaj

Regimenal Therapy (Ilaaj Bil Tadbeer)

Bloodletting (Fasd)
Purgation (Ishaal)

Dietary Recommendations

Ma-ur- Rumman
Ma-us- Sha’eer
Muzawwara-e- Aab-e- Ghaura
Adas Muqasshar (Dehusked seeds of Lens culinaris Medic) cooked with vinegar (Sirka)

Dietary Restrictions

Salty and sweet dishes

Prevention/ Precaution (Tahaffuz)

Avoid excessive intake of meat
Avoid heavy exercise

Note: Unani drugs should be taken under the advice of the qualified Unani physician. The patients are required to follow strict Unani regimen for optimum results.

References