Latest news with #herpes
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Lip sign could mean you're '80% more likely to get dementia'
A study has found that a certain virus that can manifest on the lips could indicate a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A symptom appearing on the lips could potentially signal an increased risk of developing dementia, according to recent research. This viral symptom has been linked with an 80 per cent increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a common virus responsible for herpes and cold sores, may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's. While previous studies have hinted at a link between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's, this research aimed to delve deeper into this association. As part of the study, researchers analysed the medical records of over 300,000 individuals aged 50 and above. As reported by SurreyLive, participants were split into two equal groups, distinguished by those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and those without such a diagnosis. Alzheimer's Research UK detailed how the study found that 1,507 (0.44 per cent) of participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease had a history of HSV-1 infection, compared with 823 (0.22 per cent) without an Alzheimer's diagnosis. The conclusion drawn was that individuals with an HSV-1 infection had an 80 per cent increased risk of Alzheimer's. This remained true even when other factors, such as carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer's, were taken into account. Furthermore, individuals who had been prescribed medication to treat the virus were found to be 17 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to those not on any medication. Limits of the study Nevertheless, it's essential to consider some constraints of this study. Dr Sheona Scales, director of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, highlighted: "Despite the large sample size, this research is based on information gathered from using health records and administrative claims data, which often are based on people self-reporting their conditions. "Most people infected with HSV-1 don't have any symptoms so some infections might not have been recorded. Infections predating the information recorded are also not available. Although cases were matched with controls, diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, especially in the early stages, remains a challenge." While HSV-1 is common, contracting the virus does not guarantee that an individual will develop Alzheimer's disease. The precise relationship between HSV-1 and a heightened risk of Alzheimer's is still under investigation, with current hypotheses suggesting that infections may trigger brain inflammation, potentially leading to damage. Dr Scales further stated: "We know there are 14 lifestyle and environmental risk factors for dementia, and there's not enough evidence to include infections in this list. "This study doesn't tell us if infections are causing the risk, it only shows an association. Further research is needed to understand what the underlying biology around this is." Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia worldwide, accounting for an estimated 80 per cent of all dementia cases.
Health Line
2 days ago
- General
- Health Line
What's Causing My Penis to Itch and How Do I Treat It?
Itchiness in your penis can be caused by different types of inflammation or infection, including genital herpes, penile thrush, eczema, or ingrown hair. A doctor can help you find the cause. Penile itching can affect any part of your penis, including the glans (head), foreskin, shaft, or scrotum. The itchiness can affect the whole penis or just one part, known as localized itchiness. In many cases, penile itching isn't serious and can go away on its own. But sometimes an itchy penis can be a symptom of a condition that may require medical treatment, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of penile itching, as well as tips for relief. What causes an itchy penis? Here are several conditions that may cause an itchy penis. Genital herpes Genital herpes is an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can trigger symptoms like itching and pain on the penis, as well as clusters of fluid-filled blisters that can appear around the genitals and anus. Treatment There's no cure for genital herpes. In most cases, symptoms will go away on their own. But a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to be taken orally to help manage your symptoms. Lichen nitidus Lichen nitidus is inflammation of the skin cells that causes tiny bumps on different parts of the body, including the penis. The bumps are normally flat-topped, pin-sized, and flesh-colored. The condition usually causes no symptoms. However, the most commonly reported symptom is itchiness, which is usually mild. Treatment Lichen nitidus usually gets better on its own without treatment. A doctor may recommend some treatments to help manage itchiness, including: corticosteroids antihistamines topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus light therapy Candidiasis (yeast infection) Candidiasis, also known as thrush or yeast infection, can develop on the head of the penis. Along with itching under the foreskin and the tip of the penis, this condition may cause: a burning sensation skin redness or other color changes a rash cottage cheese-like discharge under the foreskin Treatment A healthcare professional may recommend a topical over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication or prescribe an oral antifungal to treat penile thrush. Genital warts Genital warts are small bumps caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), an STI. Genital warts are flesh-colored, resemble cauliflower, and can sometimes itch and bleed during intercourse. Treatment In many cases, genital warts go away on their own within 6 months. However, a doctor may sometimes recommend treatment, such as: topical or oral medications cryosurgery (freezing) surgical removal »Learn more: Home remedies for genital warts Lichen planus Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that affects the hair, nails, and skin, including the penis. It may cause itchy, flat-topped bumps or blisters. Treatment Treatment for lichen planus may only be required if the itching is moderate or severe. The most common treatments include: topical treatments, such as steroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus steroid injections Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when skin cells develop too quickly, resulting in the accumulation of skin cells on the skin's surface. This causes thick, raised, itchy, and discolored patches of scaly skin. Research suggests that up to 63% of people with psoriasis experience genital psoriasis, while up to 5% of people with psoriasis may only have symptoms in the genitals. Treatment Psoriasis treatments may include: topical corticosteroids topical nonsteroids, such as tar cream, calcineurin inhibitors, or vitamin D analogues oral medications, such as methotrexate biologics Scabies Scabies is a condition where tiny mites burrow underneath the skin's surface. These mites tend to burrow in the folds of the skin, but can also burrow in the skin around the penis, especially the penis shaft. Scabies causes an intense itch, and you may notice tiny burrow tracks on your penis. Treatment A doctor will likely prescribe a medical treatment, such as topical treatments like permethrin and crotamiton. They may also prescribe an oral medication like ivermectin to be used off-label. This means a drug is used to help treat a condition for which it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a rash that may develop on your penis if you come into contact with an allergen or irritant, such as certain soaps, fragrances, and fabrics. Along with itching, contact dermatitis may cause dry skin, a genital rash, and tiny bumps. Treatment The most effective treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid the irritant or allergen altogether. For instance, this could mean: using a mild, fragrance-free shower soap and laundry detergent changing clothing materials using a latex-free condom during sexual activities Applying a cold compress to the affected area may help soothe itching, too. Balanitis Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. Other symptoms may include: soreness itchiness skin redness or other color changes swelling pain during urination Treatment First-line therapy for balanitis is to properly clean the penis regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Depending on the underlying cause, a doctor may also prescribe antifungals, antibiotics, or mild steroids. Urethritis Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra (penile tube) that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. You may experience itching at the glans penis, along with: burning, stinging, or pain during urination penile discharge testicular pain blood in urine or semen Treatments Penile urethritis may get better on its own, but if it's caused by an infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Causes of pubic itching Not every itch in the genital area occurs on the penis. Conditions that may cause itching in this area include: pubic lice folliculitis ingrown hair molluscum contagiosum jock itch eczema Penile itching home remedies Several home remedies may help soothe an itch and reduce inflammation. These may include: applying a cold compress for 5 to 15 minutes on the affected area taking a bath with colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or baking soda applying a 1-to-1 part mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to the affected area However, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any of these. The skin on the penis is thinner than on other parts of the body, so it's much more sensitive. This means that some home remedies which may be used on other bodyparts may further irritate the penis or lead to complications. »More on this: What are the best remedies for itching? When to connect with a doctor Some causes of penis itch don't require you seeing a doctor. For example, itching, skin discoloration, and inflammation from contact dermatitis may go away once you're no longer exposed to the allergen or irritant. Some conditions, however, may not go away without treatment. Connect with a doctor if your penis itch is severe or doesn't improve, or if you have accompanying symptoms like penile discharge, blisters, pain, or a rash. A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of penis itch after examining your skin. They may also swab your penis and send the sample to a lab, which can confirm or rule out a virus, bacteria, or fungal infection.
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Scientists ‘slash risk of Alzheimer's' with medicine used to treat cold sores
New research has suggested an unexpected link between a common form of herpes and Alzheimer's disease, indicating anti-viral treatments might offer a potential preventative measure. Previous studies have shown that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can remain dormant within human cells, only to reactivate later in life, potentially triggering dementia-like symptoms. Experts have observed that HSV-1 induces changes in the brain that mirror those seen in Alzheimer's patients, including the formation of amyloid plaque-like structures and inflammation. A large-scale US study involving researchers from pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and the University of Washington in Seattle has now further explored this connection. Analysing data from 344,628 individuals with Alzheimer's and an equal number without the disease, all over the age of 50, the researchers investigated the relationship between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's diagnoses between 2006 and 2021. The study revealed that individuals with a history of HSV-1 infection had an 80 per cent increased risk of developing Alzheimer's, even after accounting for other contributing factors. Of the participants with Alzheimer's, 0.44 per cent had a prior HSV-1 diagnosis, compared to 0.24 per cent of those without Alzheimer's. The study group comprised approximately 65 per cent women, with an average age of 73. Crucially, the research also found that individuals with HSV-1 who used antiviral medications to treat the virus were 17 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to those who did not receive antiviral treatment. Among the 2,330 individuals with a history of HSV-1 infection, 40 per cent used antivirals following their diagnosis. These findings suggest that managing HSV-1 with antiviral medications could potentially mitigate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The authors, writing in the journal BMJ Open, concluded: 'Findings from this large…study implicate HSV-1 in the development of Alzheimer's disease and highlight anti-herpetic therapies as potentially protective for Alzheimer's and related dementia.' In the UK, the drug aciclovir is one of those available for treating cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and other herpes virus infections. The researchers also looked at the potential role of other herpes viruses, including HSV-2, varicella zoster virus (which causes chickenpox), and cytomegalovirus. Both HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus infections were also associated with a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease. Exactly how HSV-1 and other viruses might heighten the risk of dementia is not clear, point out the researchers. 'However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in (Alzheimer's disease) development,' they added. HSV-1 DNA is also found in the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, and people carrying the most common genetic risk factor for the disease are more susceptible to HSV infections, they said. Professor Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh, said: 'This is a well-conducted study adding to strong data in the field linking HSV-1 and other viral infections to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but it is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer's. 'Why viral infections may increase risk of dementia is not fully understood, but the most likely explanation is that infections increase inflammation in the body and contribute to age-related brain inflammation. 'More research is needed to understand the best way to protect our brains from Alzheimer's disease as we age, including a better understanding of links between viral infection and Alzheimer's risk.' Dr David Vickers, from the University of Calgary in Canada, said the 'research exaggerates the role of HSV-1, failing to appreciate its absence in 99.56 per cent of Alzheimer's disease cases'. He added: 'The observed 17 per cent hazard reduction with anti-herpetic drugs translates to a mere nine-month delay in Alzheimer's disease onset.' Dr Richard Oakley, director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Results from this observational study suggested that people with recorded cold sore infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and interestingly those prescribed antiviral drugs had a slightly lower risk. 'But this doesn't prove that cold sores cause Alzheimer's disease, or that anti-virals prevent it. 'The data came from insurance records, often based on self-reported symptoms which may miss or misclassify infections, and didn't track how often people had cold sores or how consistently they took medication. 'Much more research is needed to explore exactly how viruses might be involved and before we can draw firm conclusions.'
South Wales Guardian
21-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Treating cold sores with anti-virals ‘may slash risk of developing Alzheimer's'
Previous studies have found that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can lie dormant in human cells for a lifetime before 're-awakening', leading to dementia symptoms. Experts have discovered that HSV-1 causes changes that resemble those in the brains of dementia patients, such as amyloid plaque-like formations and inflammation. Now, a large US study suggests that treating HSV-1 may be a route to lessening the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers, including from pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences and the University of Washington in Seattle, used data on 344,628 people with Alzheimer's matched with the same number of people without the disease. All were aged over 50 and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's was made between 2006 and 2021. A history of HSV-1 diagnosis was noted for 1,507 (0.44%) patients with Alzheimer's, compared with 823 (0.24%) of those without. Nearly two thirds (65%) of those with Alzheimer's disease were women, with an average age if 73. The study found that people who had suffered the herpes virus had an 80% increased risk of Alzheimer's, even when other factors were taken into account. But those with HSV-1 who used anti-virals to treat the virus were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with those who did not the medicines. Among the 2,330 people with a history of HSV-1 infection, 931 (40%) used anti-virals after their diagnosis. The authors, writing in the journal BMJ Open, concluded: 'Findings from this large…study implicate HSV-1 in the development of Alzheimer's disease and highlight anti-herpetic therapies as potentially protective for Alzheimer's and related dementia.' In the UK, the drug aciclovir is one of those available for treating cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and other herpes virus infections. The researchers also looked at the potential role of other herpes viruses, including HSV-2, varicella zoster virus (which causes chickenpox), and cytomegalovirus. Both HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus infections were also associated with a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease. Exactly how HSV-1 and other viruses might heighten the risk of dementia is not clear, point out the researchers. 'However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in (Alzheimer's disease) development,' they added. HSV-1 DNA is also found in the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, and people carrying the most common genetic risk factor for the disease are more susceptible to HSV infections, they said. Professor Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh, said: 'This is a well-conducted study adding to strong data in the field linking HSV-1 and other viral infections to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but it is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer's. 'Why viral infections may increase risk of dementia is not fully understood, but the most likely explanation is that infections increase inflammation in the body and contribute to age-related brain inflammation. 'More research is needed to understand the best way to protect our brains from Alzheimer's disease as we age, including a better understanding of links between viral infection and Alzheimer's risk.' Dr David Vickers, from the University of Calgary in Canada, said the 'research exaggerates the role of HSV-1, failing to appreciate its absence in 99.56% of Alzheimer's disease cases'. He added: 'The observed 17% hazard reduction with anti-herpetic drugs translates to a mere nine-month delay in Alzheimer's disease onset.' Dr Richard Oakley, director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Results from this observational study suggested that people with recorded cold sore infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and interestingly those prescribed antiviral drugs had a slightly lower risk. 'But this doesn't prove that cold sores cause Alzheimer's disease, or that anti-virals prevent it. 'The data came from insurance records, often based on self-reported symptoms which may miss or misclassify infections, and didn't track how often people had cold sores or how consistently they took medication. 'Much more research is needed to explore exactly how viruses might be involved and before we can draw firm conclusions.' Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, welcomed the study but said more research was needed. 'We know there are 14 established risk factors for dementia, and there's not enough evidence to include infections in this list. 'This study doesn't tell us if infections are causing the risk, it only shows an association. Further research is needed to understand what the underlying biology around this is.'
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Treating cold sores with anti-virals ‘may slash risk of developing Alzheimer's'
Previous studies have found that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can lie dormant in human cells for a lifetime before 're-awakening', leading to dementia symptoms. Experts have discovered that HSV-1 causes changes that resemble those in the brains of dementia patients, such as amyloid plaque-like formations and inflammation. Now, a large US study suggests that treating HSV-1 may be a route to lessening the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers, including from pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences and the University of Washington in Seattle, used data on 344,628 people with Alzheimer's matched with the same number of people without the disease. All were aged over 50 and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's was made between 2006 and 2021. A history of HSV-1 diagnosis was noted for 1,507 (0.44%) patients with Alzheimer's, compared with 823 (0.24%) of those without. Nearly two thirds (65%) of those with Alzheimer's disease were women, with an average age if 73. The study found that people who had suffered the herpes virus had an 80% increased risk of Alzheimer's, even when other factors were taken into account. But those with HSV-1 who used anti-virals to treat the virus were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with those who did not the medicines. Among the 2,330 people with a history of HSV-1 infection, 931 (40%) used anti-virals after their diagnosis. The authors, writing in the journal BMJ Open, concluded: 'Findings from this large…study implicate HSV-1 in the development of Alzheimer's disease and highlight anti-herpetic therapies as potentially protective for Alzheimer's and related dementia.' In the UK, the drug aciclovir is one of those available for treating cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and other herpes virus infections. The researchers also looked at the potential role of other herpes viruses, including HSV-2, varicella zoster virus (which causes chickenpox), and cytomegalovirus. Both HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus infections were also associated with a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease. Exactly how HSV-1 and other viruses might heighten the risk of dementia is not clear, point out the researchers. 'However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in (Alzheimer's disease) development,' they added. HSV-1 DNA is also found in the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, and people carrying the most common genetic risk factor for the disease are more susceptible to HSV infections, they said. Professor Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh, said: 'This is a well-conducted study adding to strong data in the field linking HSV-1 and other viral infections to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but it is important to note that HSV-1 infection, which is extremely common in the population, is by no means a guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer's. 'Why viral infections may increase risk of dementia is not fully understood, but the most likely explanation is that infections increase inflammation in the body and contribute to age-related brain inflammation. 'More research is needed to understand the best way to protect our brains from Alzheimer's disease as we age, including a better understanding of links between viral infection and Alzheimer's risk.' Dr David Vickers, from the University of Calgary in Canada, said the 'research exaggerates the role of HSV-1, failing to appreciate its absence in 99.56% of Alzheimer's disease cases'. He added: 'The observed 17% hazard reduction with anti-herpetic drugs translates to a mere nine-month delay in Alzheimer's disease onset.' Dr Richard Oakley, director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Results from this observational study suggested that people with recorded cold sore infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and interestingly those prescribed antiviral drugs had a slightly lower risk. 'But this doesn't prove that cold sores cause Alzheimer's disease, or that anti-virals prevent it. 'The data came from insurance records, often based on self-reported symptoms which may miss or misclassify infections, and didn't track how often people had cold sores or how consistently they took medication. 'Much more research is needed to explore exactly how viruses might be involved and before we can draw firm conclusions.' Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, welcomed the study but said more research was needed. 'We know there are 14 established risk factors for dementia, and there's not enough evidence to include infections in this list. 'This study doesn't tell us if infections are causing the risk, it only shows an association. Further research is needed to understand what the underlying biology around this is.'
