Herpes Image Gallery

What Herpes Infections Can Look Like

WARNING: Herpes Image Gallery contains educational material that may not be suitable for all viewers. Use discretion.

HERPES IMAGE GALLERY This is a statue of Shapona, the West African God of Smallpox. It is part of the CDC’s Global Health Odyssey (GHO) collection of artifacts. A uniquely carved wooden figure, it is adorned with layers of meaningful objects such as monkey skulls, cowrie shells, and nails. Donated in 1995 by Ilze and Rafe Henderson, it was created by a traditional healer who made approximately 50 Shaponas as commemorative objects for the CDC, WHO, and other public health experts attending a 1969 conference on smallpox eradication

Smallpox was thought to be a disease foisted upon humans due to Shapona’s “divine displeasure”, and formal worship of the God of Smallpox was highly controlled by specific priests in charge of shrines to the God. People believed that if angered, the priests themselves were capable of causing smallpox outbreaks through their intimate relationship with Shapona. Suspecting that the priests were deliberately spreading the viral disease, the British colonial rulers banned the worship of Shapona in 1907; however, worshiping the deity continued with the faithful paying homage to the God even after such activities were prohibited.

Photos and Text in the public domain, provided by the CDC - CDC/ Global Health Odyssey 2005

Photos and Text in the public domain, provided by the CDC

HERPES IMAGE GALLERY Chicken Pox is usually rather forgiving, meaning that it doesn't present serious risks, nor does it last long or cause sever discomfort. In some cases, however, it can be quite devastating, especially when it shows up in a child, or adult, whose state of health is already compromised.

Below: On the left, a Varicella pustule, very close to the child's eye, is infected with a secondary organism, probably bacterial. The photograph on the right shows a worsening of this condition. These convincing illustrations explain, better than words, why it is important not to scratch Chicken Pox blisters.

This is easier said than done, since they itch mercilessly. And yet, it is one of the most important guidelines to follow in order to prevent complications. Bathing the child daily, even more than once, in a warm bath with a handful of oat bran added to the water is a popular home remedy that has been used by countless families over the years.

Children often resist getting out of the tub, in fact, since it feels so good to soak the itchy, inflamed blisters in the soothing water and, while it is not a good idea to extend bathing time until the fingertips become wrinkled, it is perfectly fine to allow children to enjoy some relief in this time tested manner.

NOTE: The Herpes Protocol® has effectively relieved symptoms of Chicken Pox, including severe itching.

Photos and Text in the public domain, provided by the CDC