SYMPTOMS of HERPES SIMPLEX

The First Outbreak

Symptoms of herpes usually develop within 2-20 days after contact, but could continue up to 2 weeks.

The first infection may be so mild it goes unnoticed. In other cases, the first attack causes visible sores. Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters.

The virus retreats into the nerves and lies dormant. Even when there are no symptoms of herpes, transmitting the virus is still possible (asymptomatic viral shedding).

Healing of the skin does not normally leave scarring.

Typical Symptoms

When it gets into skin cells the virus reproduces itself and starts to multiply, making the skin red and sensitive.

Blisters or bumps may appear on the genital area, the blisters first opening and then healing with the regeneration of new skin tissue.

During the outbreak the infected area may:

• experience itching sensations
• tingle
• feel a burning sensation
• become painful

Other symptoms include:

• painful watery blisters around the infected area
• fevers
• headache
• a burning sensation when urinating caused by infection of the urethra
• muscle or joint ache
• swollen lymph glands
• vaginal or penis discharge

The first episode is sometimes the most severe, lasting anything from 10-21 days. A warning sign (prodrome) such as tingling is experienced by many people prior to subsequent outbreaks.

Should any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor or other health care provider immediately.

Genital herpes should be diagnosed and treated professionally.

What you can do to prevent future outbreaks and shorten healing time.

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