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This
page is dedicated
to
herpes symptoms
The symptoms of genital
herpes can vary greatly from person to person. Some people do not even have
noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic). The symptoms generally begin anywhere from
two to 20 days after the person has the initial contact with the herpes virus.
The first episode of genital herpes is usually the worst outbreak, with
subsequent outbreaks being shorter in duration, and less in severe. Though this
is not true for everyone, it is true for the majority of herpes patients.
Prodrome
warning symptoms which
indicate the virus is becoming active, and is on its way to the skin's
surface. This may include itching, tingling, numbness, burning, general
fatigue, and flu-like symptoms, fever, swelling of the lymph nodes in the
area of outbreak, or headache. It can last for several days, but the
outbreak of blisters usually occurs within 24 hours. Painful urination may
also be present, and can last for the duration of the outbreak.
Inflammation
swelling, tenderness,
and/or redness that may appear before the actual outbreak, and may include
itching, and sensitivity. The inflammation may never progress to blisters.
Blisters
one or several small
fluid filled lesions, tiny red bumps, or rash may form. These may also
resemble small fissures, especially near the anus.
Ulcers
as the skin breaks on
the blisters, small ulcers can be seen. These are round, wet looking, and
may leak clear to milky colored fluid.
Crust
the sores begin to
dry, scab, and crust over. This marks the beginning of the healing process.
The virus may possibly still be present until the ulcer has completely
healed, and the scab falls off. NOTE: the sores do not always crust before
healing.
Healing
new skin if formed and
may look slightly red, or silver. Viral replication is complete, the virus
has left the skin's surface, and the skin is now safe to touch.
On average, the pain,
and discomfort is over in one week. After healing, the virus becomes inactive,
and retreats along the nerve pathways. It will lay dormant in a sacral
ganglion nerve root until it is reactivated.
Some people report pain and discomfort in the genital area after the lesions
have healed, and the symptoms of recurrence have ended. This pain is
post-herpetic neuralgia. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are
typically used to treat post-herpetic neuralgia. It has also been noted by
some people that NSAIDs are effective for the discomfort, if any, of the
prodrome, and for the duration of the outbreak.
The Visual Exam: In addition to taking a sexual history, your doctor will
need to perform a thorough examination, including visual examination of the
genital area.
For men,
the exam usually includes a close look at penis, scrotum, and rectum, looking
for blisters or skin lesions characteristic of herpes. Discharge from the
urethra is another potential sign of herpes. The clinician might also swab the
urethra and anus for a laboratory test.
For women, the current standard of care is to perform a pelvic exam
with speculum to inspect the cervix and vagina. The health care provider
should also carefully inspect the labia and the area between the vulva and
anus for signs of infection. Swabs of the cervix and anus are sometimes taken
for laboratory samples.
For both men and women, the health care provider also should check the
lymph nodes, because swollen lymph glands often accompany herpes blisters or
skin irregularities.
Laboratory
Testing: Visual examination is only one part of
a complete diagnostic work-up. For one thing, genital herpes doesn't look the
same in every patient; it can "mimic" the appearance of other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), and other STDs can mimic herpes. A mild case of
herpes can easily be mistaken for something as innocuous as a pimple, an ingrown
hair, or a simple rash. You should ask if your health care provider has
considered herpes and has ordered a laboratory test for herpes.
Information and pictures on this site
are provided for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for the
advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. You should
not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health
problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that
you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
herpes symptoms
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