How Long Does Recurrent Herpes Outbreak Last

Timeline Of A Herpes Outbreak

The timeline of a herpes outbreak can typically have a timeline like this:

• days 1 to 2: tingling feeling starts in the affected area
• days 3 to5: blisters appear and start to fill with fluid
• days 5 to 7: blisters start to burst, releasing fluid and turning into ulcers
• days 7 to 14: blisters scab over and start to heal
• day 14: outbreak usually resolved

After a first outbreak of genital herpes, you may find the length of later outbreaks gets shorter over time.

Quickest Way To Stop The Herpes Outbreak

Luckily, your doctor can prescribe you an antiviral like acyclovir or valocyclovir . These can be a godsend and swiftly stop the outbreak within a day or two of use. Your doctor can even discuss the possibility of taking the antiviral every day to prevent future recurrences. Many people choose not to take drugs that can be harsh on the liver on a regular basis, and just use them as needed. If youre in pain, you want to do whats available, and these types of drugs are the simply quickest way to stop the outbreak, so ask your doctor about them.

For future reference, drugs like Valtrex work best when you catch the outbreak early. Then theres a better chance youll stop the flare-up. Its not hard to do once you are aware of the prodromal symptoms, such as tingling and tenderness.

How Is Herpes Simplex Treated

Some people have few to no herpes outbreaks and choose not to have treatment. But many people prefer to use medications that shorten outbreaks and reduce symptoms.

During an outbreak, you may use an antiviral ointment or cream to help lessen your symptoms and help them go away faster, but it only works if you start it soon after you start an outbreak. Many people with HSV-2 take daily oral medications to keep outbreaks at bay.

Your provider may prescribe a topical medication or oral medication such as:

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Other Impacts Of Genital Herpes

Its important to also remember that there are mental and social impacts of having an incurable STI. Many people with recurrent genital herpes symptoms may feel stigmatized or fearful of pursuing sexual relationships. But people should remember, while genital herpes is not curable, it is manageable, and the outbreaks often decrease over time.

Most people live healthy happy lives with genital herpes .

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Why Genital Herpes Comes Back

Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body.

It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area.

If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms.

Triggers can include:

• surgery on your genital area
• a weakened immune system for example, from having chemotherapy for cancer

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Genital Herpes Treatment In Pregnancy

You may be offered antiviral treatment:

• to treat outbreaks in pregnancy
• from 36 weeks to reduce the chance of an outbreak during birth
• from diagnosis until the birth if you first get herpes after 28 weeks of pregnancy

Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances.

Can You Get Herpes On Your Tongue

While you may associate herpes type 1 with cold sores on your lips, it is possible to suffer from the symptoms of herpes on your tongue. This is referred to as oral herpes and usually affects more of your mouth than just your tongue. More than half of all adults in the United States are thought to have oral herpes.

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First Signs And Symptoms Of A Herpes Outbreak

The first signs and symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak are usually a tingling or itching feeling in the affected area. You may also notice some pain, discomfort or a burning feeling.

After a couple of days, you may start to notice some small blisters appearing. There may be just one or you may have several. Over time, you may be able to see the blisters filling with fluid. The blisters will eventually burst, leading to ulcers forming. As the ulcers form, you may find it painful whilst peeing .

When To See A Doctor

If you experience signs of a herpes outbreak, either with cold sores around the mouth or with herpes blisters around the genitals, you should see your doctor.

If it is a first outbreak, a medical provider can give you an accurate diagnosis.

If it is a recurring outbreak, a healthcare provider may be able to prescribe medication to shorten the frequency of outbreaks.

While there is no cure for oral or genital herpes, some prescription and OTC treatments may relieve discomfort.

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How Long After Herpes Outbreak Is It Still Contagious

For oral herpes, cold sores are usually contagious for up to 15 days and are generally no longer contagious once all symptoms have cleared, which includes the blister itself and any scabbing.

Someone carrying genital herpes should wait until 7 days after the sore heals to begin engaging in sexual activity, as the herpes virus can spread from sores not covered by a condom.

What Does Genital Herpes Look Like

While some people with genital herpes will never have any symptoms, other people can develop symptoms within a few weeks of being infected.

Often, before the lesions appear, patients describe a prodrome, characterized by a tingling or burning sensation in the area where the lesions will develop that can be noticed during urination, along with itching or discomfort in the genital area.

You can also have the following symptoms:

• Blisters on the mouth or lips
• Fever, headache or pain in the joints
• Trouble urinating

The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks. For most people, the first outbreak is the worst, and can last from two to three weeks. Future flare-ups are often less severe and do not last as long. Still, some people shed the virus regularly. The following triggers can make outbreaks more likely to occur:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Menstrual periods

Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on.

In many cases, anti-herpes medicine can help patients. When a person experiences a prodrome and suspects a recurrence is going to happen, they begin taking anti-herpes medications that lessen symptoms and shorten the time of the outbreak.

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More Questions From Patients:

Many people with genital herpes have no symptoms, or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.

The first time genital herpes symptoms appear is called the first episode or initial herpes. Initial herpes symptoms are usually more noticeable than later outbreaks.

Symptoms of genital herpes in men may include

• burning when you pee if you have sores

• trouble peeing if you have sores covering your urethra

• itching or pain around your genitals

During initial herpes, symptoms may also include

• swollen, tender glands in the pelvic area, throat, or under the arms

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Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md

Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.

Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.

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What Causes Recurrent Herpes Outbreaks

Once a patient acquires a herpes virus, it stays in the body for life.

The immune system puts viruses into dormancy.

Many people get the herpes simplex virus and never experience an outbreak or symptoms.

Others will have an initial outbreak, but no recurrences.

Some people get more frequent herpes outbreaks.

HSV-1 or oral herpes causes an average of one recurring outbreak after the initial infection for between 20-50% of people who have the virus.

HSV-2 causes an average of four outbreaks in the first year for as many as 90% of people who have the virus.

Outbreaks of herpes simplex typically become less frequent, and less severe, the longer the virus is in the body.

People who have compromised immune systems may experience more frequent, or more severe, outbreaks.

How Long Does A Recurrent Herpes Outbreak Last

The person may not see the symptoms of the HSV virus, as it may be asymptomatic in many cases. The intensity of the virus would also affect how long herpes would last. Sexual contact is a big cause of herpes, but some people may get it from skin-to-skin contact.

People who have very few symptoms may see herpes lasting for more than 14 days. People can do the HSV test to know if they have the virus inside the body or not. Some herpes may take around 6 months if they are intense in nature.

The virus can stay in the nerves of the person without showing any signs for around 6 months. If the person skips doing the treatment of herpes, then it would last for years. The HSV virus can cause issues of brain infection.

The recurrent herpes outbreak would not last for more than 14 weeks if treated during the initial stage. Oral herpes comes from the HSV-1, which would not last for more than 7 to 10 days. Genital herpes comes from HSV-2 which would not last for more than 14 to 20 days if the person maintains proper hygiene.

People may feel the burning and tingling symptoms in the affected area. The doctor may ask people with genital or oral herpes to take a few medications.

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Transmissible Even When Dormant

Its possible to transmit herpes to another person whether you experience an outbreak or not.

Transmission with no symptoms is due to asymptomatic viral shedding. For example, research has found that in people with HSV-1, the virus can be reactivated in the body and allow for transmission to others without any lesions present. HSV-2 also can be transmitted without symptoms present.

What Are Herpes Recurrences And How Likely Are They

Recurrences are repeat symptoms which appear at or close to the place where the infection was first noticed. These are often fairly minor and may be no more than a small spot that heals in a few days. They may be accompanied by sensations itches or nerve twinges. They are unlikely to be as severe as first symptoms and may be almost unnoticed.

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What Are The Complications Of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes may cause painful genital ulcers that can be severe and persistent in persons with suppressed immune systems, such as HIV-infected persons. 5 Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also cause rare but serious complications such as aseptic meningitis . 5 Development of extragenital lesions may occur during the course of infection. 5

There are also potential complications for a pregnant woman and her newborn child. See How does herpes infection affect a pregnant woman and her baby? below for information about this.

Why Does A Recurrent Herpes Outbreak Last This Long

The recurrent herpes outbreaks may not bring many symptoms. Hygiene plays a very important role in determining the lasting time of the recurrent herpes outbreak. If anybody comes in contact with bacteria, then recurrent herpes would aggravate.

People who smoke on a daily basis may see oral herpes not going before 15 to 20 days. Anybody with genital herpes should not come in skin-to-skin contact with any person as it may spread the infection. Stress and depression can be a big problem why the outbreak may stay for a long time.

People should avoid staying in rooms with hot temperatures as heat can trigger the recurrent herpes outbreak. If anybody is having oral herpes, then direct sunlight can make it worse. If the herpes is left untreated for around 12 months, then the person may face difficulties in the treatment of recurrent herpes.

The people who have severe outbreaks may see herpes to stay for around 2 months. In general, recurrent herpes would go early if the person has good immunity to fight the virus.

Everyone should try to keep the affected area clean and may use medicated products with antibacterial properties. Using fragranced soaps or body washes may aggravate the symptoms of recurrent genital herpes.

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Meet Nearby People With Herpes

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What Happens If Herpes Is Not Treated

Herpes can be painful, but it generally does not cause serious health problems like other STDs can.

Without treatment, you might continue to have regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while. Herpes typically does not get worse over time.

The information on this page is adapted from the CDC and Planned Parenthood.

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How To Check If You Have Herpes

Many people mistake herpes symptoms for a skin rash or experience such a mild outbreak that they dont become aware theyre infected until subsequent outbreaks occur.

For more information, see our guide to Jock Itch vs. Herpes: Differences & Treatments.

Its also possible that you might experience no outbreaks at all after being infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Luckily, there are several ways to check whether or not you have herpes.The best and most obvious way is to talk to your doctor about herpes testing. There are several herpes testing methods in use today, ranging from swab tests that check for viral activity to blood tests that check for the presence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies.

Each testing method has strengths and weaknesses, meaning your doctor will recommend the best option for your symptoms and potential infection type.

Most of the time, youll need to wait 12 to 16 weeks from the last possible exposure date before taking a herpes test. This gives your immune system time to produce a large enough amount of antibodies for an accurate test result.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

Since the herpes virus can remain undetected while dormant in your nervous system, you wont experience any symptoms until you have an outbreak. When that happens, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Painful blisters and sores on the genitals, mouth, and buttocks
• Difficulty with or a burning sensation when peeing
• Itching sensation around genitals

These symptoms are universal for genital herpes caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2. But if youve been infected with the latter, you may experience additional flu-like symptoms:

• Swollen glands in the throat, arms, and pelvic area

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What Is Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is a virus that causes skin infections. The infection lasts your lifetime, and it causes painful or itchy sores and blisters that come and go. Herpes simplex virus typically doesnt cause severe problems. But it can be dangerous in infants and people with weakened immune systems. There are two types of herpes simplex:

• Herpes simplex 1 tends to affect your mouth or face. It causes cold sores. HSV-1 spreads through contact with saliva .
• Herpes simplex 2 is a sexually transmitted disease . It causes sores on skin that comes in contact with the genitals of an infected person.

Sometimes a herpes infection can affect other parts of your body, such as your eyes or other parts of your skin.

How Long Do Sores From Herpes Simplex Last

If youre infected with HSV-1, commonly known as oral herpes, you may notice tingling or burning around your mouth in the days before a cold sore appears. These blisters break open and ooze fluid before forming a crust. Usually, sores last for seven to 10 days.

If youre infected with HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes, your first outbreak may last between two to four weeks. Recurrent outbreaks usually last between three to seven days.

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Dont Forget Your Mental Health

Living and dating with herpes can come with unique stressors. Arming yourself with the right tools and information can help both your physical and mental health â and help you feel better about your sex life.

Learning how to cope with your diagnosis can also mean seeking mental health support. The good news is, that support is available.

In Toronto and Vancouver, there are:

If youâre struggling with your mental health, itâs important that you talk to your healthcare provider. You can also speak to a counsellor about your herpes diagnosis at the Ontario Sexual Health Infoline at 1-800-668-2437.

If youâre ever in an emergency, call 911 right away.