Herpes Symptoms
Published by admin on Tagged Herpes InfoHerpes symptoms usually develop within 2 to 20 days after contact with the virus, although it sometimes takes longer. Symptoms begin with skin redness and sensitivity. Soon afterward, one or more blisters or bumps appear. The blisters will eventually open and then heal as new skin forms. During a first outbreak, the area is may itch, tingle, and burn. The area is usually painful, but the level of pain varies from person to person. Flu-like symptoms are also common with the initial outbreak which includes swollen glands, muscle aches, headache, and/or fever. Herpes may also infect the urethra which may cause painful urination.
Symptoms may last up to several weeks, but the duration of each outbreak varies from person to person. In many people, the first infection is so mild that it goes unnoticed. In others, the first attack causes visible sores and very noticeable flu-like symptoms. Subsequent recurrences of the disease may cause lesions. When the sores are completely healed, the “active phase” of infection is over. Healing of the skin usually leaves no scars. In either case, the virus retreats into the nervous system and then lies dormant.
If you believe you may have contracted herpes, you should see a doctor while symptoms are still present. The doctor will examine the area and test to see if the herpes virus is present. Request is a specific virus culture or assay for herpes virus.
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