Herpes

Type 1 herpes simplex surface on the lips and face and are fluid filled blisters that can be very tender, tingling and painful. The blisters begin healing by drying up and crusting and then pink healed skin is appears as the crusting dissipates.

Type 2 herpes simplex most often manifests as painful sores, with a burning sensation in the genital area which is most acute during urination. Although it is most common on the vagina and penis, it can occur on the cervix. Type 2 herpes is most commonly spread through sexual intercourse.

What to Know About Herpes

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The virus can surface quickly with or without symptoms. This is because once contracted, the virus never goes away. It retreats into what is called a resting phase in the skin cells and nerve endings, and an outbreak can recur quite suddenly.

WHAT ARE THE FIRST SYMPTOMS OF HERPES?

The most common warning signs and symptoms are tingling and/or tenderness. Sometimes symptoms may not get any worse than that. However, if an outbreak is going to occur, the next symptoms will be puffy, red, and sore skin. Within a day, blisters, sores or bumps appear and last for several days. There is often a burning soreness or tingling, sometimes be accompanied by swollen glands and feverish flu-like symptoms.

HOW IS HERPES SPREAD? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? CAN IT COME BACK?

Herpes is spread through direct contact and the virus is broken down into two categories: primary and recurrent.

If a primary infection develops into an initial outbreak, it will occur within two to twenty days after exposure with an infected person. Symptoms can be as mild as tingling and as severe as a large painful sore. Blisters and sores from the first infection take seven to ten days to heal, with the most acute phase occurring in days two through five. Once the sores heal, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells and may not recur. However, it usually does.

When people experience a recurrence, it is frequently not as intense as the primary outbreak, in terms of length or severity. Most often, it recurs in the same location as the primary infection. Stress, fatigue, colds, weakened immune system, and sun exposure can trigger a recurrent outbreak.

HOW IS HERPES TREATED?

Treatment is available...Come see the Dermatologist for specific treatment.