Herpes Symptoms

If you have been diagnosised with herpes, you know that the symptoms can be very severe.  Herpes symptoms range from one person to the next, often with various intensities as well.

Knowing The Symptoms

The symptoms of herpes will change from one person to the next, and also from one episode to the next.  The first thing to consider is when symptoms will happen.  The first outbreak that you get usually will fall between two and 20 days after you came into contact with the person who gave you herpes.  The first outbreak is often the most difficult, and often lasts the longest.  It can last up to two weeks.  On the other hand, for some people, a herpes outbreak can be very mild, especially the first occurrence.  In some people, these outbreaks are so mild they are not noticed, which is why some people have trouble determining who they contracted herpes from.

For many people, the first attack of herpes is the most severe because the body has not built up any antibodies for it.  As you go through that first occurrence of herpes, your body will fight off the attack and in the process develop antibodies to keep you from getting it again (though you still will.)  During this first attack, you could have a variety of different symptoms.

These can include:

• Painful and itchy skin, usually with a burning or tingling sensation. This usually happens during the first stages of the outbreak.
• Swollen lymph nodes, which usually happens when the body is working to fight off the herpes infection. 
• Headaches
• Discharge from the vagina or penis
• Painful urination, usually caused by an infection from the herpes that is in the urethra
• Pain in the lower back
• Muscle aches
• Fever

The most common signs of herpes including small red bumps on the infected portion of the skin.  These may become inflamed and burn, and will then develop into blisters.  The blisters will eventually break open, and may exude a clear puss or fluid.  After breaking open, the blisters will scab over as they heal.  This is the complete cycle for most cases of herpes outbreaks.

Later Outbreaks

The first outbreak is often the most severe, but it is not necessary an indication of how severe the next outbreaks will be.  You may have follow up outbreaks that are worse, or better, depending on your body's ability to fight off the illness when it happens.  The herpes virus will lay dormant deep in the tissues of the body.  Doctors do not know what makes it reactivate and they simply cannot tell you when the next occurrence will be.  Medications have been shown to keep some outbreaks at bay, though.

Herpes treatments are effective at helping many people see fewer symptoms. They also help people to overcome some of the pain that may be happening at the time of the initial infection.  Different treatments for herpes to use will range based on the location of the illness, as well as the severity of outbreaks.

If you suffer from the herpes virus symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.  This way, your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment option for you, and will likely provide you with the best chance of avoiding additional outbreaks.