Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. During infection, Genital herpes virus is passed from one person to another through sexual contact. This happens even if the person with the virus doesn't have signs and symptoms of herpes infection. Once the virus enters through the skin, it travels along nerve paths. It may become dormant (inactive) in the nerves and remain there indefinitely.
The symptoms of genital herpes vary greatly from person to person, with many people having no noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic).
From time to time, the virus may become active. When that happens, the virus travels back along the nerve path to the surface of the skin, where additional virus is shed.
At this point the virus may cause an outbreak of symptoms. Or it may remain undetected.
In either case, the active virus is easily passed from one partner to another through sexual contact. Even wearing a condom or a dam may not protect the uninfected partner. The virus can be present on skin that remains uncovered.
The number of recurrences or outbreaks a person can have may vary.
The first herpes outbreak
Herpes Symptoms:
- usually develop within 2 to 20 days after contact
- could continue up to 2 weeks
- may be so mild it goes unnoticed
- may take longer or be less severe in some people, especially in those with partial immunity to the virus from having facial herpes, e.g. cold sores.
- in the first attack sometimes causes visible sores
- last between 10 - 21 days
The first episode is the most severe as most people have not been exposed to the virus before and antibodies will not have been produced to trigger the immune response.
When the herpes virus gets into skin cells it reproduces itself and starts to multiply, making the skin red and sensitive. Blisters or bumps may appear on the genital area, the blisters first opening, then healing with the regeneration of new skin tissue.
The infected area is usually painful and may itch, burn or tingle, during the outbreak.
The infected area is usually painful and may itch, burn or tingle, during the outbreak.
Other herpes symptoms include:
- swollen lymph glands
- painful inflamed blisters develop around infected area
- headache
- muscle ache
- fever
- vaginal or penis discharge
- infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation during urination
- a burning sensation in the genitals
- lower back pain
- small red bumps may appear in the genital area following earlier symptoms, later developing into painful blisters, which crust over, form a scab, and heal.
No Herpes Symptoms:
Scientists reveals that Up to 60% of people who have genital HSV show no signs of the disease and are unaware that they are infected, but are capable of transmitting the virus to others (asymptomatic viral shedding). Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters the recurrences are usually shorter and less severe than the initial episode, may decrease in both severity and frequency over time, are usually preceded by warning symptoms (also known as prodromal symptoms).
After the lesions have healed, and the symptoms of recurrence have ended, pain and discomfort in the genital area is still sometimes felt (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat this condition. Some people find these drugs effective for the discomfort of the prodrome, and for the duration of the outbreak.
Reserch shows that 80% of persons having a first episode caused by HSV-2 will have at least one recurrence while 50% of persons with HSV-1 will experience a recurrence. The most common scenario is occasional recurrences (about 4 attacks per year)
Signs of Recurrent herpes Outbreaks:
- Breaks or irregularities in the skin, such as a cut, red bump or rash
- Small sores or blisters that form a crust may occur anywhere in the region between the legs--thigh, buttocks, anus, or pubis
- Healing occurs in half the time as the first outbreak
Causes herpes outbreak or recurrence?
Although it is not known exactly why the virus reactivates at various times, both physical and/or psychological factors can bring on an outbreak.
Physical Factors:
Physical factors differ from person to person, but may be caused from:
- being run-down
- suffering from other genital infections (affecting the local skin area)
- menstruation
- drinking a lot of alcohol
- exposure of the area to strong sunlight
- conditions that compromise a person's immune system (where the body's immune system is not functioning normally)
- prolonged periods of stress
- ultraviolet light
- friction or damage to the skin, caused by, for example, sexual intercourse, may also lead to a recurrence
- surgical trauma
- anything that lowers your immune system or causes local injury can trigger recurrences.