Herpes symptoms

Herpes is now a very common virus in Denmark and the rest of the world. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of adults have herpes, but only 20% of this group experience repeated outbreaks throughout their lives. Because when we talk about herpes, we are also talking about a virus that will be in the body for the rest of their lives.

Herpes can be divided into two different types. HSV type-1 is also known as labial herpes, which most often appears as cold sores on the lips, but can also appear in the eyes, mouth, nose and throat. In addition, there is HSV type-2, also known as genitalis, which causes an outbreak on and around the genitals, on the buttocks and around the anus.

How herpes is transmitted

Herpes is a highly contagious virus, which is why so many adults around the world have this condition. Depending on whether it is type 1 or type 2, herpes can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or through sexual intercourse . This also means that you don't just get infected by touching someone with herpes, and you can still dry your hands on the same towel without fear of a herpes outbreak yourself.

HSV type 1 occurs on the face or in the mouth. It is typically transmitted through close physical contact, such as kissing. The rule here is that there must be direct contact between the skin or mucous membranes. It is also possible to infect yourself if, for example, you pick at a cold sore and forget to wash your fingers afterwards. If you touch your eye afterwards, you risk infecting yourself.

HSV type 2 is transmitted through sexual intercourse, oral sex or anal sex. Even if you use protection, there is still a risk of infection. Herpes is contagious both when dormant and when it is in an outbreak, but the risk is greatest when you are exposed to infection from someone who has a herpes outbreak.

In addition, there is herpes Zoster, also known as shingles. Here, the virus spreads throughout the body and causes a severe rash that can be very itchy and painful, and is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Different herpes virus symptoms

There are a number of different symptoms of herpes. There is a difference between type 1 and type 2, but there are some general herpes outbreak symptoms that are common to both types.

First of all, in the vast majority of cases, blisters and sores will appear in the area where there is an outbreak. In addition, herpes can cause itching, redness, swelling and tenderness in the affected area. The first outbreak, also known as the primary infection, is always the worst outbreak. Here, the various symptoms will be experienced as stronger and more painful than any outbreaks later on. At the first outbreak, many people also experience fever and muscle aches, a bit like the flu, and if it is type 1 herpes, it can also cause sore throat or keratitis.

Herpes type 1 symptoms

If we look at the type 1 virus, herpes labialis, the symptoms are typically tingling, prickling and burning around an area as some of the early signs of herpes – especially when it comes to symptoms of cold sores. The area will subsequently blister and ulcerate if it is an area of ​​skin or the mouth that is affected.

If herpes is in the eye, it will typically lead to corneal inflammation, also called herpes keratitis . The symptoms here are eye pain, sensitivity to light and squinting. Some will also experience blurred vision, increased tear production, pain and redness in the eye. If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical attention urgently because you may risk permanent damage to the cornea.

When it comes to herpes symptoms in the mouth, it will also appear as blisters and sores, while there is a greater risk of developing a sore throat. The same applies to herpes in the throat. Symptoms here are sore throat and fever among the well-known ones.

Herpes type 2 symptoms

If it is herpes 2 symptoms, they are usually blisters and small sores, where the blisters often burst. Other symptoms of genital herpes include the area being red, swollen and tender, and if the sores are in the urethra, there will also be a risk of increased discharge and burning when you are on the toilet.

Symptoms of genital herpes in women tend to be burning and itching if the symptoms are of herpes in the vagina. In addition, there is a tendency for redness and swelling, and in the initial phase it can also feel like a tingling sensation.

Herpes symptoms for men are the same as for women when it comes to penile herpes. However, the small blisters are visible here, and herpes can cause itching and irritation on the penis.

Herpes zoster symptoms

Shingles occurs due to a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. You can only get shingles if you have previously had chickenpox. Shingles can affect all age groups, but is most common in the elderly and children who have been infected with chickenpox within the first year of life. The first sign of the reactivation of the chickenpox virus appears as a burning sensation along the nerve pathway that the virus travels.

The nerve pathways typically form semicircles around the body, and the pain and subsequent skin rash will therefore be seen as a blistering rash in a narrow area on one side of the body, for example around one eye or on one side of the face. There is also typically a slight fever, headache and not infrequently swollen lymph nodes.

2-3 days after the pain begins, the typical rash develops: small blisters on a raised red background. The rash resembles a chickenpox rash - but is limited to a smaller area, typically only on one side of the body. The rash often reaches its maximum after 3-5 days. The blisters break, forming ulcers, which are gradually covered by scabs. The scabs usually fall off after 2-3 weeks.
The name shingles arose because having herpes zoster can be extremely painful. The symptoms vary greatly depending on who gets the outbreak, with some experiencing a milder course, while others experience a fever and are in great pain.

How quickly do you get symptoms of herpes?

There may be a difference in how quickly you experience herpes symptoms after infection or when the virus reactivates. If this is the first time you are infected, the primary infection will typically appear after a week after infection. If it is type 2, your herpes ' incubation period will be between 4-7 days before you experience symptoms, which will consist of small blisters and sores as well as redness, swelling and tenderness.

How long do you have herpes symptoms?

It is difficult to predict how long you should expect to have symptoms of herpes. It depends a lot on how severe the outbreak is and who has the outbreak.

Depending on the severity of the outbreak, symptoms will subside after 1-4 weeks, and with genital herpes it can take up to three weeks for the small blisters to disappear. The first outbreak is always the worst, and this also applies to the length of your symptoms. They will subside over time, but the course can last up to four weeks without treatment. Subsequent outbreaks are usually milder in terms of symptoms, and usually last 1-2 weeks.

How long does a herpes outbreak last?

A herpes outbreak can last up to four weeks, but typically lasts 7 to 10 days . It is important to practice good hygiene to avoid infecting yourself. If this happens, you can expect to have new outbreaks elsewhere on your body for several weeks. If you receive medical treatment from your doctor or buy over-the-counter products, the duration may be shorter, depending on how your body and the virus respond to the treatment.