What does first herpes outbreak look like?
Every person will experience the first herpes outbreak differently. First outbreak refers to when you first contract the genital herpes virus and have no herpes antibodies to fight the virus. Most of the time, the first outbreak is the most severe.
A herpes outbreak usually starts with a tingling, burning or itching sensation in the area where the blisters will appear. After the initial stage, blisters begin to form. The number of blisters differs between patients. While some people only notice one or two blisters, others suffer from a multitude of painful blisters. Over the course of several days, the blisters fill with liquid and eventually burst, leaving open sores. The sores will turn into scabs and gradually heal.
Can you have herpes without ever having an outbreak?
Some studies have shown that a lot of people have no recognizable symptoms of herpes or mild symptoms, even during the first outbreak. The CDC reports less than 40% of newly-infected people develop blisters during their initial outbreak. However, some who have previously has outbreaks with no symptoms may have an outbreak with symptoms in the future.
Some people with herpes won’t even notice their herpes symptoms because they’re so mild. It is easy to mistake a mild outbreak for a rash or ordinary itch, as there might not always be any blisters. Up to 90 percent of people are completely unaware that they have the herpes virus.
Typical early signs and symptoms
The early symptoms of herpes can vary for each individual. Many people with genital herpes have extremely mild symptoms or even no symptoms. Some patients will brush off mild symptoms for another skin condition, such as an ingrown hair. Most people with herpes are unaware that they have it.
Redness, Blisters
One of the earliest signs of a herpes outbreak is redness and blisters. The infected area could be tender. You may see a blister by itself or a cluster of blisters on the skin. This will become lesions/sores later on. Sometimes, this phase passes so quickly that the patient doesn’t notice it. It could seem as if you went from tingling directly to a lesion.
Avoid scratching or touching your blisters. They are contagious, and can spread to other parts of your body.
Lesions or Sores
During your first herpes outbreak, your lesions or sores can last up to seven to twelve days. After that period, your lesions will become scabs. Your eruptive sites will heal within ten to twenty-one days. You can expect the infected area to feel painful to the touch, itchy, and tingly. Burning is another common sensation.
Other Symptoms Of Herpes Can Include:
Herpes outbreak healing process
Understanding these stages of herpes outbreak will help you come more at peace at what is happening to your body or your partner's body through this difficult time.
Here is a picture of outbreak healing process. For more detailed information, please check the article Understand the Herpes outbreak better:the six stages of a herpes outbreak.
Herpes symptoms in men and women
Contrary to popular belief, genital herpes symptoms are usually the same in both men and women. Cracked, raw, or red areas around genitals area. Tingling, burning or itching sensation in the area where blisters will appear. There could be slight differences.
Most common herpes symptoms in men
Sores to on or near: anus,buttocks,scrotum,thighs,penis.
Pain when you pass urine
Flu-like symptoms such as a fever, muscle aches and pains
How genital herpes affects your fertility is currently unclear and it does not usually cause infertility. However,a recent study found that it may lower your sperm count.
Most common herpes symptoms in women
Sores to on or near: vagina,thighs,labia,buttocks,anus
Irritation or itching in your lady parts
A flu-like feeling
A dull, aching pain in your pelvis
Painful pee
Females with genital herpes will often notice pain while urinating and vaginal discharge.
How can you get herpes?
Herpes can be transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact. You can contract herpes by:
Herpes can be contracted even if you can’t see the sores. Oral herpes is usually transmitted by kissing. It can also spread from the mouth to the genitals via oral sex. Genital herpes is often passed through vaginal and anal sex. Doing oral sex on someone with genital herpes can cause oral herpes.
It is important to note that condoms do not always prevent infection. They can help, but they are not enough protection. Condoms only cover the shaft of a penis, so other surfaces of skin infected could come in contact with you, spreading the virus.
How long does it take to get herpes after exposure?
It varies. Some patients will shows symptoms days after being infected, whereas other patients won’t see symptoms for weeks, months, or even years.
Some people will notice that their symptoms aren’t severe or take a long time to show up. People with oral herpes have partial immunity to genital herpes.
The CDC reports that the average incubation period for an initial herpes outbreak is four days afters after being infected.
How long does the first herpes outbreak last?
How long does it take for a herpes outbreak to go away?The first herpes outbreak can take between two to four weeks to heal. The sores can take two to three weeks to be completely healed. Antiviral medications can reduce both the severity and duration of symptoms.
Secondary outbreaks usually resolve much quicker than the first herpes outbreak. These recurrent outbreaks can still take up to fourteen days to clear up..Here is the herpes stages timeline for recurrent outbreak.
How to manage your first herpes outbreak?
There is no cure for herpes, but there are still ways to treat the symptoms and keep the infection manageable.
People who were recently diagnosed with herpes should begin taking medication as soon as possible, ideally as soon as the signs of prodrome appear. They should continue taking the medication for several days, which can speed up healing and possibly prevent the outbreak from occuring.
Currently, there are three antiviral medications approved by the FDA for treating genital herpes:
Famciclovir
Valacyclovir
Acyclovir
Most of the time, antiviral meds are prescribed to patients experiencing their initial herpes outbreak, but they can be used for secondary outbreaks too. Episodic therapy and suppressive therapy are the two methods of treatment.
Each antiviral treatment mentioned is proved to shorten the amount of time a person will experience symptoms. Regardless, symptoms can vary for each patient.
Herpes Pain Relief Methods
The first herpes outbreaks can range from mild to severe. It is usually the most painful. Here are some insight and possible herpes relief methods for various painful symptoms.
Keeping your genital region dry
Wearing loose clothes
Using an ice pack on the sores
Taking warm baths in Epsom salt
Using common over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, Advil, and aspirin.
Will my symptoms / sores reoccur?
The reason that symptoms can show up after the initial outbreak is because the herpes outbreak stays in the body forever. The virus will usually remain inactive, but it can reactivate, causing a secondary outbreak.
First outbreak vs recurrent outbreaks
Recurrent outbreaks are herpes outbreaks that occur after the initial outbreak. The initial outbreak is typically the most severe, so that won’t be what you experience for the rest of your life. Over time, herpes becomes easier to manage.
Recurrent outbreaks usually cause less pain and sores. They also clear up quicker.
During the first year of infection, outbreaks can occur much more frequently. Over time, the number of outbreaks can decrease.
How often do outbreaks occur? What is the average outbreak rate:
Eighty-percent of patients experiencing their first outbreak of oral herpes will have at least one recurrence. 50 percent of people with genital herpes will have an recurrence.
For the third and other herpes recurrent outbreaks, every patient experiences herpes differently, so some people will never have a second outbreak. Others can experience outbreaks multiple times per year.
Most commonly, people with herpes will experience an average of four outbreaks per year.
Patients with weaker immune systems, such as patients with illnesses such as HIV or leukemia, are more likely to get more frequent outbreaks with more severe symptoms.
Do herpes outbreaks decrease over time?
Symptoms of recurrent herpes outbreaks are typically shorter in duration and less severe than the first outbreak of genital herpes. Long-term studies have indicated that the number of symptomatic recurrent outbreaks may decrease over time.
How can i prevent a herpes outbreak?
The first year of being infected with herpes, recurrent outbreaks are fairly common.
Patients with many outbreaks may be recommended by a doctor to take medication daily. This is known as suppressive therapy. This helps prevent future outbreaks and lowers the chance of transmitting the virus.
It is important to be able to identify your herpes triggers. Each patient will experience herpes differently, so your experience may vary. You want to keep track of your life to figure out which situations could trigger an outbreak.
Eating properly, getting good amounts of sleep, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and taking care of yourself physically can help prevent a herpes outbreak.
After a few years, most genital herpes outbreaks will happen less frequently, regardless of your treatment.
For more guidance on dealing with herpes outbreak, see the articles:
What does herpes look like in six stages?
How to tell if a herpes outbreak is coming?
When a herpes outbreak is over?
The first herpes outbreak: What it's like & how long it lasts
How to come to terms with herpes
Still feel hard to accept your dianosise? You can meet other people for help and support. There are some online herpes communities for people with herpes. PositiveSingles is the biggest player and it has been online for over 17 years. It's quick to sign up for a free account and take a look around. Sign up here.
