Herpes Signs and Symptoms

Herpes Signs and Symptoms

What does herpes look like?

A Cold Sore

Before a cold sore appears the area will sometimes tingle, feel slightly raised and may appear red and inflamed. This pain or tingling sensation is called the prodrome (or warning symptom) and typically occurs 1 to 2 days before the cold sore appears.

A cold sore generally appears as a small, fluid-filled blister, which goes through a cycle of phases. The blister will usually weep (ulcerate) and form a scab or ‘crusting’ before healing and disappearing completely. The duration of a typical cold sore outbreak may last from 8 to 12 days.

Genital Herpes

One or more of the following symptoms may be experienced if the infection is located in the genital area:

Muscle aches or pains near to the area
A blister, cut, tear, sore, bump or rash in the infected area
Itching, tingling, or burning sensations
Vaginal or penile discharge
Burning and/or pain when urinating
Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and swollen glands

Time before any symptoms show

Herpes Incubation Period

A herpes virus can lay dormant for various time periods and may be in your system for a time period before any symptoms start to appear. The normal incubation period of the virus (time before any symptoms show) is approximately two to twelve days after the first exposure to the disease.

There are of course many possibilities. A few people never experience active symptoms and others may not experience a recognizable outbreak for several months or even years after exposure to herpes.

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