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Cold Sore Outbreak Symptoms
How long after coming in contact with the herpes virus will one's first outbreak be?
I ask this because I may or may not have come in contact with someone who may have had herpes during an outbreak and this morning a cold sore appeared. How long would it take for symptoms to appear?
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.
Other 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 Symptoms:
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).
Recurrences
Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters.
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.
How common are recurrences?
80% of persons having a first episode caused by HSV-2 will have at least one recurrence
50% of persons with HSV-1 will experience a recurrence
The most common scenario is occasional recurrences (about 4 attacks per year)
Usually, the first year has the most viral activity
A recurrence takes place when the virus replicates in the nerve ganglia and particles of virus travel along the nerve to the site of primary infection in the skin or mucous membranes (inner, moist lining of the mouth, vagina etc).
There are very subtle forms of recurring herpes found on the penis, vulva, anus, thigh and buttocks or anywhere in or around the genital area that heal very quickly (within a matter of days).
Signs of Recurrent 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
What brings on or "triggers" an 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.
Psychological Factors:
periods of prolonged stress can cause more frequent recurrences
it is also common to experience stress and anxiety as a result of having recurrences.
Prodrome
A warning sign (prodrome) is experienced by many people in recurring outbreaks. Warning symptoms which indicate the virus is becoming active, and is on its way to the skin's surface may include:
itching
tingling
numbness
burning
general fatigue
flu-like symptoms
fever
swelling of the lymph nodes in the area of outbreak
headache
painful urination
pain in the buttocks, back of legs, lower back
Cycle of a typical outbreak or recurrence
The symptoms of an active herpes outbreak or recurrence may occur in the following phases.
Symptomatic Course of the Disease:
Inflammation
Swelling, tenderness, and/or redness that may appear before the
