Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsThe First OutbreakWhat to ExpectTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
The First Outbreak
What to Expect
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
For many people, the first outbreak of genital herpes is the worst and longest-lasting.
Continue reading to learn more about what a first outbreak of genital herpes is like, including symptoms and treatment.
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Genital Herpes Symptoms
Not everyone with genital herpes has detectable symptoms. Those who do will usually notice small, red, itchy, and fluid-filled blisters around the genitals and rectum. These blisters can also be internal, along the urethra or vagina, for example. They eventually rupture and crust over, leaving behind painful ulcers.
Other symptoms you may experience include:
How Is the First Outbreak Different?
The first outbreak of genital herpes is the most severe because your body hasn’t previously encountered the virus and has no immune response. You’ll likely have more sores, pain, itchiness, and burning during your first outbreak than during future outbreaks. The first outbreak is also the longest, with symptoms sticking around for two to four weeks.
Some people experience additional whole-body symptoms during their first outbreak, including:
After the first outbreak, the virus lays dormant in your nerve cells. When it reappears, your body can mount an immune response, fighting the virus. Because of that, subsequent outbreaks of genital herpes are less severe, and most people experience fewer outbreaks over time.
During your first outbreak, you’re most likely to spread genital herpes, so it’s important to abstain from sex for the entire time that you have lesions.
The symptoms of genital herpes appear two to 12 days after exposure to the virus, in most cases.
If you have beenexposed to genital herpes, you can call a clinic even before symptoms occur. A blood test can diagnose genital herpes even if you’reasymptomatic.
The first outbreak of genital herpes istreatedwith oralantiviral medications. When you visit your healthcare provider, you’ll likely get a seven to 10 day prescription of one of the following medicines:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Relief
In addition to prescription antivirals, OTC options can help keep you comfortable during your first outbreak, including:
Home Remedies
Even with antiviral medications and topical creams to relieve itching and pain, you’ll still likely be uncomfortable during your first outbreak. Scratching can increase the risk of secondary infection. Instead of scratching, apply a cold compress to the area.
Although it’s difficult,managing your stressis important. Stress can make outbreaks worse.
Summary
Genital herpes is a common STI. If you’ve been exposed, you may experience your first outbreak within two to 12 days. Although some people never notice symptoms, for most people, the first outbreak is the worst. Prescription antivirals and over-the-counter medications can help manage your symptoms, which will likely last two to four weeks. While you have lesions, abstain from sex, since the risk of passing herpes is highest during the first outbreak.
A Word From Verywell
Experiencing your first genital herpes outbreak can take an emotional toll. It’s important to remember that genital herpes is very common and is nothing to be ashamed of. Getting treatment quickly can reduce your risk of passing on the virus and help you feel better fast.
Frequently Asked QuestionsMost people experience their first outbreak two to 12 days after they were exposed to the herpes virus.However, some people never have symptoms. So, if you believe you were exposed, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t have lesions.The first outbreak of genital herpes can start with a general feeling of being unwell. You might experience headache or fever. Itching or pain in the genital or anal area generally starts just before the appearance of lesions.The first outbreak of genital herpes usually lasts between two to four weeks. The first outbreak is the longest, and subsequent outbreaks will often be shorter and less severe.
Most people experience their first outbreak two to 12 days after they were exposed to the herpes virus.However, some people never have symptoms. So, if you believe you were exposed, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t have lesions.
The first outbreak of genital herpes can start with a general feeling of being unwell. You might experience headache or fever. Itching or pain in the genital or anal area generally starts just before the appearance of lesions.
The first outbreak of genital herpes usually lasts between two to four weeks. The first outbreak is the longest, and subsequent outbreaks will often be shorter and less severe.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.John Hopkins University.Genital herpes.Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?Sauerbrei A.Herpes Genitalis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes — CDC fact sheet (detailed).Legoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Sexually transmitted infections. summary of CDC treatment guidelines.MedlinePlus.Genital herpes - self-care.American Academy of Family Physicians.What should I know about genital herpes?
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.John Hopkins University.Genital herpes.Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?Sauerbrei A.Herpes Genitalis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes — CDC fact sheet (detailed).Legoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Sexually transmitted infections. summary of CDC treatment guidelines.MedlinePlus.Genital herpes - self-care.American Academy of Family Physicians.What should I know about genital herpes?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
John Hopkins University.Genital herpes.Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?Sauerbrei A.Herpes Genitalis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes — CDC fact sheet (detailed).Legoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Sexually transmitted infections. summary of CDC treatment guidelines.MedlinePlus.Genital herpes - self-care.American Academy of Family Physicians.What should I know about genital herpes?
John Hopkins University.Genital herpes.
Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?
Sauerbrei A.Herpes Genitalis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes — CDC fact sheet (detailed).
Legoff J, Péré H, Bélec L.Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory.Virol J.2014;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Sexually transmitted infections. summary of CDC treatment guidelines.
MedlinePlus.Genital herpes - self-care.
American Academy of Family Physicians.What should I know about genital herpes?
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