Signs of herpes at the early stage

It is important for people to know the information on the signs of herpes at the early stage. Some of the signs and symptoms of oral herpes are cold sores around the mouth, the nose area or facial region, sores inside the mouth or on the tongue. Some of the signs and symptoms of genital herpes are a rash, cold sores, a bump or a lump. Herpes could also cause muscle pain, cramps, burning, itching or tingling feeling. The signs and symptoms of herpes varies from person to person. 

Here is the detail information on what 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 and typically occurs  1 to 2 days before the cold sore apprears.

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

Stages of code sore

Genital Herpes:

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

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

Time before any symptoms show

Herpes Incubation Period.

The hepres virus can lay dormant for various time periods and may be in your system for a time period before any symptoms begin to show. The usual incubation period of the virus is appoximately two to twelve days after the first exposure to the virus.

However, there are many possibilities. Some people never experience active symptoms and others may not experience a recognizable outbreak for several months or even years after exposure.

Recurring Symptoms

What is an outbreak or episode ?

Most of the time when herpes symptoms are not present on the skin the virus remains in a latent state in the central nervous system,where it does no damage. When the virus reactivates it travels nerve paths to the surface of the skin,sometimes causing what is known as an 'outbreak' or episode of symptoms.

When and where can outbreaks reoccur ?

The first outbreak is normally the worst and many people do not experience a recurrence until months and sometimes even years after their first primary outbreak.

If and when a recurrence does happen it is sometimes related to a time when the immune system is weakened or under pressure, such as after an illness, during times of stress, due to a poor lifestyle,surgery,etc. In the case of cold sores,sometimes being in the sun can cause a recurrence. It is different for everyone.

During the body's first exposure to the herpes virus, the immune system develops antibodies and other weapons against the virus. During a recurrence, then, this 'immune memory' can hep to fight off infection more quickly.

As a result, as time goes on there are usually fewer sores, they heal fater, and the outbreak is less painful. Some people never experience another recurrence, which is often attibuted to a strong immune system response.

Nerves can have many 'axons' which is why the herpes virus can travel different pathways to your skin. This is why outbreaks may naturally appear in differnet areas 'nearby' to one another.

However, each nerve has particular area of skin that it serves called a dermatome. The herpes lesions are limited to the dermatome it initially infected unless you infect yourself somewhere else.

The nerves in the genitals,upper thighs and buttocks are connected. Therefore, in the case of genital herpes a person could experience outbreaks in any of these areas. Such areas include the vagina,vulva, penis, scrotum,anus,buttocks and thigh.

Herpes around the mouth

What should you do if you think you have herpes ?

If you have noticed something different don't delay.

If you suspect that you have herpes and have not had your condition diagnosed it is important that you visit your health care provider as soon as possible for a professional analysis.

Genital herpes can be mistaken for many different conditions and should always be diagnosed professionally.

You need to take medicine as needed and living healthy reduce the chance of getting a herpes outbreak.