Pain and Itching
Most people report severe unrelenting pain and/or itching in their genital area.
Red Bumps or White Blisters (Herpes Rash)
This is easier seen on a man’s penis versus a woman’s genital area. It looks like a dry rash on the skin. A herpes skin rash can swell and become very red when itched as if it’s inflamed, these can appear after the initial blister.
Ulcers
Ulcers do not happen all the time, but when they do, people know it. Urination can be very painful because of the blisters. After a day or so, the blisters may rupture and pus or blood may ooze out of it.
Scabs
The bumps, blisters, and ulcers may turn into scabs. They will become dry, and they can itch for some people. Do not itch the scabs, as that can open up the wounds and prolong healing. It can also lead to infecting someone with the virus.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Symptoms present as you’re suffering from the flu. Swollen lymph nodes are common in the groin along with a headache, muscle aches, and fever. Many people start with these symptoms thinking they are just sick with a cold or flu, and then the outbreak happens in the genitals, which leads them to suspect herpes.
Sores
Sores are how the virus spreads. The sores do not have to touch the genitals of someone else to infect that person.
Recurrent Outbreaks
The initial outbreak is the most intense. Outbreaks after the initial one may be milder with just slight burning, tingling, and itching where the infection entered the body. Recurrent outbreaks happen less often over time.
How Long does an outbreak Last?
On average, an outbreak can last up to 3 weeks. This includes the initial tingling, the height of the discomfort and the recovery time. The good thing is you always tend to feel a bout of the virus coming on, rather than experiencing the full impact at once. This means you can have a treatment ready in preparation.