How long does a herpes outbreak last?

Every case of herpe outbreak is different depending on the person. There are many factors that can alter the amount of time it takes a herpes outbreak to clear. Herpes outbreaks vary in length. If it's your first outbreak, it's likely to last longer. Other factors may include:

What type of herpes—HSV-1 or HSV-2 you are suffering from
How many herpes outbreaks you’ve had in the past
How frequent your herpes outbreaks are
If you are taking preventative antiviral medication or using suppressive therapy
If you have already started treatment for this outbreak

How long does a herpes outbreak last

Common facts on the length of herpes outbreaks

For a first outbreak, symptoms can last for two or three weeks.
The first outbreaks are more severe in women.
Later outbreaks are milder and shorter in duration.

How long does the first herpes outbreak last

The first outbreak of genital herpes is usually much worse than recurrent outbreaks. Symptoms tend to be more severe and to last longer. The first outbreak of genital herpes may last 2–4 weeks. During this time, the sores break open and release fluid. Over a period of days, the sores become crusted and then heal without leaving scars.

Your provider will prescribe one of the three antiviral medications, which you will take for 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms persist, treatment may be extended. An acyclovir ointment may also be prescribed for topical treatment of initial genital herpes.

How to deal with first herpes outbreak?

Your doctor can prescribe you an antiviral like acyclovir or valocyclovir (Valtrex). Your health care provider can prescribe medications that quicken healing, make symptoms less painful, and lower the risk of getting outbreaks. These medications don’t kill the virus and don’t prevent you from getting outbreaks in the future. Your doctor can even discuss the possibility of taking the antiviral every day to prevent future recurrences. For future reference, drugs like Valtrex work best when you catch the outbreak early.

How long does a recurrent herpes outbreak last?

As a general rule, the first ever herpes outbreak tends to be the most severe. In some cases, it can take 2 - 3 weeks to heal completely. Subsequent outbreaks are usually less severe and pass within a few days.

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The stages of herpes sores

Stage 1: Prodrone –HSV-1 comes in contact with your skin and lips, causing reddening and a tingling sensation. After 1-2 days, the affected area may feel irritated, itchy and painful.

Stage 2: Swelling and Inflammation – The affected area becomes swollen, and inflamed

Stage 3: Formation of Blisters – Red, white, or clear, fluid filled blisters and/or cold sores begin to form. They last about 2 days and appear in a cluster as a single sore that is painful or sensitive to the touch.

Stage 4: Ulceration - After a day or two, the sores may burst, releasing fluid and becoming more painful. This generally subsides after about a day.

Stage 5: Scabbing or Crusting – As the sores begin to heal there may be crust that develops over the burst blister and forms a scab. After 2-3 days, new skin begins to form.

Stage 6: Healing – The scab that formed over the blister will start to heal. Do not peel the scab off until the wound is completely healed to avoid getting a scar.

Will herpes go away on its own?

An outbreak of genital herpes will usually go away on its own in about one week, but may last as long as a month. When taken early, antiviral medications can help minimize symptoms and heal outbreaks faster.

What happens if a herpes outbreak is left untreated?

Generally speaking, herpes causes more embarrassment than serious health concerns, Tosh says. But if you’re suffering from herpes outbreaks and not treating them, they can continue or get worse. The bigger issue with not treating outbreaks is that you could pass the virus along to a partner.

What triggers herpes outbreak?

Do you know what triggers your herpes outbreaks? Some of the following factors may trigger genital herpes symptoms. Contiune to read the factors that will trigger your herpes outbreaks or how to prevent herpes outbreaks. .

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