How long does herpes outbreak take? does it stop without taking medicine?
372695
Depending on your immune system and body chemistry, WITHOUT medication: between 1-3 weeks. The first oubreak is the worst, and the following ones can be pretty awful as well--- but don't worry, the longer you have the virus the less severe your outbreaks will be!\n\nTaking medication is VERY effective at healing outbreaks and also at preventing transmission. As a woman, you can be having an outbreak and not even know it -- it can be on your uterus or inner walls of the vagina. \n\nI knew a girl who caught it when she was 15, and I met her when she was 21. She'd never been on medications. She said for the first year or two, it had been hell- one outbreak after another. 6 years later, at 21, she was just experiencing a bump or two (sporadically, but especially when she was stressed out) which would clear up in about 7 days. \n\nSymptoms can also include lower back pain and muscle aches (caused by lactose as the body tries break the virus down). If you don't have medication, anaerobic exercise like gentle walking can help alot. The longer you live with the virus, the more you'll know your body.\n\nStress can also make the outbreaks last longer, it seems (from talking to various people)-- or it makes them worse because you are already stressed out!
410967
The main symptom of herpes are lesions.  The lesions may be singular or multiple (blisters) and appear anywhere in the oral and genital area. The blister will break open to form a shallow lesion that is very painful. \n\nSymptoms usually appear 1 to 30 days after having intercourse. The person may experience flu-like symptoms. The blisters will last from 1 to 3 weeks. They will go away spontaneously, with little scarring, but like with genital warts, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reappear.\n\nHerpes can be treated, but not cured. They can be treated with an anti-viral medication during an outbreak. The anti-viral medication may also be used to prevent an outbreak.\n\nPeople who have only one sexual partner are the least likely to get herpes. If you have more than one partner, or don't know if your partner is having sex with others, it is very important to use condoms.  However, condoms cannot protect areas they do not cover (the groin area, the upper thighs and the abdomen).
653798
HIV i believe your safe.  Herpes can take 7 years to even show symptoms though.  Since you already got her tested and did the deed, like one of my buddies does with his girl, get her on birth control and forget about condoms.
521840
A herpes outbreak starts with a tingling in the infected area. Actually, anywhere around the area can tingle and/or itch. Soon after (a few hours to a day) "pimple" like sores will appear. They will then "pop" and leave open sores. They can take 1-3 weeks to heal.
721008
(m)\n\nThe Herpes simplex virus infection (common names: herpes, cold sores) is a common, contagious, incurable, and in some cases sexually transmitted disease caused by a double-stranded DNA virus. The infection can also affect the brain, in which case the consequent disease is called herpes simplex encephalitis. \n\n\nHerpes is a contagious infection that's caused by the herpes simplex virus. One type of the virus - herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) - can lead to cold sores around the mouth. An infection of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) can lead to genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease that causes blisters and pain in the genital area.\n\nBoth types of the virus can be transmitted through direct contact. A person can get the cold sores of HSV1 by kissing or sharing eating utensils with an infected person. A person can get genital herpes or HSV2 by having intimate contact with an infected person. A mother who has genital herpes can pass the infection on to her newborn if she delivers the baby vaginally.\n\nIn many cases, herpes doesn't cause any symptoms, so it's possible for a person to carry it and unknowingly pass it on to someone else. In other cases, herpes infections can lead to infections in other parts of the body.\n\nSometimes people who have oral or genital herpes only have one outbreak. But other people have many outbreaks, which are less painful and shorter than the initial episode.\n\nThere's no cure for herpes. In fact, once a person has been infected with the herpes virus, it's in the body forever. There are medications that can alleviate some of the discomfort that outbreaks cause. And there are things you can do to help protect yourself - and your family -from getting infected by the virus.\n\nTypes of Herpes Infections\nCold sores around the mouth are usually caused by HSV1. This form of the virus is usually transmitted from person to person by saliva or direct contact, like kissing or sharing eating utensils.\n\nIn this form of herpes, blisters form on the lips and on the inside of the mouth, and soon develop into painful ulcers. The gums become red and swollen, and the tongue may develop a white coating. Other symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, eating difficulties, a generally ill feeling, irritability, and swollen neck glands. These symptoms can last from 3 to 2 weeks.\n\nAfter the first herpes infection, the virus can lie dormant without causing any symptoms for some time. But the virus can reactivate at a later time, leading to a tingling and numbness around the mouth, then a blister that breaks and forms a crust. The virus tends to reactivate following some type of stress on the body, like a cold, an infection, hormone changes, menstrual periods, or even a tooth extraction.\n\nGenital herpes is usually caused by HSV2. This form of the virus occurs mainly in sexually active teens and adults and is transmitted through intimate contact.\n\nSymptoms typically begin with pain, tenderness, or itching in the genital area and also include fever and headache.\n\nIn males, blisters appear on the penis. In females, blisters appear on the area around the vagina and in the cervix. In both genders, the blisters may appear on the thighs and buttocks. Blisters soon erupt to form painful sores that last 1 to 3 weeks.\n\nOther symptoms may include: pain or a burning sensation during urination; a clear mucus-like discharge from the vagina or urethra (opening for urine) in females; a clear mucus-like discharge from the tip of the penis in males; and tender, swollen glands in the groin area.\n\nAs with HSV1, after an initial outbreak of genital herpes blisters, HSV2 also remains dormant in nearby nerves and can be reactivated later in life. The symptoms of reactivated genital herpes are similar to those of first outbreak, but they're generally less severe.
268912
Skin eruptions may appear two to 12 days after the initial exposure to the virus. \n\nThe first sign of infection is fluid accumulation (edema) at the infection site, which is quickly followed by small, grouped blisters, the characteristic HSV lesions. \n\n\nThese form on an inflamed skin base, which is more visible in dry skin areas. \n\n\nThe blisters then dry out and heal rapidly without scarring. Blisters in moist areas heal more slowly. The lesions may sometimes itch, but itching decreases as lesions heal. \n\n\nWhen the crust falls off, the lesions are no longer contagious. (The virus may still be active in nearby tissue but such persistence is rare.) The primary skin infection with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 lasts up to two to three weeks, but skin pain can last one to six weeks in a primary HSV attack. \n\n\nLymph glands near the site may be swollen as well. \n\n\nPrimary herpes is often accompanied by fever rising to about 102°F, muscle aches, headache, and flu-like malaise. These general symptoms usually resolve within a week. \n\n\nOnce HSV gains entry to a site in the body, the virus spreads to nearby mucosal areas through nerve cells. This characteristic spreading can cause fairly large infected areas to erupt at some distance from the initial crop of sores. \n\nhttp://www.gotherpes.com/doc52symptoms.sht
166634
i don't know of anything that can totally stop a herpes outbreak but i know there are alot of medications out there that you can take to reduce the number of times outbreaks happen. \nI see one on TV all the time but I forget the name....\nI would say to ask a doctor about it, or do some online research to find out about the medications
682199
You will know if you have herpes if the sores are visible. The infected area will start to tingle right before an outbreak and then the first sore(red blisters) will appear. They will then open up and this can be very painful when you do pretty much anything. They will start to heal soon after the blisters "pop". The whole process is disgusting and hurts like hell.         OR\nSometimes people live for years and never have an outbreak so many do not know they have it.
214655
How Do I Know If I Have It? \n\n\nTo see if you have the virus, your doctor may simply examine the cold sore or may take a culture from it. \n\nWhat Are the Treatments? \n\nYou can't cure a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and emollients to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over the counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore.\n\nIf your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral agents currently available for treatment include acyclovir, famciclovir and valcyclovir.  These oral medications are more effective in treatment when started within the first 48 hours of the outbreak.\n\nCold sores can become complicated by a bacterial infection so it is also important to keep them clean by washing gently with soap and water as needed.\n\nHow Can I Prevent Them? \n\nWash your hands after touching a cold sore. \nDon't rub your eyes after touching your cold sore; you could develop an ocular herpes infection, which may lead to blindness if left untreated. \nDon't touch your genitals after touching your cold sore; you could develop genital herpes. \nReplace your toothbrush. \nEat foods high in lysine, or take supplements. \nDon't kiss someone who has a cold sore or use the same utensils, towels, or razors. \nUse sunscreen to the face and lips before prolonged exposure to the sun. \nCold sores -- also called fever blisters -- are a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These blisters are usually caused by HSV Type 1 but can less commonly be due to HSV Type 2. They may show up anywhere on your body but are most likely to appear on your gums, the outside of your mouth and lips, your nose, cheeks, or fingers. Blisters form, then break and ooze; a yellow crust develops and eventually sloughs off, revealing new skin underneath. The sores usually last seven to 10 days and are contagious until they crust over completely.\n\nNinety percent of all people get at least one cold sore in their lives. This first occurrence is often the worst. Some children who are affected may become seriously ill. After the first infection, many people develop antibodies and never have another cold sore. About 40% of American adults, however, have repeated cold sores. \n\nAlthough cold sores generally are not serious, the infection may be life-threatening for anyone who has AIDS or whose immune system is depressed by other disorders or medications. \n\nThe infection from a cold sore may cause blindness if it spreads to the eye; herpes is a frequent cause of infectious blindness. \n\nWhat Causes Them? \n\n Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)-Type 1, which is transmitted by such forms of contact as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors. Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus Type 2. A person with a cold sore who performs oral sex on another person can give that person genital lesions with HSV-1. \n\nSores may develop as late as 20 days after exposure to the virus. Once the virus enters your body, it may emerge years later at or near the original site of entry. Approximately 2 days before an attack you may experience itching or sensitivity at the site. The virus may be triggered by certain foods, stress, fever, colds, allergies, sunburn, and menstruation.
269583
As in other mucocutaneous herpetic infections, herpetic whitlow is initiated by viral inoculation of the host through exposure to infected body fluids via a break in the skin, most commonly a torn cuticle. The virus then invades the cells of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, and clinical infection ensues within a matter of days. \n\nIn children, HSV-1 is the most likely causative agent. Infection involving the finger usually is due to autoinoculation from primary oropharyngeal lesions as a result of finger-sucking or thumb-sucking behavior in patients with herpes labialis or herpetic gingivostomatitis. \n\nSimilarly, in health care workers, infection with HSV-1 is more common and usually is secondary to unprotected exposure to infected oropharyngeal secretions of patients. This easily can be prevented by use of gloves and by scrupulous observation of universal fluid precautions. \n\nIn the general adult population, herpetic whitlow is most often due to autoinoculation from genital herpes; therefore, it is most frequently secondary to infection with HSV-2. \n\nSubsequent to the initial exposure, an incubation period of 2-20 days is common. Although a prodrome of fever and malaise may be observed, most often initial symptoms are pain and burning or tingling of the infected digit. This usually is followed by erythema, edema, and the development of 1- to 3-mm grouped vesicles on an erythematous base over the next 7-10 days. These vesicles may ulcerate or rupture and usually contain clear fluid, although the fluid may appear cloudy or bloody. Lymphangitis and epitrochlear and axillary lymphadenopathy are not uncommon. After 10-14 days, symptoms usually improve significantly and lesions crust over and heal. \n\nViral shedding is believed to resolve at this point. Complete resolution occurs over subsequent 5-7 days. \n\nAs is typical of other herpetic infections, herpetic whitlow is characterized by a primary infection, which may be followed by a latent period with subsequent recurrences. After the initial infection, the virus enters cutaneous nerve endings and migrates to the peripheral ganglia and Schwann cells where it lies dormant. The primary infection usually is the most symptomatic. Recurrences observed in 20-50% of cases are usually milder and shorter in duration.\n\nHerpes generally sets up shop in one place. Once it's there, it recurs in that place but doesn't spread elsewhere, because antibodies in the bloodstream keep it from getting a toehold. (Otherwise, everyone with a cold sore would spread herpes all over the body every time they washed their face.)\n\nYou can get whitlow from touching someone's mouth who is shedding herpes (e.g. dentists, hygienists.) But most of the time, people with herpes anywhere have no real idea where it originally came from.\n\nIf recurrences are frequent or painful you should look into taking an oral antiviral pill wither all the time or as soon as an outbreak starts. Of course, you'll want to be absolutley sure (by culture of a fresh outbreak) that what you had was really herpes and not, say, bacteria.\n\nIt is advisable that, because the infection can orginate from the HSV-1, that it can be transmitted to the sexual organ(s) through touch with the open sores on the infected appendage.\n\n-Good Luck
419137
There is a lot you can do. First, because a cold sore (or any virus) can't survive without heat put Ice on it. Sounds weird I know, but it works. Second, I rub a cream mixture of asprin and vaseline on it. It's ugly but works great because again, the asprin kills the fever. Other fixes and a lot of people find them helpful would be to get a prescription cream from your doctor. I used to get reoccuring cold sores until someone explained that you can kill the virus with cold. Now whenever I feel on coming on I immediately put an ice cube on it and it never surfaces. This has worked 100% of the time if I catch it right away. If you don't, try the asprin and vaseline overnight. When you wake it should be gone. Also, the recommendations about Lysine are also good ones.  Make sure you take a multi-vitamin to support the uptake of all related vitamins and minerals needed to fight off the virus and take a lysine supplement with it. BUT remember an ice cube doesn't cost anything and can save you a lot of time and energy. I can't recommend this enough.
189448
Yes you can.  Herpes is caused by a virus.  The virus is present whether the person is showing symptoms or not.
175007
Make sure it isn't a virus. Virus' need to run their course. Some OTC medications can ease viral symptoms. Most viruses resolve in 7-10 days. Otherwise it may be an infection - you'll want to check with a doctor
272497
Cold sores are caused by Herpes simplex type I. When your incfected, the virus "hides" in the nervous system between outbreaks. \nHSV1 is extremely prevalent (very easy to pass on, quite innocently, just by an injudicious kiss to a baby). Most everybody (up to 90% of the population) has antibodies against HSV1 by the time they're 50.\nNow about transmission: It mostly happens when you have a blister/blisters going, through direct skin-to-skin contact, but indirect transmission thorugh secondary contact through a glass, cup etc. is possible. Unfortunately, the virus can sometimes spread , when no signs or symptoms are present. This is called "Asymptomatic Transmission." Often people don't know they are infected, these people may have symptoms so mild they don't notice them at all or else don't recognize them as herpes. They can also spread it. \nConsidering how common HSV1 is, your mum might have picked it up kissing a  baby somewhere, kissing a grandchild or a friend. To automatically assume there is cheating involved is not right. I was infected as a small child, by one of my parents, quite unknowingly. Your father might have a extremely mild infection, that flares up once every 10 years. There are a lot of explanations for your mums infection other than cheating. Please tell your mum that. \nAs far getting genital herpes is concerned, while HSV1 does NOT turn into HSV2, it can start genital herpes if the virus from a cold sore gets in touch with the genitals.\n\nFinally, another word - contrary to what a lot of people say, it is not a horrible disease like siphylis or whatnot. I have had it since I can remember and it never caused any problems. IT WILL NOT DEBILITATE HER OR MAKE HER LIFE HARD. \nI wish you all the best and please, try to calm your mum down.
27981
no. however a "fever blister" or cold sore is generally speaking most likely herpes type 1. "Genital Herpes" aka herpes type 2 however can look like just a fever blister. what I mean by this is that other than the genitals you can get herpes blisters on your fingers (usually around the cuticle area) and on you lips,inside your mouth and in some particularly painful cases on your eye lids. so by Herpes symptoms what exactly do you mean? Fever, chills, more blisters?  A blood test for herpes only shows for whether you have been exposed to the virus, NOT if you have been infected with it. The difference is that if you are exposed to a virus you blood builds up antibodies to that virus which means next time you are exposed you can fight back! When you are infected the virus "wins" and you get sick. The only definative test there is currently (at least to my knowlege) is a culture of the blister before it dries up. I know this sounds gross and it is... but if you don't find out if you have herpes, well you could go for 30 years and not know you have it and then when you are married and pregnant suddenly your husband gets an outbreak. Oh yeah did I mention that you don't have to have an outbreak to transmit herpes type 2. Now, not only do you have a significant other to worry about but did you know that if you have an outbreak during certain parts of your pregnancy your baby could die. or it might just be brain damaged. Point being just get that blister checked out ok? Trust me... The reason I know this stuff is because I waited too long to find out. I've never had a real outbreak but I have had a blood test which says I have at least been exposed to both types... so just TRUST ME You'll be glad to have a REAL answer either way
742470
Its the start of viral herpes.\n\nCoach
1115527
You'll know only if you have an outbreak. You'll never forget that. But there are people who have herpes and never have an outbreak in their lifetime.