Genital herpes symptoms: see the top 8 and how to alleviate them

You genital herpes symptoms they usually appear four to seven days after infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The most characteristic is the appearance of lesions in the genital region, which may be accompanied by itching and pain.

There are no differences between female and male genital herpes symptoms. In both sexes, the signs of the disease are often the same. However, what may vary is how each patient perceives these symptoms, as explained by Carla Kobayashi, an infectologist at Hospital Sírio Libanês.

“There are patients who have many more lesions on the skin, but not as much pain, and there are patients who feel a lot of pain, but have few ‘little balls’ in the genital region. So, it varies from patient to patient”, says the expert. See below for more details. what are the symptoms of genital herpes and how crises develop.

Early symptoms of genital herpes

You early symptoms of genital herpesboth female and male, are:

1. Pain at the infected site;

2. Redness;

3. Appearance of blisters in the genital region, which may be grouped or more separated from each other;

4. Sensitivity at the infected site;

5. Itch;

6. Tingling;

7. Increased sensitivity in the affected area;

8. Pain when urinating.

“The initial symptoms are basically lesions in the genital region. These are vesicular lesions, that is, that little ball with liquid inside”, details Carla. “You may have hyperemia (redness) associated with pain, discomfort or sensitivity in the region. So, there are two parameters: skin lesions and the neuropathic issue”, he adds.

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In addition to these symptoms, it is possible that other typical signs of malaise may appear during an active infection. It is the case of:

1. Reduced appetite;

2. Fever;

3. General malaise;

4. Muscle aches in the lower back, buttocks, thighs or knees.

Finally, after the lesions dry and heal, scabs may form on the site.

Reactivation of the infection: how are the symptoms of genital herpes recurrent?

After the first genital herpes infection, the herpes virus goes into a latency period. That is, he is housed in the organism, but without showing symptoms. However, some situations that lead to a weakened immune system can cause the virus to reactivate, causing symptoms to reappear.

“After the first infection, the person can have recurrent episodes for the rest of his life and, in some cases, at a high frequency”, explains Carla. “This relapse happens due to an imbalance in immunity, caused by several factors, such as stress, hormonal changes or other infections, such as a cold”, completes the infectologist.

You genital herpes symptoms recurrences are the same as the first infection, but they tend to be lighter and in many cases the resolution is self-limiting. That is, the symptoms disappear after this period.

How long can a genital herpes outbreak last?

One Genital herpes flare-ups can last from seven to 10 days. However, recurrent attacks can last less than the first infection, with symptoms disappearing after five to seven days.

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How often can genital herpes flare-ups occur?

The frequency of recurrent crises may vary according to each patient, as explained by infectologist Carla. “There are patients who suffer from reactivation every month, due to hormonal issues, stress or sun exposure”.

The expert also adds that there is a minimum period between crises of at least thirty days. “If there is any trigger, the reactivation can be monthly. Or, if after that period the patient catches a cold, it can happen too”. Measures such as maintaining a healthy diet and practicing physical activities can help prevent recurrent genital herpes attacks.

How to alleviate the symptoms of genital herpes?

Genital herpes treatment is done through the use of antiviral medications that relieve pain and discomfort during crises. It is possible to find remedies for oral use and also ointments for genital herpes, for topical use. The most common drugs are: Penvir, Aciclovir and Ezopen.