More on Herpes Simplex- Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Herpes simplex presents in the same fashion each and every time. The only difference with recurrent infections is that duration may be short, but the pain is still present. Most people have a prodrome (a period when one can sense something is not right) period. Some individuals may sense tingling or numbness on the lips or corner of the mouth a few days prior to the full blown infection. The prodrome period usually lasts about 5-7 days.

Typically most patients have one common symptom- pain. The intensity of pain varies. For most people it is tolerable but in others it can be intense. The pain is burning in nature and usually no home made therapies make it better. Associated with pain may be complains of an itchy feeling around the lips. A few individuals may also complain of a bizarre electric shock like feeling just over the lips.

Vesicles or blisters usually follow the pain and last anywhere from 5-12 days. While most people develop one blister, it is not unusual to see several.Even though lesions are common on the outer lips, the occasional individual will develop painful blisters on gums, tongue and inside of the mouth.During the active infection, the blisters may rupture and ooze a colorless fluid.

After 10-14 days, the blisters dry up and form a scab which falls off. All individuals are very infectious during this time period. The duration of the infection tends to last 2-3 weeks.