It causes sores or blisters to form in or around the mouth or genitals, as well as other symptoms. If a person has an HSV infection, they will have it for the rest of their life, though some people never develop symptoms. If symptoms occur, they reflect the type of HSV. There is no cure for herpes, but treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of them recurring.
HSV is a common virus. In this article, we describe the symptoms of genital and oral herpes, how to treat them, and how to prevent these infections. People who develop symptoms of herpes may first experience tingling, itching, or burning, then notice sores or blisters forming around the mouth or genitals.
Symptoms tend to develop 2—20 days after exposure to the virus. Oral herpes causes blisters, sometimes called fever sores or cold sores, to develop in or around the lips and mouth. Sometimes these blisters form elsewhere on the face or on the tongue, and more rarely on other areas of skin. The sores usually last 2—3 weeks at a time. These sores tend to develop on the penis, around or inside the vagina, on the buttocks, or on the anus, though they can form on other areas of skin.
The first time a person develops the sores, they may last 2—6 weeks. Soon after this initial outbreak, symptoms may recur frequently. Over time, outbreaks may occur less often and the symptoms tend to become less severe. Symptoms that reappear are similar to the initial symptoms, though they tend to be less severe and last for shorter periods. During each recurrence, symptoms of oral herpes tend to last 8—10 days , according to the American Sexual Health Association. You can get herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected.
It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sex partner who has oral herpes. You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels. If you have additional questions about how herpes is spread, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:.
Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a latex condom. Also, herpes virus can be released shed from areas of the skin that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes. If you are in a relationship with a person known to have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting genital herpes if:.
If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, it is very important for you to go to prenatal care visits. Tell your doctor if you have ever had symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with, genital herpes.
Also tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to genital herpes. There is some research that suggests that genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage, or could make it more likely for you to deliver your baby too early.
Herpes infection can be passed from you to your unborn child before birth but is more commonly passed to your infant during delivery. This can lead to a potentially deadly infection in your baby called neonatal herpes. It is important that you avoid getting herpes during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, you may be offered anti-herpes medicine towards the end of your pregnancy. This medicine may reduce your risk of having signs or symptoms of genital herpes at the time of delivery. At the time of delivery, your doctor should carefully examine you for herpes sores. Most people who have genital herpes have no symptoms, or have very mild symptoms.
You may not notice mild symptoms or you may mistake them for another skin condition, such as a pimple or ingrown hair.
People with herpes have very normal romantic and sexual relationships. After diagnosis, you may feel like your life may never be the same again but you will feel better soon. Understanding Herpes with H. Herpes: Fast Facts A brief overview answering common questions about herpes—how common it is, symptoms, testing, treatment, and more. Genital herpes Open pop-up dialog box Close. Genital herpes Sores associated with genital herpes can be small red bumps, blisters or open sores.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Genital herpes: CDC detailed fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Jan. Klausner JD, et al. Genital herpes. New York, N. Albrecht MA. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection. Longo DL, et al.
0コメント