Genital Herpes Symptoms

Triggers of Recurrence. It is not completely known what triggers renewed infection, but several different factors may be involved. These include sunlight, wind, fever, local physical injury, menstruation, suppression of the immune system, and emotional stress. One study linked recurrence in genital herpes to persistent stress (lasting longer than a week) and high levels of anxiety. Temporary mood changes, short-term stress, and life-changing events were not linked to recurrence. Reactivation of oral herpes can be provoked within about 3 days of intense dental work, particularly root canal or tooth extraction, as well as after laser skin resurfacing, a popular form of cosmetic surgery.

Timing of Recurrences. Recurrent outbreaks may occur at intervals of days, weeks, or years. For most people, outbreaks recur with more frequency during the first year after an initial attack. During that period, the body mounts an immune response to HSV, and in most healthy people recurring infections tend to become progressively less severe and less frequent. The immune system, however, cannot eradicate the virus completely.

Specific Symptoms of Oral Herpes

Oral herpes (herpes labialis) is most often caused by HSV-1 but can also be caused by HSV-2. It usually affects the lips and, in some primary attacks, the mucous membranes in the mouth. A facial herpes infection on the cheeks or in the nose may occur, but this condition is very uncommon.

Primary Oral Herpes Infection. If the primary (or initial) oral infection causes symptoms, they can be very painful, particularly in small children.

• Blisters form on the lips but may also erupt on the tongue.
• The blisters eventually rupture as painful open sores, develop a yellowish membrane before healing, and disappear within 3 - 14 days.
• Increased salivation and foul breath may be present.
• Rarely, the infection may be accompanied by difficulty in swallowing, chills, muscle pain, or hearing loss.

In children, the infection usually occurs in the mouth. In adolescents, the primary infection is more apt to occur in the upper part of the throat and cause soreness.