The main symptoms of herpes include the presence of blisters containing liquid, wounds or ulcers with a reddish border, which generally appear on the genitals, thighs, mouth, lips or eyes, causing pain, burning and itching. Although herpes is more common to appear in these regions, it can appear anywhere on the body.
Herpes can be caused by the virus Herpes simplexas in the case of genital, labial or ocular herpes, or by the varicella zoster virus, as in the case of herpes zoster, and generally before the blisters appear on the skin, it is common to have symptoms such as tingling, itching, discomfort or even pain in some area. specific region of the skin or mucous membranes.
Herpes treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a dermatologist, starting as early as possible, as soon as the signs appear that precede the appearance of the blisters, in order to prevent the virus from multiplying and reduce the duration of symptoms.
Main symptoms of herpes
The main symptoms of genital, labial, ocular herpes and zoster are:
1. Herpes genital
Symptoms of genital herpes usually appear between 10 and 15 days after contact with the virus during unprotected sexual intercourse, the main ones being:
- Small clusters of blisters filled with liquid, which can rupture and cause wounds;
- Ulcers with a reddish border;
- Itching, pain and discomfort in the genital region;
- Burning when urinating if the bubbles are close to the urethra;
- Burning and pain when defecating, if the blisters are close to the anus;
- Lumps in the groin;
- General malaise and possible loss of appetite.
Genital herpes sores can appear on the penis, vulva, vagina, perianal region or anus, urethra or even on the cervix and at the first manifestation other flu-like symptoms may appear, such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and tiredness. Find out more symptoms of genital herpes and take our online test.
How to deal with: To alleviate the symptoms of genital herpes and prevent transmission, the doctor usually recommends the use of antiviral medicines such as acyclovir or valacyclovir in the form of tablets or ointments, which help to reduce the replication of the virus in the body and reduce the duration of symptoms. Furthermore, herpes blisters in the genital region can be very painful, and in these cases, the doctor may recommend local anesthetics to relieve pain and discomfort. See more details on the treatment for genital herpes.
2. Herpes labial
The main symptoms of cold sores are:
- Wound on the lip;
- Sensitive blisters;
- Mouth pain;
- Itching and redness in one corner of the lip.
Symptoms of cold sores, also called herpes in the mouth, can appear when the immune system of a person who has the herpes simplex virus becomes weakened due to illness or stress, for example.
Before symptoms appear, it is common for people to notice itching, tingling and redness on their lips, and may begin treatment recommended by their doctor to prevent the development of more blisters and sores. Learn more about cold sores.
How to deal with: The wounds caused by cold sores can last between 7 and 10 days and treatment can be carried out with topical antiviral ointments or tablets, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, used according to the dermatologist’s instructions.
3. Herpes ocular
The symptoms of ocular herpes can occur in one or both eyes and are generally similar to those of conjunctivitis, the main ones being:
- Increased sensitivity to light;
- Itchy eye;
- Redness and irritation in the eye;
- Tearing of the eye;
- Appearance of blisters or ulcers near the eye;
- Blurry vision;
- Corneal wound.
As soon as these symptoms appear, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist so that they can be treated as quickly as possible, in order to avoid more serious complications or even blindness.
How to deal with: The treatment of ocular herpes is generally done with antiviral medicines in the form of tablets for oral use, or eye drops or ophthalmological ointments suitable for applying to the eye, and antibiotic eye drops may also be prescribed to prevent the appearance of secondary infections caused by bacteria. Learn more about treating ocular herpes.
4. Herpes zoster
The symptoms of herpes zoster can appear anywhere on the body, but they are more common on the chest, neck, lower back or face, in the region of the trigeminal nerve, the main ones being:
- Red blisters on the skin, grouped in bands and on only one side of the body;
- Blisters containing liquid, which can rupture to form ulcers or crusts;
- Intense pain due to inflammation of the nerves affected by the virus;
- Burning or needling sensation at the site of the blisters;
- Tingling and itching in the affected area;
- Redness and swelling of the skin;
- Formation of small wounds on the skin after the blisters dry.
Furthermore, around 48 hours before the blisters appear on the skin, some common symptoms of shingles are general malaise, fever, increased skin sensitivity, which may become painful, headache or increased sensitivity to light.
Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same one that causes chickenpox, which remains inactive in the body for many years and can be reactivated when the immune system is weakened. Understand what herpes zoster is and symptoms.
How to deal with: The treatment of herpes zoster is carried out by a dermatologist using antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, to reduce the multiplication of the virus and the duration and intensity of the disease. Additionally, corticosteroid or anesthetic ointments may be recommended, which help relieve pain and skin irritation. In cases of severe pain or post-herpetic neuropathy, your doctor may also recommend the use of anticonvulsants or antidepressants. See how postherpetic neuropathy is treated.
How to know if I have herpes
To confirm the diagnosis of herpes, the ideal is to consult a general practitioner or dermatologist, who will evaluate the symptoms.
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However, genital herpes may be indicated to consult a gynecologist in the case of women, a urologist in the case of men, or a dermatologist specializing in venereal diseases, or a dermatovenereologist.
In the case of ocular herpes, consultation with an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Read too: Herpes: what it is, symptoms, types, transmission and treatment
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