Genital Herpes – A Recurring Infection

There are usually just a few sores.

The sores may be single or multiple, tend to come in clusters, often grouped together on a small, reddened, inflamed base of skin. Recurrences of herpes go through a series of relatively predictable stages. Unlike a primary infection, the recurrent herpes sequence takes just a few days from start to finish with an average of six days for men and five days for women.

Compared with a primary infection, recurrent lesions have less virus in them and are much less uncomfortable. Itchiness is very common and whilst recurrent sores are tender to touch they may not hurt a great deal if left alone. If, however, the sores are in a place where they are touched by urine or rubbed, pain may be more prominent.

As with primary herpes, the symptoms of recurrent herpes depend on the area affected. Generally, one small area is affected during recurrence, Some people find that each recurrence is at precisely the same site while in others the site varies slightly each time. A sore may hurt when it occurs at one site but merely itch at another.

Active herpes may be obvious when it comes in clusters of little blisters but genital herpes may never be more severe than one very small sore on the labia or foreskin, around the anus or on the thigh.

Herpes is variable and you should get to know your herpes and anything else that is unusual on your genitals. You need to know if you are having an outbreak, particularly if you are planning to have sex. People commonly confuse herpes with other things, especially before they get to know their herpes and you should not make the same mistake.