Exact Answer: After About 2-25 Days
Herpes is a common genital disease also known as HSV. It appears due to the infection by the virus named HSV. In this, there is the formation of blisters and sores in the region surrounding the mouth and the genitals. It is contagious and stays in the body throughout life.
It is mainly classified into two categories. HSV-1 refers to herpes which occurs in the region surrounding the mouth, thereby affecting the skin present in its periphery. HSV-2 refers to herpes which occurs in the region surrounding the genital organs, thereby affecting the sex organs present nearby. Both these kinds of herpes can be transmitted through physical contact with the affected person.
It is nearly impossible to get rid of the disease. One can try some treatment methods which might reduce the chances of occurring and symptoms. But, removing the virus from the body eternally is quite difficult and next to impossible. Among the two types of herpes, the oral one is quite more commonly found and is more infectious than the genital one.
How Long After Itching Does Herpes Appear?
| Type | Time |
| Oral Herpes | 7-10 days |
| Genital Herpes | 10-25 days |
The initial symptoms are reflected within 2-25 days of exposure to the infectious virus. The initial symptoms include tingling and burning sensation followed by itching around the affected regions. During oral herpes, blisters occur in lips and regions around the mouth. During genital herpes, the sores are found surrounding the genital or sex organs.
While in the case of oral herpes, there are fewer chances of sores and blisters on other regions of the skin, in genital herpes, this is common. Hence, genital herpes is also followed by sores and blisters around the buttocks, vagina and even the anus. The affected person may also experience painful urination including changes in the discharge of the vagina.
During the initial stage of development of the infection, the affected person may experience fever and fatigue. The soars and blisters recover but leave scars behind for a lifetime. These symptoms repeat themselves when the virus finds appropriate conditions to nourish itself. The symptoms last for about 7-10 days after appearing.
Herpes is a contagious disease that may spread due to physical contact with the patient. Using the daily use items of the patient may not be responsible for the spread of the virus. Indulging in a sexual relationship with the infected person or sharing of sexual entities may even be responsible for the spread of the disease.
Herpes lowers the immunity system of the infected person, thereby making his/her body vulnerable to other dangerous viruses like HIV. Persons with herpes have maximum chances to get infected with HIV via the medium of sores. It even results in many complications leading to inflammation of brain cells and other organs thereby leading to death.
Why Herpes Appears So Long After Itching?
The initial symptoms of the virus lie undetected in some individuals for up to years. On the other hand, in some individuals, the symptoms appear within 2-25 days of exposure to the infectious virus. The initial outbreak, right after the initial symptoms may stay for about 2-4 weeks following which the sores or blisters formed would heal with or without leaving scars. This initial outbreak has been regarded as the most painful one among all.
In some other situations, the infected person may face outbreaks within a short time. The outbreaks would be frequent and would last no longer than 1 week. If one goes through proper care and medication, then he/she can detect the outbreak right when the slightest of symptoms appear. Some of these symptoms include cramps in muscles around the legs followed by itching and other complications.
Some people wonder if the virus can lie undetected in a dormant state within the infected person. Yes, it can stay dormant within the infected individual for up to some years. The initial symptoms and the followed outbreaks only occur when the virus gets favourable conditions and is reactivated. The repeatedly occurring outbreaks do not last long due to the attack by the antibodies produced against the virus by our immune system.
There is no permanent cure to destroy the virus completely. Some infected individuals do not experience any symptoms or outbreaks and still, the virus continues to live inside the individual. But, it is best to take some precautions to avoid its spreading to other individuals. One should not indulge in sexual intercourse during the outbreak.
Conclusion
The time for which an outbreak lasts depends on the type of infection the person is infected with and the time from which the virus is living within the body of the infected person. The outbreak of oral herpes has various stages starting from the initial prodrome stage.
This initial stage is followed by swelling and blister formation. This is quite painful at times. After few days, the sores burst open to release the fluid and heal. Herpes, being an infectious and dangerous disease should be treated at the earliest to avoid further unnecessary complications.
One should visit a doctor on getting the initial symptoms. This would not only prevent spreading herpes to other individuals but would also save the infected person from the higher risks of getting infected with other diseases which are transmitted by sexual touch. The doctor can even help ease out the pain and other symptoms of herpes.