Exact Answer: 2 Weeks To 4 Weeks
Genital herpes is a type of genital infection that can be caused in both men and women as well. The major symptom of genital herpes is the formation of cold sores around the genital parts.
The major parts where cold sores appear in genital herpes are the anus, buttocks, thighs, urethra, cervix, vagina and vaginal area, penis, scrotum, and external genital parts.
The major treatment for genital herpes is through the intake of medications. But in most cases, genital herpes does not need any specific medical attention until the condition is severe. Genital herpes can be treated using home remedies as well.
How Long Does A Genital Herpes Outbreak Last?
| Type of herpes causing virus | Time |
| HSV-1 | 1 to 3 weeks |
| HSV-2 | 2 to 4 weeks |
Genital herpes outbreak can last anywhere from about a minimum of 2 weeks to as long as 4 weeks or even more. Several different factors determine the time for how long a typical genital herpes outbreak would last.
Some of the time determining factors could be the medications taken for genital herpes, treatment, protection measures followed or not, and other such factors.
But apart from these factors, there is one major factor that determines the time for how long a genital herpes outbreak would last on average. For herpes outbreak, there are two major different types of viruses that cause it. Those two different types of viruses that cause herpes are herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2.
With the change in the virus which has caused herpes, the time for how long the genital herpes outbreak would last changes as well. Thus the virus which has caused herpes plays a vital role in determining the time for how long a typical genital herpes outbreak would last.
In most cases, the herpes outbreak which is caused due to the herpes simplex virus type 1 virus lasts for about a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 3 weeks on average.
On the other hand, in most cases, the herpes outbreak which is caused due to the herpes simplex virus type 2 virus lasts for about a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 4 weeks on average.
Why Does A Genital Herpes Outbreak Last That Long?
With the change in the type of virus because of which herpes is caused, the symptoms change, the treatment method changes, the part of the body which is affected also changes, and consequently the time for which genital herpes would last on average also change.
Both herpes cause viruses to attack the body differently. Moreover, the counter mechanism of the body is also different for both types of viruses. Thus the time for how long genital herpes outbreak would last varies in both cases. Therefore, the type of virus that has caused herpes must always be considered to know the time for how long a genital herpes outbreak would last.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 is also abbreviated as HSV-1. The major symptom of the herpes simplex virus type 1 virus is cold sores. Moreover, this type of virus more prominently causes oral herpes.
While on the other hand, herpes simplex virus type 2 is also abbreviated as HSV-2. The major symptom of the herpes simplex virus type 2 virus is genital sores. Moreover, this type of virus more prominently causes genital herpes.
The major symptom of genital herpes is the formation of cold sores around the genital parts of the body. But apart from that genital herpes can be detected through several other symptoms as well.
Some of those symptoms could be pain while urinating, blisters or ulcers around the cervix and anal region, foul vaginal discharge in women, and loss in appetite as well.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier as well, genital herpes can be treated using home remedies as well apart from medication if the condition of the infection caused is very severe. To treat the genital sores, blisters and ulcers caused, it is always recommended to keep the area dry and clean. Moreover, putting ice packs over the sores can help reduce them.
However, if the situation gets worse then one should not delay in consulting the specialist and getting the medical treatment done.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673607619084
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp023065
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