Embarrassing, contagious and painful, the herpes crisis is a dreaded disease. Find out its symptoms and duration.
Herpes is a virus that affects many people. It manifests differently depending on the type of infection. What is herpes? What are its causes ? What are the symptoms of this infection? How long does it last? How to heal?
Here’s how long a herpes attack lasts.
What is herpes?
Herpes is a particularly contagious viral infection. Most of the time, herpes does not cause serious symptoms. However, it is necessary to treat the virus and prevent its spread.
There are 2 types of herpes:
- HSV-1 : it is this form that causes cold sores and corneal lesions to appear
- HSV-2 : corresponds to genital herpes.
The above cases are the most likely. However, it can manifest on other parts of the body.
What causes herpes?
Herpes labialis also known as sore is transmitted by direct contact with blisters or objects. Most of the time, cold sores appear as a pimple on and around the lips. At this time, the virus is transmitted via:
- a kiss ;
- a shared bottle of water;
- objects put in the mouth (for children).
During oral sex, the virus can also be transmitted. Thus, an oral herpes can become a genital variant and vice versa.
Regarding genital herpes, simple rubbing of the 2 genitals, sexual intercourse, etc. are the source of contamination.
Once you are infected, the virus stays in your body for life. Some people will only experience symptoms once while others will experience regular recurrences.
Some factors favor the appearance of pimples:
If you have been infected before, a person with herpes cannot transmit the virus to you once more. It doesn’t imply more recidivism either. Be careful all the same and avoid contact with an infected person.
What are the symptoms of herpes?
Symptoms vary depending on the virus you have been infected with.
In case of HSV-1
The HSV-1 virus is primarily responsible for the appearance of a cold sore on the lip. This one is particularly unpleasant.
Most of the time, the vesicles present:
- are red;
- itch;
- tingle;
- are painful.
In some cases, the pimples appear on the inner wall of the nose, the cheek, the edge of an ear or even the chin. HSV-1 is also responsible for ocular herpes. Small pimples appear around the eye, in its inner corner and on the eyelids.
These vesicles are accompanied by:
- redness;
- watery eyes;
- dry eyes;
- tingling;
- grain of sand in the eye.
Most of the time, this infection is harmless and goes away just fine. Some symptoms should still alert you:
- high fever;
- lesions that do not heal;
- if you have an autoimmune disease;
- loss of visual acuity;
- the light greatly disturbs you;
- narrowing of the pupil;
- ciliary congestion type redness.
If you have any of these symptoms do not hesitate to consult quickly.
In case of HSV-2
The virus can be present in the mucous membranes without even having any symptoms. The contagion is just as strong, but you don’t know you are infected.
The apparent symptoms are often small red pimples filled with liquid present:
- on the genitals: penis, anus, vulva, vagina;
- around these same organs;
- on the thighs;
- on the buttocks.
These small pimples can cause painful inflammation. In addition, it is possible to present other symptoms especially during the first infection:
- fever ;
- aches ;
- headache ;
- stomach aches ;
- urinary pain.
How long does a herpes attack last?
The incubation time of the virus varies from 1 to 6 days. Then you have to allow 7 to 10 days to heal.
Herpes is most contagious when the blisters have burst. The fluid spreads to the mucous membranes and symptoms appear. The contagion ends when the pimples are completely dry.
If the herpes lasts following these 10 days, it is necessary to consult. It is possible that some lesions prevent healing. Superinfection must be avoided at all costs.
No treatment cures herpes. However, some antiviral medications can alleviate the symptoms. If the crisis is particularly painful, consult in order to have a treatment accordingly.
If you are prone to recurrences, also consult. The doctor can prescribe treatment if necessary. By treating at the first symptoms, you avoid severe pain and other inconveniences. Note that even if it is embarrassing, herpes might soon be used to treat certain cancers.
Herpes crisis: what to remember
Although unsightly, herpes is often a virus without serious consequences. However, it is particularly contagious and very unpleasant for those who suffer from it.
If you are affected, protect those around you by avoiding contact. It only lasts 10 days at most and avoids many inconveniences.
