subject: The Five Stages Of A Herpes Outbreak [print this page] Herpes, like other diseases, develops in stages. The first outbreak is always the worst. This refers to the very first time a sufferer experiences the symptoms. Herpes is a lifetime disease thus after the first outbreak, subsequent outbreaks occur. A herpes attack has five stages and each one is characterized by distinct symptoms.
Below are brief descriptions of the the different stages of a herpes outbreak.
Herpes: The Five Stages
Redness. An outbreak of genital herpes is characterized by redness and irritation of a skin area which eventually becomes itchy, painful and sensitive to the touch.
Inflammation. Swelling follows as the infected area becomes inflamed. When inflammation occurs, it means that the body's immune system is responding to the attack. However, swelling does not always happen. This reaction is dependent on the area where the symptoms are manifested.
Formation of Blisters. Genital herpes is distinguished by small blisters on the sex organ or the area around it. There may be only be a single blister or several covering an area of the skin
Transformation into Wet Ulcers. After the blisters break, what results are wet ulcers which are raw, shallow and very painful. Wet ulcers look just like a cut although at times fluids come out. There may be just one wet ulcer or several clustered together.
Formation of Dry Crusts. When the wet ulcers dry up, scabs begin to form and eventually fall of if not picked on.
Completion of the Healing Process. Regenerated skin is exposed when the scabs fall off. Although still red, it is no longer sensitive. This marks the completion of the herpes outbreak.
Transmitting Herpes
After an outbreak, the virus goes into a dormant stage until the next attack. When symptoms are not present, the disease is said to be in the asymptomatic phase. At this stage the risk of transmittal is not as high as when symptoms are visible.
Sadly, herpes is incurable. Even if there are medications to manage outbreaks and prevent contraction, people should go to great lengths to protect themselves from becoming infected. Herpes sufferers who are sexually active should use condoms and latex barriers such as dams even when symptoms are absent. There should totally be no sexual contact during an outbreak.
It is very easy to be infected by the herpes virus. Keep in mind that the absence of an outbreak does not mean people will not be infected. Be extra cautious at all times whether you are protecting yourself from being infected or you are a herpes sufferer yourself.
