Herpes Simplex symptoms tend to vary dependent upon whether the outbreak is initial or recurrent. There are two strains of the Herpes Simplex virus, termed HSV-1 and HSV-2. There are also two different ways in which the Herpes Simplex virus can present itself: as genital herpes or as oral herpes. Also, approxmintely 10-25% of individuals infected with the Herpes Simplex virus are unaware that they have it, but can still transmit the infection.
If an individual is going to show symptoms of Herpes Simplex, it will usually be between 2-12 days of the initial exposure to the virus, but in some cases individuals can go long periods of time without initial symptoms and then have an outbreak. The symptoms of the initial outbreak of genital herpes are usually far more severe than the recurrent outbreaks. The initial outbreak symptoms typically start with a tingling or itching sensation on or around the genital area.
Small clusters of red bumps then develop, and then turn into open sores, usually very painful. The sores will then form scabs and generally heal without scarring between 7-10 days. For recurrent outbreaks, the symptoms are generally less severe, and an individual may not develop sores, rather will just have a tingling, burning or itching sensation on or around the genitals. In some cases, individuals can develop swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and in the groin area, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. The HSV-2 strain is more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks in genital herpes than the HSV-1 strain.
Oral herpes is most commonly caused by the HSV-1 strain and symptoms of the initial outbreak are usually very painful, especially in small children. Symptoms can include open sores and lesions on the mouth and tongue, foul breath, increased salivation, and flu-like symptoms. Recurrent outbreaks occur most commonly in the form of cold sores, which can be triggered by emotional stress, hormonal fluctuations or onset of colds or the flu.