Symptoms

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex Virus

In some people, symptoms of herpes may be mild or there be no symptoms at all. Other people may experience symptoms including:

• Tingling
• Itching
• Burning
• Fluid-filled blisters anywhere on the skin, but especially on the penis, buttocks, anus or inside the vagina
• Trouble urinating or burning sensation when urinating
• Fever
• Swollen lymph glands in the groin
• Muscle aches

If the herpes simplex virus has spread to your eyes, you may also experience:

• Redness
• Swollen lids
• Pain or burning
• Sensitivity to light

Symptoms usually appear between 2 and 20 days after exposure to the virus. The blisters can last from 7 to 10 days.

Repeated outbreaks may occur when you are stressed, sick, overtired or have been out in the sun too long. Women may experience an outbreak at the beginning of their period.