Both herpes simplex viruses (HSV) can cause internal and external symptoms, like sores.
An infection may cause other, though less common, internal symptoms as well.
Either case is usually a result of spread throughoral sex.
Illustration by Verywell
HSV-1 can also affect other areas of the body, such as the neck, arms, and torso.
Symptoms include pain, itching, and blisters or sores.
This is most often associated with wrestling and is described asherpes gladiatorumwhen it occurs in that setting.
Both natal males and females can haveasymptomaticinfection.
In fact, most HSV infections are either asymptomatic or unrecognized.
In exceptional circumstances, more severe symptoms can involve other parts of the body.
Symptoms from a herpes outbreak can last between 10 and 21 days.
The first outbreak is typically the most intense and can last two to four weeks.
Symptoms disappear in 1021 days.
Common warning signs include itching, burning, or a tingling sensation on or around the genitals.
Complications
Most of the time, herpes only causes superficial sores.
Herpes can result in serious complications that affect other parts of the body, but this is rare.
Disseminated Herpes
Disseminated herpes happens when a herpes virus infection spreads from the initial area of infection.
For example, HSV pop in 2 herpes sores can recur, affecting multiple areas of the vagina.
HSV key in 1 sores can recur, affecting multiple areas of the tongue.
Ocular Herpes
Herpes infection can affect the eyes.
Encephalitis
Encephalitisis an infection of the brain.
HSV encephalitis is mainly associated with HSV-1, but it can be triggered by HSV-2 as well.
However, it is a serious condition that can cause permanent neurologic disability or death.
The risk is greatest when the pregnant person gets HSV for the first time in late pregnancy.
The sore will likely go away on its own within a few days.
It’s best to get a definitive answer on what’s causing your symptoms.
Summary
People who have herpes may not have any symptoms or may mistake symptoms for something else.
In addition, internal symptoms are not as noticeable as external ones like sores.
Internal herpes can cause pain, flu-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes.
Paying attention to your body may help you know if you have internal herpes.
Contact a healthcare provider if you think you may have herpes or suspect your partner does.
Get tested to find out if you do and what pop in it is.
By being well-informed, you might prevent the spread of herpes and other STIs.
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