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Herpes Recurrences and Outbreaks ~ Prodrome ~ Triggers
Recurrences and Outbreaks
When Herpes Simplex Virus becomes active, it begins to multiply, and then comes to the surface along
the nerve paths. Reactivation may be symptomatic or asymptomatic - there may be signs and
symptoms, or
there may be no signs at all. Due to the nature and structure of the neural pathways, recurrences of
herpes may not always appear in the same exact place. However, they will remain in the same general
area - in genital Herpes infections, perhaps migrating a few inches in the genital region, or showing up on
the upper thigh, or the buttocks. Many times, genital herpes outbreaks appear in the anal region. Some
have theorized that herpes takes the "path of least resistance" when coming to the surface, which may
explain why some people have their recurrences in the same spot time after time, and why other people's
outbreaks change to an area like the anus where there may be repeated abrasion as a trigger.
Recurrence rates vary greatly, and studies indicate that as many as 80 to 90% of people infected
with HSV will experience recurrences, generally within 3-6 months after initial outbreak. Genital HSV
recurs an average of 5 times per year, more or less, depending of course on various factors, including
viral type & site, therapies, the individual's immune system, emotional state, personal trigger factors, and
even environmental factors. Some women notice recurrences around their menstrual periods. The
recurrence rate is usually much lower in those whose genital infections are caused by HSV-1. Oral
HSV-2 normally recurs much less often than HSV-1, statistically about once every ten years.
Recurrences are usually less severe and of shorter duration than first episodes. Recurrences
generally become less frequent as time passes. However, major emotional events, or specific stressors,
such as an illness, or friction, or Environmental Factors like sunburns, can trigger recurrences where
one may have been mostly free of activity beforehand.
Signs of an Oncoming Herpes Outbreak: Prodrome
The state or set of symptoms that precede a Herpes outbreak is called "prodrome." The first
sign of an upcoming occurrence, prodrome can occur from 30 minutes to a few days prior to an
outbreak. Prodrome may include tingling, itching, and/or burning sensations at the site of impending
outbreak, and/or shooting pains, numbness, aches, or other sensations in the lower back, buttocks, or
thighs (in genital infections). Other possible symptoms are fever, headaches, soreness, and swollen
lymph nodes. Prodrome may also include an onset of listlessness and irritability, as well as increased
sensitivity to environmental factors. When these symptoms are present, the Herpes Virus is active and
risk of transmission is high.
Some people feel a few or many of the above Prodrome sensations from time to time without
having full-blown outbreaks or any visible signs. Again, even though there may be no visible
symptoms, the virus is active at these times, and precautions should be taken to avoid transmission.
Others have some or all of these symptoms, with or without outbreaks, or after outbreaks, that last for
days, weeks, or months in some cases. This is called Post-Herpetic Neuralgia. (See our special
article about this condition on the Neuralgia page of HerpeSite.)
Triggers
Triggers and Environmental Factors are many, and vary with each person. Some of the more
common triggers for outbreaks are rubbing, chafing, friction, overexposure to wind, cold, wet, heat, sun
(especially sunburn), restrictive clothing, and sweating.
Extreme environments of any sort, be they physical, emotional, auditory, etc., may create more stress
in the body, and subsequently trigger nerve response that may possibly increase reactivation of HSV.
Foods reported by some to affect outbreaks include coffee, chocolate, nuts, popcorn, and alcohol.
Women report a tendency to be more susceptible to outbreaks around menstruation.
Tampons are reported by some women to aggravate Herpes, probably due to the friction or chafing with
insertion and removal. Wearing tight underwear or pads that rub or chafe can irritate the area and
possibly precipitate an outbreak. Some women also report irritation from standard feminine hygiene
products, and find non-chlorinated, natural cotton brands to be less irritating.
People who engage in sexual penetration or any vigorous sexual activity can lessen chances of
aggravation of HSV sites by using adequate lubrication and refraining from overly-vigorous activity or
rubbing of the areas. Please note that lubricants and condoms containing nonoxynol-9 may irritate the
skin and promote outbreaks.
Personal and lifestyle factors which may directly influence recurrence include stress, lack of sleep,
poor diet, fatigue, and illness. You will discover your own personal triggers and learn to avoid or mitigate
them.
The good news is that with time and taking good care of yourself, most people find that
Herpes outbreaks tend to reduce in both number and severity. So that's something to look
forward to! More tips on how to improve your physical and emotional well-being to support a
healthy and strong immune system can be found on the Health&Wellness page of HerpeSite.
Recurrences and Outbreaks
When Herpes Simplex Virus becomes active, it begins to multiply, and then comes to the surface along
the nerve paths. Reactivation may be symptomatic or asymptomatic - there may be signs and
symptoms, or
there may be no signs at all. Due to the nature and structure of the neural pathways, recurrences of
herpes may not always appear in the same exact place. However, they will remain in the same general
area - in genital Herpes infections, perhaps migrating a few inches in the genital region, or showing up on
the upper thigh, or the buttocks. Many times, genital herpes outbreaks appear in the anal region. Some
have theorized that herpes takes the "path of least resistance" when coming to the surface, which may
explain why some people have their recurrences in the same spot time after time, and why other people's
outbreaks change to an area like the anus where there may be repeated abrasion as a trigger.
Recurrence rates vary greatly, and studies indicate that as many as 80 to 90% of people infected
with HSV will experience recurrences, generally within 3-6 months after initial outbreak. Genital HSV
recurs an average of 5 times per year, more or less, depending of course on various factors, including
viral type & site, therapies, the individual's immune system, emotional state, personal trigger factors, and
even environmental factors. Some women notice recurrences around their menstrual periods. The
recurrence rate is usually much lower in those whose genital infections are caused by HSV-1. Oral
HSV-2 normally recurs much less often than HSV-1, statistically about once every ten years.
Recurrences are usually less severe and of shorter duration than first episodes. Recurrences
generally become less frequent as time passes. However, major emotional events, or specific stressors,
such as an illness, or friction, or Environmental Factors like sunburns, can trigger recurrences where
one may have been mostly free of activity beforehand.
Signs of an Oncoming Herpes Outbreak: Prodrome
The state or set of symptoms that precede a Herpes outbreak is called "prodrome." The first
sign of an upcoming occurrence, prodrome can occur from 30 minutes to a few days prior to an
outbreak. Prodrome may include tingling, itching, and/or burning sensations at the site of impending
outbreak, and/or shooting pains, numbness, aches, or other sensations in the lower back, buttocks, or
thighs (in genital infections). Other possible symptoms are fever, headaches, soreness, and swollen
lymph nodes. Prodrome may also include an onset of listlessness and irritability, as well as increased
sensitivity to environmental factors. When these symptoms are present, the Herpes Virus is active and
risk of transmission is high.
Some people feel a few or many of the above Prodrome sensations from time to time without
having full-blown outbreaks or any visible signs. Again, even though there may be no visible
symptoms, the virus is active at these times, and precautions should be taken to avoid transmission.
Others have some or all of these symptoms, with or without outbreaks, or after outbreaks, that last for
days, weeks, or months in some cases. This is called Post-Herpetic Neuralgia. (See our special
article about this condition on the Neuralgia page of HerpeSite.)
Triggers
Triggers and Environmental Factors are many, and vary with each person. Some of the more
common triggers for outbreaks are rubbing, chafing, friction, overexposure to wind, cold, wet, heat, sun
(especially sunburn), restrictive clothing, and sweating.
Extreme environments of any sort, be they physical, emotional, auditory, etc., may create more stress
in the body, and subsequently trigger nerve response that may possibly increase reactivation of HSV.
Foods reported by some to affect outbreaks include coffee, chocolate, nuts, popcorn, and alcohol.
Women report a tendency to be more susceptible to outbreaks around menstruation.
Tampons are reported by some women to aggravate Herpes, probably due to the friction or chafing with
insertion and removal. Wearing tight underwear or pads that rub or chafe can irritate the area and
possibly precipitate an outbreak. Some women also report irritation from standard feminine hygiene
products, and find non-chlorinated, natural cotton brands to be less irritating.
People who engage in sexual penetration or any vigorous sexual activity can lessen chances of
aggravation of HSV sites by using adequate lubrication and refraining from overly-vigorous activity or
rubbing of the areas. Please note that lubricants and condoms containing nonoxynol-9 may irritate the
skin and promote outbreaks.
Personal and lifestyle factors which may directly influence recurrence include stress, lack of sleep,
poor diet, fatigue, and illness. You will discover your own personal triggers and learn to avoid or mitigate
them.
The good news is that with time and taking good care of yourself, most people find that
Herpes outbreaks tend to reduce in both number and severity. So that's something to look
forward to! More tips on how to improve your physical and emotional well-being to support a
healthy and strong immune system can be found on the Health&Wellness page of HerpeSite.
Meet others who can for camaraderie, dating, and friendship. Herpesite recommends PositiveSingles! |
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