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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do Herpes Symptoms Last For Months?

Can herpes symptoms last months? Ive just recently (1-2 days ago) had an outbreak of swelling, blisters, discharge and went to the doctors today to get diagnosed. Im wondering about when I can assume the disease was transmitted, because Ive had an irritation (itchy, red, fissure like) for about 4 months and more mild even before, which a doctor said was a form of dermatitis or eczema, but now I m wondering if it was the herpes, does it last that long?
Fri, 26 Jun 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi..
Can understand your concern..

As per your complain Herpes is a viral infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and it causes cold sores which runs a duration of a few days to about 2 weeks then the sores rupture and heal..

During the duration of an outbreak there can be chapped lips with itching and redness in some patients.
Although itching, redness and fissures can also be a sign of dermatitis or even fungal infection..

In case if you are suspecting herpes you can undergo some investigations like Polymerase chain reaction , viral culture from samples from sores, antigen-antibody reaction etc..

Until you get the diagnosis you can apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly over the chapped lips for relief as it will lock moisture as well as lubricate the lips..
You can also apply lip balm containing beeswax..
Ice packs over the lips can help in reducing inflammation..
Once you get the diagnosis treatment can be planned accordingly..

Hope this information helps..

If you find the answer helpful kindly write a positive review and click on found this answer helpful as a token of appreciation..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.


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Do Herpes Symptoms Last For Months?

Hi.. Can understand your concern.. As per your complain Herpes is a viral infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and it causes cold sores which runs a duration of a few days to about 2 weeks then the sores rupture and heal.. During the duration of an outbreak there can be chapped lips with itching and redness in some patients. Although itching, redness and fissures can also be a sign of dermatitis or even fungal infection.. In case if you are suspecting herpes you can undergo some investigations like Polymerase chain reaction , viral culture from samples from sores, antigen-antibody reaction etc.. Until you get the diagnosis you can apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly over the chapped lips for relief as it will lock moisture as well as lubricate the lips.. You can also apply lip balm containing beeswax.. Ice packs over the lips can help in reducing inflammation.. Once you get the diagnosis treatment can be planned accordingly.. Hope this information helps.. If you find the answer helpful kindly write a positive review and click on found this answer helpful as a token of appreciation.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.