kinda a rash?? 
just_me_c
19 y
8,295
So, i have a lot of concerns about my present situation. First of all, over the weekend i had unprotected sex with a new partner and the very next day i had what looked like a rash in my pubic region. The rash looks more like a grouping of many small zits that havent quite come to head yet. they are quite painful and will pop, but only with some bit of effort. I am afraid that i may now have herpes. My questions are however, if it is herpes, can it show up so quickly? wouldnt it be odd to show up in a place where there is pubic hair instead of on my penis, or around the base of my penis (both of which were unprotected) and third, many of the pictures that i have seen of herpes dont exactly match up to what i am experiencing, these "zits" do not sit on the skin as has been characterized by herpes, making them easy to pop and puss, rather, they are relatively hard, and do pop, but with a bit of effort. They are very uncomfortable however and i am going out of my mind. I will be going to the doctor hopefully next week to get checked but in the mean time was hoping to get some feedback by those with expereince or expertise in the field. Thanks for any help given.
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Time before symptoms show. Cindy Robinson
18 y
8,669
This is a reply to # 345,769
Dear just_me_c,
I hope I can help you here.
if it is herpes, can it show up so quickly?
The herpes virus can lay dormant for various time periods and may be in your system for a time period before any symptoms begin to show. The usual incubation period of the virus (time before any symptoms show) is approximately two to twelve days after the first exposure to the virus.
wouldnt it be odd to show up in a place where there is pubic hair instead of on my penis, or around the base of my penis (both of which were unprotected)
No, not necessarily. The herpes virus can transmit to any skin area or mucous membrane in which it comes into contact with. This could simply be the area that made contact with the initial infection.
and third, many of the pictures that i have seen of herpes dont exactly match up to what i am experiencing, these "zits" do not sit on the skin as has been characterized by herpes, making them easy to pop and puss, rather, they are relatively hard, and do pop, but with a bit of effort.
Many herpes pictures found on the internet represent the worst case situation. The symptoms of genital herpes vary greatly from person to person, with many people having very mild symptoms or even no noticeable symptoms at all (asymptomatic).Herpes symptoms can sometimes resemble blisters, bumps, cuts, sores, or a rash in the infected area. Itching, burning and tingling is sometimes felt before any blister or sore appears. When the herpes virus is active and has broken out at the skin's surface it typically develops into a fluid filled blister which ulcerates, begins to form a dry scab and then heals.If you need support from people who are going through similar situations (or who have been there before) try the Herpes-Coldsores Support Forum.Best of luck,
Cindy Robinson
Herpes Support Center
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- Re: Time before symptoms show. #42275
18 y
7,719
This is a reply to # 345,774Dear Cindy,
i never have sex while there is an outbreak, only after at least 4 weeks.is it possible to transmit genital herpes while not having an outbreak? i know about 2-10 days before an outbreak, i can usually feel it coming, but what about OB free periods?
thank you- Transmission when there are no sympt... Cindy Robinson
18 y
8,049
This is a reply to # 758,062
Dear #42275,
Unfortunately, there will always be a small chance of transmission due to the fact that a person cannot accurately determine when the herpes virus is not active. Even if the outbreak has passed, the herpes virus may be "shedding" itself in the area creating a risk of transmission.
The good news is that many couples have had sexual relations for years without transmitting herpes. Some simply avoid having sexual contact when signs or symptoms are present, while others use condoms or other protection between outbreaks to help protect against asymptomatic shedding (transmission that can occur when no symptoms are present).Herpes is most easily spread when a sore is present, but, it is also often spread at other times too. Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin. These are called "Prodromal Symptoms" and they warn that the virus may be present on the skin.
Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again. Contact with the infected area (including oral, vaginal, or anal sex) is very risky during this time.
If there are no symptoms occurring in the infected area at the time of contact there is still a small chance of spreading the virus because occasionally the virus can shed itself at the skin's surface (in the area of infection).
Although it is impossible to predict when viral shedding is occurring it is estimated that it only occurs approximately 5% of days during the year (possibly even less after having the virus for a long period of time) and this is usually during the few days just before and after an outbreak.
It is important to use latex condoms or latex barrier protection in-between outbreaks for additional protection (please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you are allergic to latex).
The herpes virus does not pass through latex condoms, and when properly used latex condoms are likely to reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes, however even the best condoms do not guarantee total safety. When herpes sores occur in places not covered by a condom the condom is of little help, if any. Condoms and foams should not be relied upon when herpes sores or symptoms are present.
Condoms do not guarantee 100% protection because a lesion may be found which the condom did not cover. Used consistently, however, condoms are one of the best available forms of prevention.
Keep in mind that all relationships face challenges, many far tougher than herpes. Good relationships stand or fall on far more important issues -- including communication, respect, and trust.
If you would like to research these topics further, these websites have some great information about transmission, prevention and asymptomatic viral shedding (when the virus can be spread even when there are no symptoms):
How herpes can be spread
Herpes Prevention
Safe Sex with Herpes
I also came across this reference to a study that sounds very encouraging.Quote: One study of couples who avoided sexual contact during recurrences found that, over 12 months, only 1 out of 10 passed the virus on to their partner. In that study, condoms were not used. Using condoms may reduce the risk of infection even further.
I hope this helps to shed a little light on the situation and wish you every success.
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- Re: Time before symptoms show. #42275
18 y
7,719
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