About herpes outbreaks

Yes, herpes can cause nerve pain (neuralgia) in the legs, buttocks, lower back, and thighs. The herpes virus lives in nerve cells at the base of the spine, and when it reactivates, it travels along nerve pathways, which can cause tingling, burning, or shooting pain in these areas. This nerve pain can occur before, during, or even between outbreaks. If nerve pain is persistent or severe, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

It's generally recommended to wait until all sores have completely healed and any scabs have fallen off naturally before having sex. This typically takes 7 to 10 days for recurrent outbreaks. The risk of transmission is highest when sores are present. After healing, using condoms and considering suppressive antiviral therapy can further reduce transmission risk. Always communicate openly with your partner about timing.

Yes, for most people herpes outbreaks become less frequent and less severe over time, especially during the first 1-2 years after the initial infection. Your immune system builds up antibodies that help suppress the virus, so recurrences tend to taper off. Many people eventually go years between outbreaks or stop having noticeable outbreaks altogether.

Absolutely. Many people who carry HSV-1 or HSV-2 are asymptomatic, meaning they never have a noticeable outbreak. Studies suggest that a significant percentage of people with herpes are unaware they have it because they've never had recognizable symptoms. It's also possible to have very mild symptoms that get mistaken for something else, like an ingrown hair or irritation.

Shaving and waxing can potentially trigger an outbreak because they cause micro-abrasions and irritation to the skin in the area where the virus lives. The physical trauma and inflammation may reactivate the virus. If you find hair removal triggers outbreaks, consider using an electric trimmer instead, which is gentler on the skin.