Herpes & swollen lymph nodes

You noticed something swollen. Let's talk about it.

If you're reading this, you've probably noticed some tender, swollen bumps somewhere around your groin, neck, or jawline. And you're probably a little freaked out. Maybe you're in the middle of your first outbreak, or maybe you're just noticing something new and your brain immediately went to worst-case scenario. Either way, take a breath. What you're feeling is your body doing exactly what it's supposed to do.

Swollen lymph nodes and herpes go hand in hand, especially during that first outbreak. It's one of the most common things people notice (and worry about). So let's walk through what's actually happening in your body, why it happens, and when you can expect it to calm down.

What lymph nodes actually do

Think of your lymph nodes as your body's security checkpoints. They're little bean-shaped glands scattered throughout your body, and their whole job is to filter out stuff that doesn't belong. Bacteria, viruses, anything your immune system flags as "not supposed to be here" gets routed to the nearest lymph node so your body can mount a response.

You've got lymph nodes in your neck, under your jaw, in your armpits, and in your groin area. Most of the time, you don't even notice they're there. But when your body is actively fighting something off, those little checkpoints get busy. They swell up, they get tender, and suddenly you're very aware that they exist.

That's all that's happening. Your body detected the herpes virus and is doing its job. The swelling is proof that your immune system is showing up for you.

Why herpes causes swollen lymph nodes

When the herpes virus becomes active, your immune system kicks into gear. White blood cells flood to the area to fight the virus, and the nearest lymph nodes start working overtime to process everything. That increased activity is what causes the swelling and tenderness you're feeling.

This is especially true during a first outbreak. Your body has never encountered this virus before, so it's pulling out all the stops. It's building antibodies from scratch, learning how to fight this particular intruder. That's why a first outbreak tends to come with the full package: the sores, the flu-like symptoms, the fatigue, and yes, the swollen lymph nodes. Your immune system is essentially going through boot camp.

Over time, your body gets much better at managing the virus. It's already got the antibodies. It knows the playbook. Which is why recurrences are usually so much milder (more on that in a minute).

Where you'll feel them

The lymph nodes that swell up tend to be the ones closest to where the virus is active. So it depends on what type of herpes you're dealing with and where your outbreak is happening.

• Genital herpes: You'll most likely notice swelling in the lymph nodes in your groin area, on one or both sides. These can feel like firm, tender lumps near where your leg meets your torso.
• Oral herpes: The lymph nodes in your neck and along your jawline are the ones that tend to swell. You might notice tenderness under your chin or along the sides of your neck.

Sometimes the swelling is on both sides, sometimes just one. Both are normal during an active outbreak. If you're noticing other genital herpes symptoms alongside the swelling, that's a pretty clear sign it's all connected.

First outbreak vs. recurrences

So here's the thing. Swollen lymph nodes are way more common during a first herpes outbreak than during recurrences. And that makes sense when you think about it. During your first outbreak, your body is encountering the virus for the very first time. It doesn't have antibodies yet. It doesn't know what it's dealing with. So it goes all out.

During recurrences, your body already knows the virus. It's got the tools to fight it more efficiently. That means the immune response is usually much smaller, and many people don't experience swollen lymph nodes at all with subsequent outbreaks.

That said, some people do notice mild lymph node swelling during recurrences, particularly if they're run down, stressed, or their immune system is a bit compromised. It's not unusual, and it's not a sign that something is wrong. It just means your body is working through it. The swelling during recurrences tends to be much less noticeable and resolves faster.

How long does the swelling last?

For most people, herpes-related swollen lymph nodes last about one to two weeks. The swelling tends to peak right around the same time your outbreak peaks, then gradually goes down as the sores heal and the virus retreats back into dormancy.

During a first outbreak, it might take a little longer because your body is building up that initial immune response. But even then, you should start noticing improvement within a couple of weeks. If you're taking antiviral medication, that can speed things along by helping your body get the outbreak under control faster, which in turn means the lymph node swelling subsides sooner.

The short answer is: as the outbreak heals, the swelling goes down. They're directly connected.

Can lymph nodes swell without visible sores?

Yes, this can happen. And if it's happening to you, it can feel confusing because there's nothing visible to point to.

Your lymph nodes can swell during prodrome, which is that tingling, itching, or burning phase that sometimes happens before sores actually appear. Your body is already detecting viral activity and responding to it, even before anything shows up on your skin.

Lymph node swelling can also occur during viral shedding, when the virus is active on the skin's surface without causing visible sores. Your immune system is still picking up on that activity and responding. This is less common, but it does happen.

If you're experiencing swollen lymph nodes in your groin or neck without any visible outbreak, it doesn't automatically mean it's herpes-related. Other infections, minor illnesses, and even things like a cut or skin irritation can cause lymph nodes to react. But if you have herpes and you're noticing this pattern, prodrome or subclinical shedding is the most likely explanation. Paying attention to these signals can actually help you get to know your body better over time.

When to see a doctor

Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes from herpes are totally normal and will resolve on their own. But there are a few situations where it's worth checking in with your doctor:

• The swelling lasts longer than two to three weeks and doesn't seem to be improving, even after your outbreak has healed.
• The node feels hard, fixed in place, or isn't tender. Herpes-related lymph nodes are typically movable and tender. If one feels hard or immovable, that's worth getting checked out.
• You have a persistent fever that isn't resolving alongside your other symptoms.
• The swelling keeps getting worse instead of gradually improving.
• You're not sure what's causing it. If you haven't been diagnosed with herpes yet and you're noticing swollen lymph nodes along with other symptoms, getting a proper diagnosis is important. Understanding your herpes test results can help you make sense of what's going on.

None of this is meant to scare you. The vast majority of the time, swollen lymph nodes with herpes are completely routine. But it's always smart to pay attention to your body and follow up if something feels off.

What helps in the meantime

You can't really force lymph nodes to un-swell (your body handles that on its own timeline), but there are things you can do to support the process and make yourself more comfortable:

• Antiviral medication: If you're not already on antivirals, talk to your doctor. Medication like valacyclovir can shorten the duration of an outbreak, which means the lymph node swelling resolves faster too. This is especially helpful during a first outbreak.
• Warm compress: A warm, damp cloth on the swollen area can help with the tenderness. It won't speed up healing, but it can take the edge off the discomfort.
• Rest: Your body is actively fighting a virus. Give it the energy it needs. This isn't the time to push through on four hours of sleep.
• Stay hydrated: Water, herbal tea, whatever you like. Keeping your body hydrated supports your immune system in doing its thing.
• Loose, comfortable clothing: If the swelling is in your groin area, tight clothes can make it more uncomfortable. Give yourself some breathing room.

Basically, treat yourself the way you would if you were getting over a cold or the flu. Be kind to your body. It's working hard for you.

The bigger picture

Swollen lymph nodes can feel alarming, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of a herpes outbreak. But here's what I want you to take away from this: it's a sign that your body is healthy and doing its job. Your immune system is responding exactly the way it should.

The swelling is temporary. It will go down. And as your body gets more experienced at managing the virus over time, this becomes less and less of an issue. Most people who've had herpes for a while barely think about their lymph nodes at all.

If you're in the middle of your first outbreak right now, I know it can feel like a lot. The sores, the swelling, the fear of not knowing what comes next. But this is the hardest part. It gets so much easier from here. Your body is learning, adapting, getting stronger. And so are you.

You've got this.