Genital herpes is most often caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) but HSV-1 can also cause blistering on the vagina and surrounding tissues, explains WomensHealth.gov. Symptoms of vaginal herpes during the primary outbreak can differ from the recurring outbreak symptoms due to the body building antibodies to fight the infection. A cure does not exist for the infection but recurring outbreaks may not be as severe as earlier flare ups.
First Outbreak
A woman who has sexual contact with another person infected with the herpes simplex virus can also become infected. She may develop symptoms within one to two weeks of exposure to the virus. Some women may never develop symptoms. Should she have an outbreak of vaginal herpes, the first outbreak may be the worst.
In addition to blistering, she may develop flu-like symptoms. WomensHealth.gov suggests she may have a fever, swollen glands, body aches and the chills. These symptoms can develop shortly before the blisters appear or they may occur after the first batch of blisters begin to heal and another is about to crop up. From start to finish, vaginal herpes may last from two to 20 days during the first outbreak, explains VaginalHerpes.org.
Warning Symptoms
Before actual vaginal herpes develops, the skin may become red and tender to the touch. These signs are called warning, or prodrome, symptoms. The skin affected consists of any vaginal tissues where a blister is about to appear. The skin may be tingly or painful when touched.
Blistering
Two to three days after the warning symptoms appear, a single blister or clusters of fluid-filled blisters will occur on the vaginal opening and surrounding tissues. The blisters are often very painful. After two or three days the bump may burst and fluid, pus or blood may ooze from the cyst. Three or four days after bursting, the blister will develop a scab and begin to heal. A new outbreak can occur during this time. Blistering does not usually leave scars.
Other Signs
It is not uncommon for a woman to have pain in the legs, buttocks or genital areas during a herpes outbreak. She may have unusual vaginal discharge that may or may not have a foul odor. The lower abdomen may give a sensation of fullness or pressure.
