After the initial outbreak, the blisters may return periodically, usually in the same place, but sometimes in a different location. These may include emotional or physical stress, illness, tight clothing, menstruation, or intercourse without adequate lubrication. These may include itching, tingling, burning, or numbness at the site where the blisters will appear. The infected person may be contagious at this time. Most infected people average 3-4 outbreaks per year, although this number can vary.
Some people never get a recurrence.
Usually the frequency of outbreaks decreases over time as the person builds immunity against the virus. Your medical provider can usually diagnose herpes by sight when the blisters or sores are present. Often, a sample of cells or liquid from the lesions may be taken with a cotton swab and sent to the lab for microscopic examination or viral culture. If no blisters or sores are present, special blood tests may be used to help diagnose a current or past infection. Treatment is aimed at providing relief of symptoms and prevention of secondary infection from developing in the blisters.