Recurrences of the Herpes virus can happen in both simplex herpes virus 1 and 2. It does depend on the individual whether there will be very occasional breakouts or if they will happen often. The most common reported cases is that outbreaks of herpes happen each year about four times.
Herpes will settle in the base of the spine while it is in the dormant state. Once it begins a recurrence, it will make its way through the nerves and then the skin will break out. Outbreaks usually appear close to where the infection happened originally.
The body will create a system of immunity with antibodies that battle against the infection of the herpes virus. The immune system will then be triggered when a new outbreak happens and begin to war against the virus. Because the immune system is programed to remember how to fight off the infection, the recurring outbreak will not be as intense as the first experience. The outbreak will bring less pain, last for a shorter period and have much less sores.
Taking any kind of drugs that impair the immune system will affect the ability of the body to battle an outbreak. It is proven, however, that an antiviral medicine will make the infections last for a shorter period and occur less often for the first couple years.
An oral herpes recurrence may be caused by an injury to the mouth, lips, face or eyes. Sunburns might bring on an outbreak, also simultaneous infections, surgery and febrile disease. Stress is a big contributing factor both psychologically and physically.
Genital herpes is the topic of a lot of disagreements as to the reasons for recurring episodes of outbreaks. Some say that diet, stress, menstruation and intercourse will bring on an outbreak but this is not a proven fact.
Using medications to limit the recurrences of outbreaks can be effective but could bring on unpleasant side effects. There are products that are natural and do not cause side effects that also have antiviral abilities.
While some individuals will not have recurring outbreaks, most will have a few a year and some more often than others. These can be the appearance of several tiny blister or just one single sore but these in any form are very infectious. Over a period of several years the recurrences will diminish.
In most individuals the indications of a new outbreak, which is called prodrome, will give the physical sensation of tingling a couple of days prior to the visible appearance. During the prodrome period the virus can be transferred to another person by direct contact, skin to skin.