
How Long Does It Take For Symptoms To Start From HSV?

Posted on
Thu, 29 Oct 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team


Question : If I kissed a girl and then 20 hours later my lips were tingling as I was going to bed, that would seem kind of fast for HSV no?
As well as my lips are so dry and scalely and the skin is cracking (it's been about 43 hours), so far my lips have only tingled here and there but my paranoia has me paying very very close attention.
As well as my lips are so dry and scalely and the skin is cracking (it's been about 43 hours), so far my lips have only tingled here and there but my paranoia has me paying very very close attention.
Brief Answer:
Typically it takes 2 days for symptoms to start from HSV
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You are right that 20 hours would be faster than expected for HSV. The incubation period before any symptoms appear is usually around 4 days, but could happen as quickly as 2 days. Typically with the tingling would come painful ulcers. Based on your description, I would suspect these symptoms are not due to HSV (though HSV is very common so that doesn't mean you weren't infected with it in the past).
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Typically it takes 2 days for symptoms to start from HSV
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You are right that 20 hours would be faster than expected for HSV. The incubation period before any symptoms appear is usually around 4 days, but could happen as quickly as 2 days. Typically with the tingling would come painful ulcers. Based on your description, I would suspect these symptoms are not due to HSV (though HSV is very common so that doesn't mean you weren't infected with it in the past).
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee


Thanks Doc,
That helps a bit, however my paranoia is incredible when it comes to sexual health. (I haven%E2%80%99t performed oral sex however)
I will say, my lips have became a little dry when I noticed tingling and for the majority of today have been incredibly dry even with lip balm and consumption of at least 60oz a day, usually around 100oz. I try to stay very well hydrated, and I live in a humid climate. I%E2%80%99ve never dealt with dry lips even though I spend extensive amounts of time in the sun.
I%E2%80%99ve attached some pictures and you can see two places where skin has broken on my lips, I fear it is the beginning of ulcers however other than tingling here and there I don%E2%80%99t feel pain thus fair. The other worrisome factor is I jusr so happened to have a bit of a sore throat today, very minor and hasn%E2%80%99t been painful (2 out of 10) the duration of the day. Also have slight congestion, but it%E2%80%99s just a nasal blockage and that happens to me on a weekly basis.
I%E2%80%99m not sure if HSV dries your lips out but on my bottom lip it is the entire thing and on the top lip it is directly below the medial cleft.
The pictures seem to make my lips much brighter red and washes some of the obvious dryness but I tried to get the most accurate angles I could.
Thanks Doc for all your help. I%E2%80%99d of talked to my Doc already but if I am seen officially my entire work staff would see my reason for visit and would have access to my note written. So I%E2%80%99 am reluctant.
If the lip dryness is a coincidence and a potential concern my tobacco history is vaped for a 3-4 years after switching away from dip which I dipped for 2 years. I was recently in the Middle East and over the course of 6 months I probably smoked (not inhaling) approximately 6-10 cigars. No dip. Smoked approximately 12 cigarettes. As I had decided to quit tobacco while I was there and only had the occasional cigar for occasion.
I hope that I am not over writing I know large histories can be helpful but annoying.
Brief Answer:
Not the appearance of HSV
Detailed Answer:
Hello, sorry for the delay, I was away from my computer for a few days. I've looked at the pictures and they are reassuring that this is not HSV, they do not have the appearance of HSV ulcers at all, and only look a bit dry. I would only recommend using a lip balm for that. Your other history does confirm that you do not have any risk factors for HSV, and so I would say everything is pointing towards you not having HSV.
If you did begin to develop ulcers, that may change my opinion, but I would be very doubtful that would happen at this point.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Not the appearance of HSV
Detailed Answer:
Hello, sorry for the delay, I was away from my computer for a few days. I've looked at the pictures and they are reassuring that this is not HSV, they do not have the appearance of HSV ulcers at all, and only look a bit dry. I would only recommend using a lip balm for that. Your other history does confirm that you do not have any risk factors for HSV, and so I would say everything is pointing towards you not having HSV.
If you did begin to develop ulcers, that may change my opinion, but I would be very doubtful that would happen at this point.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana

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