What Does Herpes Look Like?
Herpes is a general viral infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It can manifest in different ways depending on the type of herpes simplex virus and where it appears. Being familiar with its visual characteristics will help you identify it early enough for prompt care. This article explains how herpes looks like in various parts of the body.
What Does Genital Herpes Look Like?
Usually, genital herpes results from HSV-2, although there are cases when HSV-1 also cause genital infections. Typical signs of genital herpes may vary from one person to another but normally include:
Blisters: Small fluid-filled blisters or sores often develop on genitals, buttocks or thighs. The blisters may burst open resulting in painful sores.
Ulcers: After the bursting they become raw and red open sores; which may be very painful and take several weeks to heal.
Itching and Burning: The affected area might itch or burn especially during urination.
The earliest episode is usually severe, with subsequent ones less severe. Some people experience prodromal symptoms like itching or tingling prior to blister outbreak.
What Does Herpes Look Like on a Man?
In men, herpes often manifests itself through the following ways:
Penile Sores: Painful sores or blisters can appear on any part of the penis including its shaft and head.
Scrotum and Thighs: There are instances whereby blisters as well as sores occur in scrotums together with the innermost parts of thighs.
Urethral Pain: Men might feel pain or discomfort when urinating if such sores are close to their urethra.
In men, herpetic lesions may be very painful causing great discomfort. Moreover, males that have genital herpes could notice swelling lymph glands at their groin area
What Does Herpes Look Like on a Female?
On women’s bodies, it mostly affects the genitals but it can also affect other parts. Look out for the following signs:
Vaginal Sores: On the vagina, vulva or cervix, there may be little painful blisters or sores.
Labial Sores: The labia may develop blisters or ulcers.
Discharge: Women might complain of grayish/yellowish discharge accompanied by soreness/itching.
Painful Urination: Like men, women could experience pain and discomfort while urinating especially if sores are situated around the urethra.
Women too can get rectal area sores from anal sex in case they spread infection that way,
What Does Oral Herpes Look Like?
Oral herpes is typically caused by HSV-1 and mainly affects mouth regions. The visual characteristics include:
Cold Sores: Usually cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters that appear on and about lips. They can also be found within the mouth or on gums.
Fever Blisters: Additionally to cold sores you might see patches of red swollen skin which eventually crusts over time.
Sores Inside the Mouth: In some cases, painful sores or ulcers can occur in the mouth, tongue, and roof of your mouth.
Itching, tingling or burning sensation may also be felt around the mouth as oral herpes symptoms before appearance of these blister-like formations.
Conclusion
Identifying the different types of herpes—whether it is genital or oral—would aid in better management of the condition. The look of herpes sores may be different, although they commonly occur as blusters or ulcers that cause pain. It is important to see a doctor once you suspect you have herpes or experience symptoms. It will help get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.