What does herpes look like?
Typically, genital herpes outbreaks manifest as clusters of itchy or painful blisters filled with fluid. These blisters can vary in size and appear in different locations.
Herpes sores can impact various body areas like the mouth, genitals, and eyes. They resemble fluid-filled blisters that can crust over before healing.
Herpes, generally a mild condition, leads to small sores on the skin after exposure to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types:
- HSV-1, known as oral herpes, primarily affects the mouth.
- HSV-2, or genital herpes, typically affects the genitals.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can occur on the face or genitals, transmitted through bodily fluids like genital fluids and saliva.
Once infected, symptoms may periodically reoccur throughout life. While sores can be uncomfortable or painful, they’re not usually hazardous for healthy adults. This article aims to explain herpes, its transmission, and provide visual references of herpes symptoms.
What does herpes look like?
For many with HSV, no symptoms appear (asymptomatic). Others may notice sores resembling fluid-filled blisters. These sores break open, ooze, and eventually form a crust during healing, typically over several days.
Some might sense tingling, itching, or a burning sensation a few days before the sores emerge.
During the initial herpes symptoms, individuals might also experience flu-like signs such as fever and muscle aches.
The first sores, termed the initial outbreak, usually arise 4 to 12 days after contracting the virus. Healing of the blisters can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Outbreaks may involve a single sore or a cluster, often impacting the skin around the mouth, genitals, or rectum.
Recurring symptoms tend to be less severe than the initial episode and usually heal within 7 to 10 days.
Further sections will detail the symptoms of herpes in commonly affected body areas.
Mouth
With oral herpes, most blisters emerge on the lips or within the mouth. They may also arise in other facial areas, notably around the chin, below the nose, or on the tongue.
Initially, the sores resemble small bumps or pimples before progressing into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters might appear red, yellow, or white. Upon bursting, a clear or yellow liquid might discharge before the blister forms a yellow crust and eventually heals.
During an outbreak, individuals with oral herpes might also notice swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Vaginal herpes
Individuals with genital herpes might experience sores on the vulva, encompassing the outer genital lips (labia) or inside the vagina. Sores inside the vagina might be challenging to detect.
These genital sores differ in size and quantity, resembling pimples or fluid-filled blisters, akin to oral herpes. They might rupture and eventually form a yellowish crust during the healing process.
Genital herpes can lead to discomfort during urination and, especially during the initial outbreak, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Penile Herpes
Genital herpes can manifest as sores on and around the penis. Small pimples progress into larger, fluid-filled sores that may appear red, white, or yellow. Like other herpes variations, these sores typically burst before crusting over.
Rectum
Herpes sores might develop as blisters on the buttocks, around the rectum, or near the anus. Some individuals may experience anal pain, bleeding, and difficulty during bowel movements.
Fingers
Herpes blisters can form on the fingers, known as herpetic whitlow, often seen in children who suck their thumb. These sores may emerge around the fingernail, accompanied by pain or tingling sensations before their appearance. Multiple sores can combine to form one large, honeycomb-like blister within a week, potentially spreading to the nail bed.
Eyes
Herpes keratitis denotes a herpes infection in the eye, affecting one or both eyes and causing symptoms such as eye pain, sensitivity to light, and eye discharge. Seeking medical attention is crucial for suspected cases of herpes keratitis. Left untreated, the infection may scar the eye, leading to vision cloudiness or loss.
