subject: What Does Herpes Look Like And How Do I Know If I Have It? [print this page] What Does Herpes Look Like And How Do I Know If I Have It?
"What Does Herpes Look Like And How Do I Know If I Have It?"
by Devin Brindinshire
The question "What does herpes look like?" is a difficult one to answer because the visible symptoms of the disease do not appear the same in every individual. Furthermore, other sexually transmitted diseases can produce symptoms that appear similar to a genital herpes outbreak. For these reasons, if you suspect that you may have been infected with genital herpes (also known as the HSV-2 virus), diagnosis by a physician is the only sure way to know.
Despite the aforementioned challenges, it is possible to identify several, common visual signs of a genital herpes outbreak. When reviewing the following information, however, the potentially infected person should keep in mind that these symptoms will only be visible during an outbreak. It is also imperative to remember that, in many cases, there will be no obvious indications of infection while an individual is experiencing an outbreak.
Visible indications of a herpes outbreak include:
Redness and swelling on, or around, the genitals
The sudden appearance of reddened, swollen patches of skin on our around the genitalia can be indicative that a herpes outbreak is taking place. This symptom will usually be accompanied by burning, itchiness and/or a tingling sensation.
Fluid-filled blisters on the genitals, thighs, buttocks or groin
The most-obvious, visible indication of a genital herpes outbreak, these clusters of painful, reddish blisters are what most people would respond if asked, "What does herpes look like?" Because the blisters initially erupt as small, clearish bumps, they are sometimes confused with pimples in their early stages. Their rapid growth, and its accompanying irritation, pain and swelling, increase dramatically in the ensuing days, making the true nature of the outbreak apparent.
Draining sores and ulcers on the thighs, buttocks, groin area, or genitals themselves
After filling up with fluid and dramatically increasing in size over a period of several days, the herpes blisters finally burst and drain in the outbreak's final stage. The remaining ulcers and sores are usually quite painful and are accompanied by increased redness and irritation. The sores dry out, scab over, and eventually heal on their own over the ensuing weeks.
Small, red bumps in the same area where outbreaks usually occur
Because it is possible to experience an outbreak of herpes blisters under the skin, the appearance of small, reddish bumps (forming above the blisters) sometimes indicates that a herpes outbreak has taken place. These bumps are often mistaken for insect bites, or some other innocuous skin irritation, and provide another prime example of how difficult it can be to answer the question, "What does herpes look like?"
The appearance of any of the visible symptoms discussed in this article is not a definitive sign that you are infected with genital herpes. It is, however, an indication that you should get yourself tested by a licensed physician. It is entirely possible that your symptoms are from genital herpes, but it is also possible that it is a more serious sexual disease.
Syphillis, for one, can cause blisters similar to genital herpes and, if left untreated, can create severe health risks. On the other hand, there are several relatively harmless skin irritations that a nervous individual may mistake for a primary herpes outbreak.
As far as answering this article's primary question "What does herpes look like?" is concerned, there obviously is no clear answer. It is safe to say, however, that anyone who experiences any of the symptoms mentioned, should make it a priority to see a physician and undergo testing. There simply is no other way to find out if you have been infected with genital herpes.
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