subject: Symptoms of Herpes - Know Common Genital Herpes Symptoms and How to Identify Them [print this page] Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two strains of herpes simplex, HSV1 and HSV2, and both can cause infections of genital herpes, but most commonly the HSV2 virus causes herpes on the genitals, and HSV1 causes oral or labial herpes, otherwise colloquially known as 'cold sores'.
Genital herpes is a very common condition, affecting around one in five people in the United States, but there is surprisingly little knowledge among the general public on the symptoms of herpes. This is generally put down to the negative social stigma attached to the disease. This stigma is very undeserved, especially when the high infection rate is taken into account, and may be why genital herpes is not discussed and general knowledge about symptoms and treatments is very low.
Of the symptoms of herpes, the most common is the outbreak of sores or blisters on the genitals. These sores can be as small as pimples, or can be as large as small coins or buttons. The sores generally appear on or around the genitals, buttocks, anus and upper thighs. After the appearance of these sores, which can often be itchy, irritable, or painful, a few days later they will burst and seep. After bursting, the healing process begins, and the sores generally clear up without leaving a scar over a period of days, generally 5 days to two weeks.
Other symptoms of herpes that sufferers may experience include a rash or swelling (or both together) in the groin area, and flu-like symptoms. The flu-like symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and fatigue. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms of herpes, please see your doctor as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis. After diagnosis you can determine a comprehensive plan for treating genital herpes, and this will allow you to control symptoms and outbreaks, and improve your quality of life.
Symptoms of Herpes - Know Common Genital Herpes Symptoms and How to Identify Them
