Have you seen genital herpes before? If you were previously infected with the herpes simplex type-2 virus, then you probably know already what genital herpes look like.

You can’t exactly tell how the infection looks like especially in cases when the herpes is dormant. At this stage, you can’t find any visible sign. Visible signs can only be seen once the outbreak occurs. Once you acquire the herpes simplex virus, it will take about 3 to 10 days before the outbreak occurs. Symptoms of herpes also vary from one person to another as well as the extent of the infection; it’s really hard to tell. However, the most common visible symptoms of herpes include the following:

- Red spots

- Red bumps on testicles and penis (male); red bumps around the anus, inside or outside the vaginal area (women)

- Blisters and open sores

Later on, during the healing process, the open sores or blisters will scab and when it falls off, new skin will grow.

Genital herpes and their symptoms can widely vary depending on the severity and the intensity of their outbreaks. While some may have mildly noticeable red bumps or spots on their genital areas, mainly around or near the vaginal area and cervix in women and in the scrotum and penis for men, some can have bigger and more noticeable red bumps which can be very painful and in time, burst and have skin eruptions causing more pain and discomfort.

For a good number of people with genital herpes, their first bout with the infection can be very noticeable and genital herpes will be very visible. The red bumps will be larger than what they would see in future outbreaks and can cause more symptoms aside from the lesions and red bumps that is generally what signifies genital herpes. Such symptoms include headaches, fever, and other body pains.

Unfortunately, for some people, aside from the mentioned symptoms and the red bumps and lesions, they also experience swelling glands in their groin area and will have difficulty when urinating. These symptoms can last about two to four weeks depending on the treatment being taken.

If not taken cared of and if the outbreak is intense, the red bumps, which is the first symptom of genital herpes will grow and burst. This will become an open sore, which is very painful, but will soon dry up and develop a scab. Don’t worry though as usually, when the crust or scab falls off, the open sore, lesion, or blister doesn’t leave a scar.

Charlene Nuble.  Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about What Does Genital Herpes Look Like

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

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