Although potentially infected people often ask the question "What does herpes look like?", what they are really asking is "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?" This clarification is necessary because, in the cases of both the HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus, symptoms of infection are only visible while an outbreak is underway. Furthermore, it is common for infected individuals to sometimes go long periods of time without experiencing an outbreak, or to experience their symptoms differently. These points should be kept in mind as you proceed through this article.
The following symptoms may be visible during outbreaks caused by both the HSV-1 (Oral Herpes) and HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) viruses:
Small clusters of blisters
While many people assume that the primary symptoms of genital and oral herpes outbreaks (e.g., clusters of blisters) are different, the truth of the matter is that they are identical except with regards to their location on the body. Regardless of whether the herpes blisters erupt in the mouth region (as is seen in HSV-1 infections) or on the genitals and groin (typically associated with HSV-2), the sores from both infections will have the same general appearance and will typically cause the same associated irritation and swelling in surrounding tissues.
Reddish Bumps Accompanied by Swelling
In addition to the appearance of blisters above the skin, small, reddish bumps may form indicating that herpes blisters have erupted beneath the skin. These visible signs of infection, and their accompanying swelling, are equally likely to represent the answer to, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?"
"Weeping" and Draining Sores and Ulcers
In the days following the first appearance of herpes blisters, the breakout moves into its final stage as fluid drains leaving behind ulcers. These sores slowly scab over and dry out as the blisters burst, with the whole healing process usually lasting between 10-14 days.
The aforementioned symptoms may represent the most common answers to the question, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?", but they should not be considered as the only forms of proof that an outbreak has taken place. Additionally, you should remember than many infected people do not experience any visible symptoms at all during outbreaks.
The following symptoms may be visible during outbreaks caused by both the HSV-1 (Oral Herpes) and HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) viruses:
Small clusters of blisters
While many people assume that the primary symptoms of genital and oral herpes outbreaks (e.g., clusters of blisters) are different, the truth of the matter is that they are identical except with regards to their location on the body. Regardless of whether the herpes blisters erupt in the mouth region (as is seen in HSV-1 infections) or on the genitals and groin (typically associated with HSV-2), the sores from both infections will have the same general appearance and will typically cause the same associated irritation and swelling in surrounding tissues.
Reddish Bumps Accompanied by Swelling
In addition to the appearance of blisters above the skin, small, reddish bumps may form indicating that herpes blisters have erupted beneath the skin. These visible signs of infection, and their accompanying swelling, are equally likely to represent the answer to, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?"
"Weeping" and Draining Sores and Ulcers
In the days following the first appearance of herpes blisters, the breakout moves into its final stage as fluid drains leaving behind ulcers. These sores slowly scab over and dry out as the blisters burst, with the whole healing process usually lasting between 10-14 days.
The aforementioned symptoms may represent the most common answers to the question, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?", but they should not be considered as the only forms of proof that an outbreak has taken place. Additionally, you should remember than many infected people do not experience any visible symptoms at all during outbreaks.
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Want to find out more answers to What Does Herpes Look Like and other associated issues? Visit Devin Brindinshire's site on Herpes Symptoms in Men for more information.
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