Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Which Other Skin Conditions Look Like Genital Herpes Symptoms in Men?

By Devin Brindinshire


Genital herpes symptoms in men are often hard to visually identify for a physician (much less the average person) thanks to a myriad of variables - not the least of which is the fact that some symptoms of herpes look like those of other skin conditions. With each infected individual's immune system experiencing varied degrees of success in combatting the virus, one man may develop tell-tale clusters of painful blisters (the most-recognizable symptom of a herpes infection) during an outbreak, while another experiences the type of generalized skin irritation caused by several different conditions.

The following herpes symptoms in men look like other skin conditions:

Formation of Blisters

In the public consciousness, no other symptom is more closely-tied to genital herpes in men than the eruption of blisters on the genitals or groin region. This symptom may indeed be linked to genital herpes, but it is not exclusively associated with the disease. The secondary stage of a Syphilis infection produces fluid-filled blisters very similar in appearance to those of herpes and in the same exact places on the body. This is also sometimes true (although to a lesser extent) in the case of yeast infections (Candidiasis). Furthermore, both Impetigo and Eczema (two non-sexually transmitted skin conditions) are known culprits in the appearance of blisters above the skin - although they rarely affect the genitalia.

Ulcers and Sores

The sores and ulcers that form after herpes blisters rupture can, obviously, resemble those of the other aforementioned skin conditions which cause blisters. They can also, however, resemble symptoms of skin conditions such as Lichen Sclerosis, various allergic reactions, and even acne at various stages. In the case of Lichen Sclerosis, a painful skin irritation that causes inflammation and itching, scratching of the irritated tissue can produce leaking sores similar to herpes ulcers. Allergic rashes and acne, if scratched or otherwise picked at by the sufferer, can also produce an appearance similar to herpes symptoms in men.

Swollen, Reddened Patches of Skin

Reddish, swollen patches of skin on the genitals and groin represent one of the hardest symptoms to accurately diagnose because, while they may very well result from a herpes outbreak, they can also be caused by a myriad of other factors. Everything from the previously discussed Candidiasis, Eczema, Impetigo and Lichen Sclerosis, through allergic reactions to cosmetic goods and overly-tight clothing can contribute to irritation of the skin.

At the end of the day, however, there is one basic thing to keep in mind regarding the information presented in this article. While this article provides a summary of those genital herpes symptoms in men that look like other skin conditions, it is important to remember that an accurate diagnosis requires testing by a trained physician. As with many other herpes-related issues, only through obtaining an accurate diagnosis can you be sure that you are infected, and only then can you begin to undergo treatment.




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