A herpes rash starts as small, fluid filled blisters that appear on the skin. They can look yellow, white, or red, and are filled with a clear liquid. These can develop around your mouth and nose if you have oral herpes (cold sores). The rash can develop around your genitals and anus if you have genital herpes. Show Men can get genital herpes on any part of their penis, but it most often appears on the penis head. Women can get a genital herpes rash on any part of their vagina, including inside the vagina. Both genders can get the rash around their anus, such as on the buttocks, and elsewhere around the genitals (for example, on the pubic area, inner thighs or perineum). Genital herpes can look a lot like a shaving rash when it first appears. When a herpes rash first appears, you may also feel burning, itching, or tingling on the affected area of your skin. You may get these symptoms a few days before the blisters appear. The blisters can feel painful and tingly. You can have a lot of blisters or only some. After a few days, the blisters will start to burst. This causes them to ooze fluid and turn into red, open sores. They will then begin to scab over before healing. The herpes rash usually lasts around 7 to 10 days but can take up to 3 weeks to heal. When you get your first outbreak, this can take longer to clear up and can be more severe. Further outbreaks do not usually last as long and tend to have milder symptoms. Herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types known as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Usually, oral herpes (cold sores) is caused by HSV-1 and genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. But it is possible for HSV-1 to cause genital herpes and HSV-2 to cause cold sores. There is really no way to tell by appearance alone whether an outbreak is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. At the same time, herpes sores may not be immediately recognized when they first appear. Or, they may be mistaken for other infections like canker sores or shingles. Yulia Naumenko / Getty Images This article describes the symptoms of herpes and how and where this common viral infection causes outbreaks. It also explains how herpes is treated and lists the various conditions that are similar in appearance to oral or genital herpes. Where Herpes Can Occur on the BodyPainful blisters are the classic sign of a herpes infection. The rash may be preceded by itching, numbness, or tingling or burning sensations several days beforehand. A classic herpes outbreak usually involves one or more blisters that start as small, red bumps. They then rapidly develop into fluid-filled blisters that sometimes merge into a larger blister. Herpes blisters commonly erupt, leaving a painful ulcer with raised edges. The sores can ooze and crust over. Severe outbreaks can cause scarring. Oral and genital herpes usually develop in the following ways:
But, not every case of oral herpes involves HSV-1, and not every case of genital herpes involves HSV-2. This is because the virus is highly transmissible. For example, if you touch a genital herpes sore and then the mouth, you can get oral herpes. If you have an oral herpes sore and perform oral sex on someone, that person can get genital herpes. This is why it is important to avoid sexual contact during a herpes outbreak. If you have a cold sore, avoid performing oral sex on a partner or touching the sore. If you touch a sore, wash your hands immediately with soap and water. RecapOral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1. Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2. But oral herpes can be passed to the genitals and genital herpes can be passed to the mouth due to oral sex or hand-to-skin contact with an open sore. Related SymptomsIn addition to a rash, oral herpes may be accompanied by:
In addition to a rash, genital herpes can cause:
When you get herpes, the virus will always live in your body and does not go away. Different things can trigger an outbreak including emotional stress, an acute illness, fever, trauma, surgery, sun exposure, and menstrual periods. Some outbreaks have no known cause. RecapFatigue, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes are among the symptoms that can accompany a herpes outbreak. With genital herpes, there may also be pain with urination or difficulty urinating. How Herpes Is TreatedThere is no cure for herpes, but there are antiviral drugs that may lessen the duration or severity of an outbreak. Antiviral drugs are those used to treat viral infections. As a rule, antiviral treatment is most effective when it is started at the first signs of an outbreak. The treatment can vary by the location of the sores and other factors:
You can help soothe a genital herpes outbreak by sitting in a warm bath. A cold compress placed against the rash for 10 to 15 minutes several times daily may also help. Avoid eating spicy or acidic foods when you have a cold sore. You can also use over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetics like lidocaine to numb the sore; just be sure to wash your hands immediately after. OTC pain killers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) can also help relieve pain for both oral and genital herpes. RecapThe duration and severity of a herpes outbreak can be reduced with antiviral drugs. Antivirals are most effective when started at the first signs of an outbreak. Other treatments like cold compresses and over-the-counter pain killers can help relieve pain. Conditions That Look Like HerpesNot every rash that looks like herpes is herpes. There are other infections that cause painful blistering (or blister-like) rash. These include:
RecapOther infections can mimic herpes, including aphthous stomatitis (canker sores), dermatitis herpetiformis, herpangina, herpes gladiatorum, herpes zoster (shingles), and syphilis. SummaryHerpes is an outbreak of painful blistering rash caused by the herpes simplex virus. Oral herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), while genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Even so, HSV-1 can sometimes cause genital herpes, and HSV-2 can sometimes cause oral herpes. Herpes can be treated with antiviral drugs. They do not cure herpes but may lessen the severity or duration of an outbreak if started early. Other infections that mimic herpes include canker sores, shingles, syphilis, dermatitis herpetiformis, herpangina, and herpes gladiatorum. A Word From VerywellIf you believe that you are experiencing a herpes outbreak, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible so that treatment can be prescribed if needed. This is especially important if you have a compromised immune system. Avoid touching the rash or exposing others to the sores. Frequently Asked Questions
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