what does herpes look like and how do i know if i have it?
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WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE AND
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE IT?Brought to You By HSV Info Hub
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
Millions of Americans are living with genital herpes, however, in many cases it’s difficult to detect. There are many people currently infected with the herpes virus and aren’t showing any symptoms or haven’t had any significant outbreaks who don’t even know that they have it.
Thankfully, many people are able to see the signs and identify them early on as a possible herpes outbreak. If you’re asking the question, “what does herpes look like”, then keep reading as we go deeper into the subject.
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
The most telltale sign of genital herpes symptoms is the appearance of red bumps or blisters in and/or around the genital area, often starting approximately two weeks after the initial exposure to the virus.
The bumps may spread to the anus and surrounding areas on the skin, and can also develop within the vagina and/or urinary tract. In many cases, the bumps turn into blisters, which can then become sores or lesions.
Many times, these sores become encrusted and itch intensely after a period of time, however, they will clear up. An outbreak can involve a large cluster of blisters, or it can simply present just one.
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
Oral herpes (HSV1) is a very common form of HSV which causes the carrier to develop cold sores or blisters on the lips or around the mouth. Like HSV2, HSV1 is also incurable and reoccurs from time to time.
Oral herpes is usually not as severe as genital herpes, however a person with HSV1 is just as contagious and likely to pass the virus to someone else during the presence of cold sores as someone suffering from an HSV2 outbreak.
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
Since the herpes simplex virus (HSV) remains in the body for life, these outbreaks will recur over time. Certain medications are available to increase the length of time in-between herpes outbreaks.
Many people suffering from herpes have found natural herpes treatments to be quite effective in minimizing their outbreaks, or eliminating their herpes outbreaks altogether. Other symptoms of genital herpes may or may not result in an outbreak.
Alternate herpes symptoms include reddening and/or sudden extreme dryness of the genital area, burning, itching, and/or painful sensation in the genital area, vaginal discharge, difficulty urinating, headache, fever, and/or swollen glands.
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
The herpes virus can remain inactive in many individuals and never cause them to show any signs or symptoms of the condition, which dramatically increases the potential for it to be spread.
Even if a person affected by HSV doesn’t have outbreaks, they are still able to spread genital herpes to others.
Many times the symptoms of genital herpes are confused with other conditions, such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs.
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
While it’s important to know and be able to recognize the symptoms of genital herpes, you should always seek medical attention from a medical professional if you are at all concerned that you may have contracted the disease.
Only a physician will be able to say for sure whether your symptoms are the result of herpes. If you do have HSV, they can provide you with medication and important information necessary to deal with the condition.
WHAT DOES HERPES LOOK LIKE?
If you think you are currently experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes, a doctor can diagnose your condition visually. A blood test or a viral culture is a surefire way to find out if you have the herpes simplex virus, although results can be vague and/or inaccurate in many cases.
If you’re asking yourself, “what does herpes look like”, and think you or someone you know may have contracted it, contact your medical provider to arrange testing immediately.
