Genital Herpes Symptoms

Signs of herpes tend to develop within 3-7 days of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Herpes infections look like small blisters or ulcers (round areas of broken skin) on the genitals. Each blister or ulcer is typically only 1-3 millimeters in size, and the blisters or ulcers tend to be grouped into "crops." Usually the blisters form first then soon open to form ulcers. Herpes infections may be painless or slightly tender. In some people, however, the blisters or ulcers can be very tender and painful.

• Location
  
  
  • In men, herpes sores (lesions) usually appear on or around the penis.
    
    
  • In women, the lesions may be visible outside the vagina, but they commonly occur inside the vagina where they can cause discomfort or vaginal discharge but cannot be seen except during a doctor's examination.
    
    
  • The ulcers or blisters may also be found anywhere around the genitals (the perineum) and in and around the anus.

• First outbreak
  
  
  • The first herpes outbreak is usually the most painful, and the initial episode may last longer than later outbreaks.
    
    
  • Some people develop other signs of herpes infection, particularly with the first episode.
    
    
    • Fever
      
      
    • Muscle aches
      
      
    • Headaches (may be severe)
      
      
    • Vaginal discharge or painful urination
      
      
    • Swollen and tender lymph glands in the groin (glands swell as the body tries to fight the infection)
    
    

• Later outbreaks
  
  
  • If the disease returns, later outbreaks generally have much less severe symptoms. Many people with recurrent disease develop pain in the area of the infection even before any blisters or ulcers can be seen. This pain is due to irritation and inflammation of the nerves leading to the infected area of skin.
    
    
  • These are signs that an outbreak is about to start. You are particularly contagious during this period, even though the skin still appears normal.