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 visible symptoms of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 outbreaks include the following:
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.
Appearance of Reddish Bumps and Swelling
The appearance of small, reddish bumps and swelling is another visual indicator of a herpes outbreak. Because it is possible for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 blisters to form beneath the skin, instead of above it, these bumps may indicate that a breakout has begun and can also serve as an answer to the question, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?"
"Weeping" and Draining Sores and Ulcers
The end of a herpes outbreak is usually marked by the formation of sores and ulcers as the blisters drain. As each blister is drained of its fluid, a crusty, scab-like coating develops to protect the sore. This stage of the outbreak generally lasts 3-7 days and is followed by a healing period that can last up to two weeks.
These symptoms are the most commonly identified when someone asks, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?" Because they do not always appear while an infected person is experiencing an outbreak, they cannot be considered the sole indicators that a herpes outbreak has begun.
The visible symptoms of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 outbreaks include the following:
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.
Appearance of Reddish Bumps and Swelling
The appearance of small, reddish bumps and swelling is another visual indicator of a herpes outbreak. Because it is possible for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 blisters to form beneath the skin, instead of above it, these bumps may indicate that a breakout has begun and can also serve as an answer to the question, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?"
"Weeping" and Draining Sores and Ulcers
The end of a herpes outbreak is usually marked by the formation of sores and ulcers as the blisters drain. As each blister is drained of its fluid, a crusty, scab-like coating develops to protect the sore. This stage of the outbreak generally lasts 3-7 days and is followed by a healing period that can last up to two weeks.
These symptoms are the most commonly identified when someone asks, "What does herpes look like during an outbreak?" Because they do not always appear while an infected person is experiencing an outbreak, they cannot be considered the sole indicators that a herpes outbreak has begun.
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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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