Rather than asking “What does herpes look like?”, a more appropriate question for someone who believes that they may be infected would be, “What does herpes look like during an outbreak?” Since the visible symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections only appear while an outbreak is occurring, the task of visually identifying herpes symptoms is further complicated by the fact that the visible signs of infection do not always appear the same in every individual. Please take these facts into consideration while reviewing the information discussed in this article.
The following symptoms may be visible during outbreaks caused by both the HSV-1 (Oral Herpes) and HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) viruses:
Clusters of Small Blisters
Although the common perception is that outbreaks of oral herpes and genital herpes appear differently, the truth is that their primary visible symptom – clusters of small blisters – appears exactly the same (with the obvious exception of the location on the body where blisters develop). Whether the small cluster of reddish, fluid-filled blisters appears on the lips, as is the case with HSV-1 infections, or on the genitals and groin area (as is the case with HSV-2) the sores will have the same general appearance and will cause the same secondary visual phenomena (e.g., reddening and swelling of the tissues around the blisters).
Reddish Bumps Accompanied by 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?”
Draining Sores and Ulcers
In the final stage of a herpes outbreak, any blisters that have appeared will burst – leaving behind draining sores and ulcers. As these sores heal, they will become “crusted over” by drying fluids and will form scabs. Because this process usually lasts for several days, it is not uncommon to see blisters, ulcers and scabs at the same point in time.
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.