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 following symptoms may be visible during outbreaks caused by both the HSV-1 (Oral Herpes) and HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) viruses:
Cluster-like formations of small blisters
Contrary to popular perception, the visible symptoms of both HSV-1 (Oral Herpes) and HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) are nearly identical, with both infections causing small clusters of blisters to develop during outbreaks. Apart from the obvious difference in which part of the body is affected by the blisters, the sores are otherwise nearly identical – including the secondary symptoms (mainly redness and swelling) that usually occur around them.
Formation of Reddish Bumps and Swelling
In addition to the appearance of blisters above the skin, small, reddish bumps may form indicating that herpes blisters have erupted beneath the skin. These visible signs of infection, and their accompanying swelling, are equally likely to represent the answer to, “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.
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