Diagnosing genital herpes symptoms in men by simply looking at them is easier said than done for most physicians. The disease’s symptoms often appear similar to those of several other sexually-transmitted diseases and skin conditions, and can vary greatly in severity from one sufferer to another. For example, whereas some men will develop a minor skin irritation (one that resembles any number of other skin conditions) during a breakout, others will exhibit the clusters of fluid-filled blisters commonly associated with the infection.
Several skin conditions and diseases can resemble the following herpes symptoms in men:
Blisters
The appearance of painful clusters of blisters in the groin area, or on the genitals themselves, is often believed to be the exclusive calling card of herpes in men. While this is not an entirely unfounded belief, it is also not entirely accurate as blisters in the genital region can also be associated with the skin conditions Impetigo and Eczema, as well as the sexually-transmitted diseases Candidiasis (yeast infection) and Syphilis. Instances where Impetigo or Eczema form on the genitals are rare, but not unheard of. This is not the case with Syphilis and Candidiasis, however, and for this reason the blisters from both diseases are frequently confused for genital herpes.
Sores and Ulcers
As is the case with the other diseases and conditions mentioned in the preceding section, herpes blisters eventually burst – leaving behind sores and ulcers indistinguishable from those caused by other conditions. However, these lesions can also be mistaken for those that result from picking at acne, or scratching rashes and other irritations associated with allergies. Another painful skin condition which causes swelling and cracking of tissue, Lichen Sclerosis, also produces uclers and sores like those found in the wake of a herpes outbreak.
Swollen, Reddened Patches of Skin
The appearance of reddened, irritated skin in the genital region can sometimes be the sole indication of a herpes outbreak, but it can just as easily be the symptom of anything else ranging from a different sexually-transmitted disease to poorly-fitted boxer shorts. This frustrately-ambigous symptom is also associated with Eczema, Lichen Sclerosis, Impetigo, Candidiasis and allergic reactions to various irritants.
Obviously, accurate diagnosis any of the herpes symptoms in men discussed in this article is impossible unless a test is administered by a health care provider. It is crucial to remember that, if you believe that you’ve been exposed to genital herpes and begin to exhibit any of these symptoms, you should consult with your physician as soon as possible, and specifically request a test for herpes. Only through accurate diagnosis can you acquire the proper treatment.
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