Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects members of both sexes, but is more common in women. One out of six adolescent females has a genital herpes infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women have herpes symptoms on the labia and surrounding areas because the virus enters the body near the site of transmission and stays in the same area. Most individuals experience periods of flare-ups and times of remission with the virus. The outbreaks may occur several times each year. Even with no symptoms present, the virus can spread from person to person.
Skin Changes
In addition to generalized feelings of illness including a decreased appetite and muscle aches, females experience symptoms of genital herpes on the labia. The labia are the inner and outer areas of skin on each side of the vaginal opening in women, called the labia minora and the labia majora. When a herpes outbreak occurs, the skin of the labia may experience different sensations. Some of these symptoms include a tingling or burning sensation. Itching and pain in the area are also common, according to Medline Plus.
Blisters
Women begin to develop blisters along the labia during a herpes outbreak. The blisters form in the same location as the painful burning and itching skin sensations. The length of time between the sensations and the blister formation varies from hours to several days, according to the Merck Manual of Health Information. The thin blisters contain straw-colored fluid. The skin surrounding the blisters becomes reddened and inflamed. The blisters may be painful for the individual. During urination, the urine may irritate the blisters causing further pain. The blisters last for approximately a week during each outbreak cycle.
Ulcers
The blisters of a genital herpes infection may break open. The torn blister leaves ulcerated skin exposed. Clothing and urinating may further irritate the sores. The ulcers can ooze straw colored fluid or they may bleed. The ulcers begin to dry up and form scabs as they heal. The healing time for the ulcers and scab formation takes one to two weeks. A bacterial infection may occur in the ulcerated areas. Symptoms of a skin infection include yellow or green colored pus from the sore, increased pain and increased redness to the area.
