Herpes is a viral disease that can affect the genital area or mouth. The Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV, causes this disease. This virus can be divided into HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 most commonly causes symptoms around or in the mouth, while HSV-2 usually affects the genital area. Herpes patients may not present with any symptoms, but if symptoms are present they can be used to diagnose the disease.
Oral Sores
Sores may develop around the mouth, lips and gums in patients with a herpes infection, according to MedlinePlus. These sores are most often caused by HSV-1, but can be caused by HSV-2. The sores are blisters that are filled with a yellow fluid. The sores are red and painful and frequently burst and start to ooze. The skin under the broken sores is pink and healing. This type of herpes infection is termed herpes labialis.
Mouth Abnormalities
Patients infected with herpes labialis may exhibit increased salivation and foul breath, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Both symptoms are in response to the virus replicating within the tissues of the mouth. Sores may form within the mouth and, once those blisters burst, the fluid released may contribute to the foul breath.
Genital Sores
Patients infected with herpes, usually HSV-2, can develop numerous sores in the genital region, according to the National Health Services UK. These blisters are painful and red. The sores tend to burst, releasing a clear or yellow fluid, and leave open ulcers. The ulcers are also extremely painful. The sores are usually found in the rectum, thighs, buttocks and external genital area. The sores usually form and heal within a span of two weeks. The skin where the blisters form will feel itchy and start to redden just prior to the development of the sores.
In women the sores form on the outer vaginal lips, cervix, vagina, anus and thighs. In men the lesions can be find on the penis, anus, thighs and scrotum.
Generalized Symptoms
Herpes infection can cause more generalized symptoms in 40 to 70 percent of patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These symptoms include headache, muscle pain, fever and swollen glands in the neck or genital region. Patients may experience pain or difficulty urinating. Women may develop a vaginal discharge. The replication of the herpes simplex virus is responsible for these symptoms. Patients with these generalized symptoms who also complain of sores or ulcers should be treated for a herpes infection.
