Herpes is a viral infection that can affect the genitals and tissues of the face, specifically the mouth and lips. It is caused by one of two herpes simplex viruses, type 1 and type 2. HSV-1 is typically responsible for oral herpes and HSV-2 for genital herpes. Both strains can cause either type of infection, according to the American Social Health Association.
Skin Inflammation
Anywhere between two and 20 days after contracting the virus, an individual may begin to show visible symptoms of herpes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The first stage of herpes, whether oral or genital, is called the prodrome or warning stage. During this period the skin tissues where the blisters are about to appear become inflamed and apparently irritated. Other symptoms include itching, pain and tingling. Prodrome symptoms may not be noticed or they may not exist during the initial outbreak of the virus.
Blisters Appear
Within a day or two of the warning signs, fluid-filled blisters will appear on the body. Oral herpes appear inside the mouth, on the back of the throat, on the lips, and sometimes the cheeks or inside the nose, according to the American Social Health Association. Genital herpes in men appear on the penis, scrotum and surrounding genital tissues. Women get herpes on the vagina, vulva and surrounding tissues. Both genders can develop blisters on the thighs, anus and buttocks. These blisters may be clear or cloudy surrounded by red skin.
Ulcer And Scabs
The fluid-filled blisters will burst within two or three days of appearing. The fluids can run out of the ulcer and may be clear, pus or blood. The ulcer will look like an open wound on the skin. Where the blister sides one existed, there may be a small ridge that meets the surrounding red tissues. One or two days later a yellowish crust will form over the lesion as it begins to heal. The scabs may fall off and reform before completely disappearing and revealing normal skin. A new crop of blisters can appear during the ulcer stage.
