An estimated 200,000 to 500,000 are infected with type 2 herpes each year, while the number of people who acquire type 1 herpes is even higher, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Type 1 herpes generally appears in the facial areas. Type 2 herpes most commonly manifests in the genital area. There is no cure or vaccine for either type of herpes and symptoms can recur periodically.
Meningitis
Type 2 herpes can induce meningitis, a condition in which the membranes around the brain become swollen, notes MayoClinic.com. This occurrence, however, is not very common.
Pain and Itching of the Infected Area
Both types of herpes cause pain or itching to occur around the area of infection. Type 1 herpes typically causes pain in the mouth area including the gums, lips and even tongue, explains MedlinePlus. Pain may vary in intensity from a gentle tingling sensation to a burning sensation. Swallowing may become impaired.
Type 2 herpes affects the genital area, explains MayoClinic.com. The pain and itching usually manifests in the anus, butt cheeks, genital area and even the inner thighs. Urinating can be a painful experience.
Proctitis
Type 2 herpes can cause the lining of the anus to become inflamed, a condition called proctitis, notes MayoClinic.com. This can be particularly true for those who engage in anal sexual intercourse.
Sores
Both types of herpes cause sores to appear in the infected areas, notes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 1 herpes causes the sores to appear in the oral areas such as the lips, gums, tongue and even the throat, notes MedlinePlus. Type 2 herpes causes the sores to appear in the genital area, anus, butt cheeks and inner thighs, according to MayoClinic.com.
The initial symptoms appear between one to three weeks of infection. The sores eventually rupture and form blisters or lesions in the infected areas, explain MedlinePlus and MayoClinic.com. However the outbreak of sores can be mild and painless enough to go unnoticed.
The sores may heal, however they can recur numerous times within a year. The actual frequency of recurrence varies however the frequency may decrease over time. The duration of the recurrences can be between two days to two weeks.
Urinary Retention
Type 2 herpes can cause urinary retention, notes MayoClinic.com. This is because the infection can spread even to the urethra impairing the ability to urinate.
