Herpes simplex virus, or HSV, causes painful blisters around the mouth or genitals, depending on the type a person contracts. HSV-1 causes outbreaks on the mouth, while HSV-2 causes the sores on the genitals. After an initial outbreak following the infection, individuals can experience recurrent outbreaks, especially during times of illness and stress. No cure for herpes exists and the symptoms can vary between individuals and between outbreaks. Recognizing the initial symptoms of a herpes outbreak is important for beginning treatment. The antiviral drugs can help decrease the severity and duration of the outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 1
Feel for tingling and burning sensations around the mouth or genitals. Oral herpes lesions can occur on the outer portion of the mouth, the lips or the gums. Genital herpes causes blisters to form on any portion of the genital area, including the inner thighs. The burning and tingling sensations begin along the same area the blisters form. These altered sensations can occur for several days before the blisters erupt, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 2
Take an oral temperature. The herpes virus can cause flu-like symptoms including a fever, general feelings of illness, muscle aches and headaches.
Step 3
Press on the lymph nodes found in the neck and in the groin area. Pay attention to any lymph nodes that feel tender or swollen. The herpes simplex virus can cause inflammation in the lymph glands.
Step 4
Notice the urge to scratch an itchy sensation in the genital area. Genital herpes may cause itching in the genitals as well as the buttocks and inner thighs, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Watch for small, red, fluid-filled blisters that form on the affected area. The blisters contain a clear, straw-colored fluid that contains the active virus. The blisters appear on reddened and inflamed skin and can break open or ooze, according to MedlinePlus.
Step 6
Recognize pain in the area to help pinpoint a herpes outbreak. The pain may occur during urination for males and females if the genital herpes affects the area around the urethral opening.
