Herpes is a viral infection that produces painful and often embarrassing sores. Herpes sores mimic blisters in appearance, as they are round bumps that burst open and leave ulcers in the infected area. Most people who experience herpes around the mouth area may be infected with herpes simplex virus 1. Herpes sores can appear around the nose, mouth or gums or can appear in the genital area, including the rectum. People with herpes on or around the genital area are usually affected by herpes simplex virus 2.
Itching
One of the most common symptoms of herpes sores is extreme itching around the infected area. Itching may occur around the area the infection entered first. Infected sores are generally uncomfortable, and scratching the sores can help the infection spread to other parts of the body. Scratching the sores can also make the sores burst, leaving them exposed and more contagious. According to YoungWomensHealth.org, itching is one of the primary symptoms that arrive during the initial herpes outbreak.
Fever
Fever is a symptom of herpes that often goes overlooked. Most symptoms don't appear until weeks after the person has been infected. Fever is an elevated body heat temperature that indicates internal infections within the body. A fever is also able to encourage herpes sores by increasing the internal temperature. Blisters may occur around the mouth area as a result. According to MedlinePlus, herpes sores may be provoked by sun exposure or fever, and the fever usually starts a few days before the actual sores appear.
Blisters
The most noticeable symptom of herpes sores is blisters. Blisters are red sores that fill up with a yellowish liquid. They eventually break open, making them much more painful--as well as highly contagious. According to the University of Arizona Campus Health Services, blisters appear one to two days after tingling, burning or itching has occurred in the infected area. Blisters may reappear after high levels of stress, sickness or even during a woman's period. They can also lie dormant for months or even years without reappearing. Herpes sores are highly contagious and can be passed along to others through touching, kissing or sexual intercourse. It's best to avoid physical contact during outbreaks to avoid passing the infection around.
