Herpes is a highly contagious infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two major types of herpes infections: oral and genital. There is no cure for herpes and it can cause you to develop recurrent symptoms throughout your life. Medication is available to help you manage your symptoms or decrease the length of your herpes outbreaks. If you develop herpes infection symptoms, speak with your doctor to prevent spreading this infection to other people.
Burning or Tingling
The initial symptoms associated with a herpes infection are a burning or tingling sensation of the skin surrounding your mouth or genital region. An oral herpes infection can cause symptoms to develop within the mouth, on the lips or around the mouth, nose or chin. A genital herpes infection causes symptoms to occur around the genital region---including the anus, buttocks or thighs. These symptoms typically develop 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to HSV, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains.
Blisters
Clusters of small red bumps typically appear within a few days at the initial site of burning or tingling. These bumps, which can form around the mouth or genitals, can develop into fluid-filled blisters that are painful, swollen or inflamed. These blisters often burst and cause open skin lesions to form, which dry out and develop a yellowish crust of skin over the site of infection. As the lesion heals, the crust of skin can become itchy and will eventually flake off entirely.
Flu-like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, swollen glands or headache, can sometimes develop as a result of herpes infection. Your body's immune system increases your body temperature in an effort to destroy the infection and prevent it from spreading to other regions of your body. Muscle pain and headache can occur due to an inflammatory immune response resulting from the infection. Certain patients, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns, might have difficulty urinating as a result of a genital herpes infection. Vaginal discharge can also occur in women with a genital herpes infection. People with an oral herpes infection can develop skin lesions within the mouth or throat, which can cause difficulty swallowing or a sore throat. An oral herpes infection can also cause odorous breath or increased salivation in patients.
