Genital herpes is a commonly occurring viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of the virus, Type 1 and Type 2. Both types cause similarly appearing blisters; however, Type 2 is more likely to infect the genitals, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Genital herpes can lead to oral herpes. Symptoms of either type of infection are generally the same for most individuals, but they may vary in intensity and frequency. The early symptoms of herpes can occur within days, weeks or, even, years after contracting the virus.
Skin Discomfort
Within about two weeks of contracting the virus, the skin may become uncomfortable. This can include the tissues of the mouth or the genital areas, depending on which virus has infected the body. The skin may become red, tender, tingly or painful. These symptoms may go unrecognized in some individuals, even in recurrent episodes.
Blisters
Several days after the skin becomes uncomfortable, small, red, raised blisters will appear. The skin may become itchy as the blisters appear, as well as when they heal. Typical places for blistering of oral herpes includes the outer lip tissue, the inner cheek and, sometimes, the nose, according to UMMC. Genital blisters can appear on the genitals, surrounding the genital tissues, anus, buttocks and thighs. Two or three days after the sores appear, they will burst, oozing clear, yellow or bloody fluids. Eventually, the blister will scab over and heal. Some people may experience a new crop of blisters while the current blisters are healing. In all, the blisters may take about three weeks from start to finish during the initial outbreak. As the immune system gets better at fighting off the infection, the blistering may heal more quickly.
Flu-Like Symptoms
As UMMC notes, other symptoms may accompany an oral or genital herpes outbreak, including swollen glands in the groin or neck area. Genital herpes, especially recurrent outbreaks, may cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, headaches and, sometimes, shivering (chills).
