Herpes blisters? How do they manifest themselves

How do herpes blisters look? Do they sometimes resemble ingrown hairs from shaving down there, or razor bumps? or is it completely different? Do they appear different on men vs women? Also, is it worth it to get a blood test if you don't have obvious breakouts but just want piece of mind? Because I have read that the results can sometimes be misleading.

[Hochee]

Yes to all of your questions.

Yes, it can look like ingrown hairs, or shaving burn, razor bumps. That is why most people with HVS-2 do not know they have it. It goes unnoticed, or written off as something else.

Sores for women can be inside, which makes seeing them difficult to see. However, they can also appear outside. There are a lot of photos online if you look. However, a lot of those photos are worst case, so it would be hard to compare yourself to them.

From what I have read, and this is not exact for everyone, but they start off with a sore itchy area of skin... maybe red and swollen or sensitive. then a sore or bump will appear. after a short time (1-2 days) that sore will blister, and have clear fluid in them. it will itch, sorta like chicken pocs, or poison ivy, then once they pop, the sore will heal completely without scaring within a few days. this entire cycle can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Blood test will almost certainly tell you have HVS-1 or HVS-2.. however you have to wait until 12-14 weeks for them to be accurate. They are most accurate at 3 months after exposure.

yes, get blood test, because you may by asymptomatic.. meaning you have herpes, but did not show any symptoms. 80% of people with herpes do not know they have it. Get the blood test for a piece of mind, and to protect your partner.

Results are not very misleading after 3 months. Besides, you can always get a 2nd test, 3rd test. But if both or all 3 test say the same thing, that would be pretty concrete.

[riannai]

I also have another question how can you be sure not to spread herpes to the people that you live with? Like when you use the same bathroom, same towels, etc. Are there any special precautions to take to avoid infecting the people you live with?

[Hochee]

Again, no expert, but from what I've read on other post here and on other sites.... just don't share towels.. shouldn't do that anyways.

Herpes is an STD.. it requires the SEX part. Its not a doorknob or counter top disease.

Your precautions should focus on sexual acts, not daily living. Read up on some post here that actually discuss this in further detail.

[gracefromHHP]

you have had MULTIPLE questions now in the std forum as well as the hiv forum.  please read the read before posting posts in both forums as to the rules of posting.

is this still in regards to the situation you originally posted about?  if so, you were never at risk for herpes.

the free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com has terrific information about herpes for more reading.

grace