genital herpes

what does it look like?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The "classical" appearance on dry skin, such as the penis or labia major, is a cluster of red bumps that quickly evolve into blisters, then pustules (like pimples--i.e., cloudy or yellow pus in the blisters), then scabs, then healing.  On moist surfaces, like the labia minor or under the foreskin, the blister stage often isn't seen; the lesions just appear as open sores.  This tends to be the most painful form of the disease, one reason women are more seriously affected on average than men.  Sometimes there is painful swelling of the lymph glands in the groin.

But most cases of herpes don't have the "classical" form.  Almost any sore, red bump, or open sore on or near the genitals or anal area can be genital herpes.  But other things can cause the same symptoms, so the diagnosis can be difficult.

Most important, don't try to diagnose yourself.  Even doctors, including the most knowledgable herpes experts, require lab tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[joyson89]

A related discussion, STD was started.