Are Genital Herpes Pictures Useful?

Genital herpes pictures can be very useful in identifying the presence of the herpes virus. But why a photo or picture? Perhaps you have some blisters or sores that you are worried about, or maybe you are just curious. Perhaps a partner has told you that they have herpes and you want to see what it looks like.

A genital herpes picture can be helpful because it can help you determine whether or not you have the virus yourself, and possibly help you to recognize the symptoms in others.

 

Click on photos to enlarge

After reviewing the pictures, you may find that they all have a lot in common. The photo symptoms tend to look similar. Yet, there are some differences in the virus pictures.

Some images show the progression of a sore. Herpes lesions begin as a red and swollen area, which then develops into a blister that contains a clear liquid. After a day or two the blister will pop and form an open ulcerated sore. Once this crusts and scabs over, the sore then begins to heal and eventually falls off.

Typically the new skin under the sore will be pink and tender for a while. Herpes is most easily passed to new people when the sores are present.

Using A Herpes Photo or Picture for Diagnosis

The problem with looking at pictures as your only means of self-education is that it is not a fail-proof way to diagnose anything, for not all sores look exactly the same, and some people who actually have herpes never experience the characteristic symptoms. A photo may also not exactly depict the virus and therefore make diagnosis difficult. One picture may show the herpes virus in a different stage of maturity than another picture.

If you only rely on pictures, you may mistakenly decide you do not have herpes, and end up passing the virus to others. If you have any symptoms or sores of any kind, see a doctor.

It is a much wiser course of action to look at genital herpes photos and then, based on what you see, decide whether or not to see a doctor.

If you feel that the photographs are similar to what you are experiencing, see a doctor who can make a professional diagnosis and help you decide if your case is serious enough to need any medication.