Genital Herpes Pictures

Herpes is a common viral infection. Genital herpes, HSV-2, is a sexually transmitted disease that cause blisters or sores on the genitals.

See Genital Herpes Pictures

See below for genital herpes pictures. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be spread to others even without an outbreak. If you notice an outbreak or the beginning of an outbreak, as in the pictures below, you should avoid all sexual contact and seek medical treatment.

Genital herpes consists of breakouts or episodes that can last up to a month. An infected person can then go for a period of time symptom free before another outbreak occurs. These symptoms, or blister-like sores, of the herpes virus are called prodrome and are usually the only sign of an outbreak. These sores are caused by the virus copying itself in the skin.

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The first breakout is usually the most severe and may also come with tingling, itching or burning in the genitals. Reoccurrences are usually milder and don’t last as long as the first but should still be treated.

It is important to recognize the herpes virus so that if you have it, you can get treatment immediately and prevent transmitting it to others. Your doctor can perform tests to see if you have HSV. Usually, the herpes virus is best diagnosed with the first breakout. A swab is taken of the fluid from a blister and sent for analysis.

You will also want to be tested for other STDs since often people who have the herpes virus can have other sexually transmitted diseases.

You may notice in the pictures that the sores caused by the herpes virus can look different on different people. It can also show up in different areas of the genitals and even the anal area. You may find sores on the head of the penis, the shaft, the base, around the vaginal opening, the labia and even the cervix (although you wouldn’t be able to detect this on your own). Men and women can also have sores in the perineal area.

Oral herpes can also be spread to the genitals through oral sex.

All sexual contact should be avoided if you have an outbreak of either HSV-1 or 2. You should also be sure to wash your hands immediately after touching a sore or outbreak.