Sites of Genital Gerpes Infection

In women, the most affected genital areas are the vulva and the vaginal opening. Sometimes the sores can appear on the cervix. In men, sores are commonly found on the foreskin, the glans (end part of the penis), and the shaft. Sores can sometimes appear on the testicles. Less frequently, both women and men can experience the sores on the buttocks, anus and the top portion of the thighs.

The most severe of these conditions are herpetic encephalitis and neonatal herpes, both of which are quite uncommon but can be dangerous. The causes of Herpetic encephalitis aren’t entirely understood, but having the infection does not appear to make you less or more likely to develop it. Below are the various forms of HSV type 1 and type 2, and their occurrence:

• Orofacial herpes - cold sores (rare)
• Genital Herpes, - common
• Herpetic dermatitis - inflamed skin or rashes
• Herpetic whitlow - finger infection, typically at a fingernail’s base (rare)
• Herpetic keratitis - corneal inflammation (rare)
• Neonatal HSV - infection of newborns (rare)

The First Infection

The first infection that causes the symptoms is typically the most severe since the immune system of the body hasn’t come into contact with the herpes virus yet.

A first infection may last over 20 days, and it isn’t uncommon for somebody to experience numerous generalized symptoms, like fever, pains and aches, and certain genital symptoms. For other people, a first infection can be minor with mild symptoms and frequently is unrecognized and undiagnosed.

Most folks who get genital herpes won’t go through any recognizable symptoms. But, for those who do undergo such (20%), the initial indication of infection frequently begins between 2 to 20 days following the exposure to the herpes virus. This is known as the primary or first episode. The increase of symptoms could be less severe or take longer in several people, particularly those who have developed an HSV- 1 resistance from a cold sore infection before.

Herpes 2 symptoms can begin with itching, tingling, pain or burning (these are called warning symptoms or the “prodrome”) followed by the occurrence of excruciating red spots which, change through a stage of clear fluid-filled swellings or blisters which quickly turn white to yellow within a couple of days. The blisters erupt, which leaves excruciating ulcers which will become dry, scab over, and then heal in around ten days.

At times the new blisters’ development at the initial ulcer phase can extend the episode. However, the blister phase could be missed entirely, and ulcers could appear as though cracks or cuts in the skin. Also, some women could notice a vaginal discharge.

The range and severity of symptoms differ from one person to another. Women often experience agonizing urination. When this occurs, it is crucial to prevent the dilemma of urinary retention through drinking fluids to dilute the urine and thus lessen stinging and pain. Sitting in a bath that’s partially-filled when urinating helps as well. Both men and women can experience generalized fever, pains and aches, as well as a depressed, weary feeling.