Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does It Look Like?Where Are the Sores?SymptomsOther ConditionsDiagnosisWhen to See a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Does It Look Like?
Where Are the Sores?
Symptoms
Other Conditions
Diagnosis
When to See a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Genital herpesis a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause sores in various places on the body.Blister-like lesions may appear in the genital area, anus, thighs, and buttocks.
The virus enters the body through either a mucous membrane (like in the genitals) or an injury in the skin. When active, the virus uses nerve pathways to travel to the skin’s surface, where it multiplies.
This can result in sores and rashes in some people, but not everyone with genital herpes will experience symptoms.
This article will discuss genital herpes, what it looks like, where sores are located, how it is diagnosed, other conditions that may be mistaken for genital herpes, and when to see a healthcare provider.
nebari / Getty Images
What Does Genital Herpes Look Like?
Not everyone with genital herpes will have visible signs of the infection. Some people may acquire the virus and not even know it.
In some people, lesions will form on the skin from two days to three weeks after acquiring the virus.The sores may be similar in appearance to a pimple or ingrown hair. They may be bumps that are discolored or white. They may also have the appearance of a fluid-filled blister.
Many people will only have a few sores, but some people will have widespread sores or blisters. In addition to sores, a patch of swollen red skin may appear in the anus or genital area. It may also appear on the buttocks or thighs.
Blisters may form on this patch of skin. The blisters may burst, leaving behind sores that can be painful. These sores will form scabs in two to six weeks before healing completely.
How Herpes Sores Appear
Where Are Genital Herpes Sores Located?
Not everyone with genital herpes will have sores.
In those who do develop sores, they may appear in a number of places, including the:
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Genital herpes can cause a variety of symptoms. These include:
Other Conditions That Look Similar to Herpes
Herpes may sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. Sores may be mistaken for an ingrown hair or pimple.
Syphilis, another STI, may also appear similar to herpes. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if symptoms are due to herpes, another STI, or something else.
Is It Herpes?
To diagnose genital herpes, a healthcare provider may:
If sores aren’t present, a blood test will sometimes try to detect antibodies to HSV-2, with further testing as needed.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have symptoms that may indicate genital herpes, make an appointment to see a healthcare provider. These symptoms include:
Summary
A Word From Verywell
If you’re worried you may have genital herpes, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for support. Remember it can sometimes be difficult to know if you have genital herpes, so it is important to speak to a professional if you suspect you may have been exposed to the infection.
Learn MoreWhat to Expect With a First Outbreak of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes doesn’t just occur in the genital area. Sores may also appear on the buttocks, thighs, and anus.You may develop herpes at multiple sites, usually when you first acquire it.Sores occur in areas exposed to the virus through skin-to-skin contact or oral or genital secretions from a person who is shedding the virus.If you touch a herpes sore or fluids from it, you can transfer the virusto your eyeor other parts of your body.Learn MoreHow Can You Get Herpes?
Genital herpes doesn’t just occur in the genital area. Sores may also appear on the buttocks, thighs, and anus.You may develop herpes at multiple sites, usually when you first acquire it.Sores occur in areas exposed to the virus through skin-to-skin contact or oral or genital secretions from a person who is shedding the virus.If you touch a herpes sore or fluids from it, you can transfer the virusto your eyeor other parts of your body.
Genital herpes doesn’t just occur in the genital area. Sores may also appear on the buttocks, thighs, and anus.You may develop herpes at multiple sites, usually when you first acquire it.
Sores occur in areas exposed to the virus through skin-to-skin contact or oral or genital secretions from a person who is shedding the virus.
If you touch a herpes sore or fluids from it, you can transfer the virusto your eyeor other parts of your body.
Learn MoreHow Can You Get Herpes?
Genital herpes can be similar in appearance and therefore be mistaken for ingrown hairs or pimples. It may also be mistaken for another STI, syphilis.Learn MoreHow Herpes Is Diagnosed
Genital herpes can be similar in appearance and therefore be mistaken for ingrown hairs or pimples. It may also be mistaken for another STI, syphilis.
Learn MoreHow Herpes Is Diagnosed
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital herpes: signs and symptoms.Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex.Planned Parenthood.What does genital herpes look like?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.Planned Parenthood.Should I get tested for herpes?NHS.Genital herpes.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital herpes: signs and symptoms.Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex.Planned Parenthood.What does genital herpes look like?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.Planned Parenthood.Should I get tested for herpes?NHS.Genital herpes.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital herpes: signs and symptoms.Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex.Planned Parenthood.What does genital herpes look like?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.Planned Parenthood.Should I get tested for herpes?NHS.Genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital herpes: signs and symptoms.
Mount Sinai.Herpes simplex.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.
NHS.Genital herpes.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
