Herpes typically appears as clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters on inflamed, discolored skin. These blisters can be red or pink on lighter skin tones and purple, brown, or darker on darker skin tones. The blisters often break open, ooze clear or yellow fluid, and then crust over before healing
. Appearance by location:
- Oral herpes (usually HSV-1): Sores mostly appear on the lips or around the mouth, sometimes on the chin, below the nose, or on the tongue. Initially, they look like small bumps or pimples that develop into fluid-filled blisters. After bursting, they ooze fluid and form yellow crusts
- Genital herpes (usually HSV-2): Outbreaks show as clusters of itchy or painful blisters on the genitals, including the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus, or upper thighs. The blisters may vary in size and eventually break open, bleeding or oozing whitish fluid before scabbing and healing over about a week or more
Stages of herpes sores:
- Tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the area before sores appear (prodrome).
- Small red, fluid-filled blisters form on or around the infected area.
- Blisters may merge and burst, releasing clear or yellow fluid.
- Sores dry and crust over, sometimes with itching.
- Crusts fall off and the skin heals, which can take 2-4 weeks
Additional symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and body aches may accompany the first outbreak
- Sores can be painful and sensitive, unlike pimples which are usually firm and less painful
Because herpes sores can resemble other skin conditions like pimples, acne, or contact dermatitis, a definitive diagnosis requires medical testing by a healthcare professional
