Herpes results from contracting the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes sores or blisters in or around the mouth or genitals, alongside other symptoms. There is currently no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
There are two types of HSV: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes, while oral herpes typically develops due to HSV-1.
Small blistering lesions are the characteristic symptoms of herpes, and they’re usually found around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. When they appear around the mouth, they are called cold sores.
This article describes the symptoms of genital and oral herpes, how to treat them, and how to prevent them.
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The
It typically develops due to HSV-2, although it can also develop due to HSV-1.
Generally, HSV-2 is usually transmitted through genital contact with someone who has HSV-2. A person can also contract HSV-1 by having oral sex with someone who has an oral HSV-1 infection.
Oral herpes is primarily caused by HSV-1. An estimated
It can cause blisters to appear on the lips or around the month. Blisters can also develop on the face or tongue.
A person with an oral herpes outbreak may first feel itching, burning, or tingling around the mouth, lips, or tongue. Later, cold sores or small blisters may develop in these areas or anywhere on the skin.
The following images can help with identifying forms of herpes:
Learn more about how to visually identify herpes.
People who develop herpes symptoms may first experience tingling, itching, or burning before sores or blisters form around the mouth or genitals. These blisters break open and leak fluid, which forms a crust before healing.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the first time sores develop will be around 2 to 20 days after exposure to the virus. They can last 7 to 10 days, although they may last longer during the initial outbreak.
Oral herpes symptoms
Oral herpes causes blisters, sometimes called fever sores or cold sores, to develop in or around the lips and mouth. Sometimes these blisters form elsewhere on the face or tongue and more rarely on other areas of the skin.
The sores usually resolve on their own in 10 days, per the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS).
Genital herpes symptoms
The
These sores tend to develop on the penis, around or inside the vagina, on the buttocks, tops of the thighs, or on the anus, though they can form on other areas of skin.
During the initial outbreak, the AAD reports that symptoms can last between 2 and 6 weeks.
Herpes can also cause pain when urinating and penile and vaginal discharge.
Sometimes particularly with the first outbreak of genital herpes, people can have additional symptoms that affect their whole bodies, such as:
After the initial genital herpes outbreak, a person is likely to have repeat outbreaks. However, these outbreaks are typically shorter and less severe, and the number of outbreaks can also decrease over time.
Initial episode symptoms
These occur when a person first develops the infection.
Alongside sores or blisters, herpes may cause:
- pain and itching
- swollen lymph nodes
- a fever
- fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
According to the
When HSV is present on the skin, it can easily pass from person to person through contact with the moist skin of the mouth and genitals, including the anus. The virus may also spread through contact to the eyes and to other areas of the skin.
A person may contract HSV if they come into contact with:
- a herpes sore
- saliva from a partner who has oral HSV
- genital fluids from a person with genital HSV
- the skin of the oral or genital area of a person with HSV
HSV cannot spread through general contact with objects like toilets, doorknobs, or towels.
The virus is most contagious when symptoms first appear and before they heal. Less commonly, a person can transmit the virus when symptoms are not present.
If a person with genital herpes has sores while giving birth, the virus can pass on to the baby.
Because a person might not have symptoms even if they have herpes, it can be difficult to know when to contact a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Planned Parenthood recommends that a person see a healthcare professional as soon as they notice sores on or around their genitals. Other STIs, such as syphilis, can have similar symptoms but require different treatments.
The American Sexual Health Association also recommends seeing a doctor to get a culture of any lesion or cold sore a person notices.
People may wish to take an at-home herpes test before seeing a doctor. However, at-home tests should not replace professional diagnosis and treatment.
No drug can cure the herpes virus. However, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as acyclovir, to prevent the virus from multiplying.
Meanwhile, over-the-counter (OTC) herpes treatments, often creams, can help manage tingling, itching, and pain.
Home remedies
People should not try to treat herpes with home remedies without speaking with a doctor first. No research supports the effectiveness of home remedies in treating herpes symptoms.
However, a person can take pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important that a person refrains from sexual activity, even with protection, until the symptoms have gone.
The following can also help ease symptoms of genital herpes:
- applying a cream or lotion containing 5% lidocaine before urinating
- bathing in lightly salted water or soaking in a warm sitz bath
- squirting water from a bottle or bidet onto blisters to ease pain while urinating
- wearing loose clothing to avoid irritation
It is important for a person to thoroughly wash their hands after applying any creams or lotions to the sores.
Some people find that using ice packs helps. However, never apply ice directly to the skin — wrap it in a cloth first.
Learn more about home remedies for herpes.
Genital herpes
According to the U.K.’s NHS, if a person uses antiviral medication, symptoms may resolve 1 to 2 days more quickly than if they had used no treatment. Medication may also reduce the severity of symptoms.
If a person has fewer than six recurrences of genital herpes per year, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication at each recurrence.
If a person experiences recurrences more frequently, a doctor may recommend taking an antiviral for 6 to 12 months at a time.
Oral herpes
To help ease oral herpes symptoms, a person can try:
- avoiding any triggers, such as sunbeds
- applying sunblock lip balm when outside
- drinking plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration
A pharmacist may recommend:
- creams to ease pain
- antiviral creams
- cold sore patches
If the cold sores are large, a doctor may prescribe antiviral tablets.
The following strategies can reduce the risk of developing or passing on herpes:
- using barrier protection, such as condoms, when performing oral sex or having penetrative sex
- avoiding sexual activity while symptoms are present
- avoiding kissing and oral sex when there is a cold sore around the mouth
- washing the hands thoroughly, especially after touching the affected area, during an outbreak
Some people also find that stress, being tired, illness, skin friction, and sunbathing can trigger recurrences of symptoms.
Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce the number of outbreaks.
The following are common questions and answers about herpes:
Can I still have sex if I have herpes?
A person with herpes should tell their partners that they have the infection before they have sex. They should always use a condom, even if a person does not seem to have symptoms.
Prescription antiviral medication can reduce the likelihood of someone with herpes transferring it to their partner who does not have the viral infection.
Learn more about safer sex practices.
Is there a link between genital herpes and HIV?
It is easier for a person with genital herpes to contract or transmit HIV infection.
If a person with a herpes infection is genitally exposed to HIV, their risk of acquiring HIV is
A person with HIV and genital herpes is more likely to transmit HIV to sex partners.
Learn about at-home HIV tests here.
Can herpes go away?
Herpes does not go away. There are currently no treatments that can clear the herpes virus from the body. However, prescription medications can make outbreaks shorter and less severe. OTC products can provide some relief for symptoms.
Learn why there is no cure for herpes.
How do I know if I have herpes?
If a person has an active herpes outbreak with visible sores, a physician or specialist such as a dermatologist can make a diagnosis based on a physical examination.
If the physical symptoms alone are not enough, a doctor may take a swab of the sore and send it to a lab for analysis.
Blood tests are available if a person does not have physical sores but is concerned.
People can also take at-home herpes tests, though they should schedule a consultation with a doctor to confirm a diagnosis and get treatment.
Are the symptoms of herpes different between sexes?
The symptoms of herpes are the same across sexes.
Herpes is a viral infection that can cause blisters or sores to develop around the mouth or genitals, though some people never develop symptoms.
Herpes spreads through physical contact with moist skin areas, particularly through sexual activity. People can prevent transmitting HSV by practicing safer sex and proper personal hygiene, such as washing hands during an outbreak.
If a person has an HSV infection, they will have it long term. There are currently no medications to cure herpes. However, there are medications to prevent or shorten outbreaks, help manage symptoms, and make it less likely that a person transfers genital herpes to a partner.
A person who suspects they may have herpes should speak with a doctor about diagnosis and treatment.