Herpes - The Most Significant Symptom.

There are many different types or variants of herpes and they all generate some type of eruption or herpes outbreak of sores or lesions.

Two herpes family strains are dominant. The strain responsible for affecting the upper body (above the waistline) is herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV 1. This virus causes mainly herpes of the mouth.

The second strain of herpes is HSV-2. This strain affects the parts of the body that are below the waist. This strain is typically transmitted through intercourse and involves outbreaks on the genitalia or the surrounding pubic area. Below we will more specifically get into the types of lesions caused by this virus as well as the location of these sores.

The gentlest member of the herpes family is HSV -1. Despite the fact that it is a gentler virus, the cold sores it causes are highly contagious. There is no cure for HSV 1. Although this herpes is predominantly found around the mouth in the form of fever blisters, it can cause genital herpes.

When your immune system is lowered or you are coming down with the flu or a cold is generally when the HSV 1 causes outbreaks in the form of fever blisters.

Herpes simplex 2 is the most commonly talked about form of herpes. This strain is passed through sexual activity. The blisters that occur from this strain are similar to cold sores; except only the genitals are affected

Genital herpes (the blisters) in males will make their appearance on the penis shaft, the anus, the buttocks and even on the inner thighs and lower back. Woman will see the blisters appearing over the whole of the pubic area, including the anus and buttocks. Sometimes the eruption is that mild that a torch or flashlight is used during the examination.

Eruptions of herpes on or near the genitals could look like cold sores. An outbreak may resemble a paper cut, chafing, or even appear to look like a yeast infection. Some symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak may include aches, pains in the area, excretion from the penis or vagina, and soreness when urinating.

It is common for the first herpes outbreaks to be far more severe and they often are preceded by feelings of fever and glands that are swollen. Subsequent outbreaks are normally never as harsh as that first outbreak and can occur 6 to 8 times a year, depending on your health. Extreme stress levels will almost always trigger an outbreak as will a lowered immune system. Depression can lengthen the period of your herpes outbreaks.