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Disease Symptom Tips :: Stages of Herpes
Stages of Herpes: The Stages of Genital Herpes
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There are five major stages of herpes. If a genital herpes outbreak occurs or isn't treated, then sores will often begin to develop on the affected area.
To learn more about the various stages of herpes sore development, along with information on healing after an outbreak and how to avoid spreading the disease, keep reading.
Stages of Herpes
Early Redness
When an outbreak of genital herpes begins to occur, it typically starts with redness and irritation on a small part of the skin. The affected area could be itchy, painful or very sensitive to the touch – almost like a “hot spot.”
Swelling
The area will begin to swell and depending on the individual, this swelling may or may not be immediately noticeable.
Small Blisters
Typically, with a genital herpes outbreak, small blisters will begin to appear. They will be filled with either red, clear or whitish fluid and they will form over the area that was previously affected by swelling and redness. They may manifest as a single blister or multiple blisters.
Wet Ulcers
Wet ulcers are the fourth of the five stages of herpes. They appear once the blisters have broken. Essentially, they look like very swollen and irritated cuts. They will often feel raw, tender and sore. The wet ulcers could appear as several ulcers or as a single, small sore.
Scabs or Dry Crust
As the wet ulcers start to heal, dry crusts or scabs will begin to form. As the scab hardens, new skin will grow under it. Eventually, the scab will fall off.
Completing the Healing Process
After a herpes outbreak, healing is considered complete once the scabs fall off or the sores dry up and disappear. The skin may still appear red, but it is no longer sore or visibly affected.
Spreading Herpes
When the herpes virus isn't active, this is considered the asymptomatic phase, meaning there are no symptoms. However, even if you're not experiencing an outbreak, the virus may still be replicating. That means you can still spread the virus.
Since there is no treatment to fully affect or prevent the spread of genital herpes, it's critical that people who have been diagnosed with genital herpes always use a condom or latex barrier during sexual contact.
It's also important to remember that condoms are not 100% effective in preventing the transmission of herpes. If the affected area is outside the area covered or protected by the condom, the disease may still be spread.
So, even though you are not experiencing any of the stages of herpes, it's important to provide protection during any sexual encounter.
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