What Do Herpes Look Like?

Herpes has different forms. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2. The most common ones are Herpes, Oral Herpes, Genital Herpes while some diseases such as the Herpatic Whitlow, Cerebral Herpes Infection Encephalitis, Mollarett's Meningitis, Herpes Gladiatorum and Ocular Herpes are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. The condition known as Herpes zoster or shingles appears as a big pink rash on the skin and gradually fills up with white blisters. The rash keeps spreading till it eventually forms a ring. In some cases it may not join the other end but spread from the front to the back. The blisters gradually burst with the use of special anti-bacterial ointments over three to four weeks and leave brown marks where the blisters were. The brown stains start flaking eventually and when they've all fallen off the affected area takes a light pink hue. The skin retains the slight discoloration even years after the herpes has been cured. Genital herpes is asymptomatic, and after the infection is apprently cured the virus moves to sensory nerves where it resides as a latent virus before it is triggered into action months or even years later. Orofacial herpes causes sores on the face or mouth. The main symptom is an inflammation of the mucosa of the cheek and gum. The symptoms of genital and oral herpes are quite similar and it is hard to diagnose the type unless tests are conducted.