Health & Beauty Tips

Are you experiencing discomfort because of sores in your mouth or lesions in your genital area? You just might be suffering from the signs of herpes. Herpes comes in two different forms. The first is Herpes Simplex Type 1, oral herpes that reveals itself in cold sores. Then there's Herpes Simplex Type 2, otherwise known as genital herpes. Although genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, oral herpes can be transmitted to the mouth when it comes to oral sex.

But how do you know if these sores are truly indications of herpes, or signs of something else? Often, especially in women, genital herpes is misdiagnosed as a yeast infection, boils, or pelvic inflammatory disease, so it's a good idea to read up on the disease if you're unsure of your diagnosis. If you visit your doctor, he or she can positively identify what you're suffering from. But let's get down to the details on the signs of herpes.

The most common symptom of the disease is red bumps or blisters. They can appear near the urethra, buttocks, thighs, anus, and in other genital areas. What's worse, women can develop blisters inside their vaginas. They might experience vaginal discharge, and urinating could be painful.

The first outbreak could last somewhere around three weeks for women, on average. For men, they can expect to endure it for two weeks. Some women will also develop meningitis as a result of their first outbreak. But there are other symptoms of genital herpes outbreaks. That includes headaches, fever, lower back pain, muscle aches, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms along with sores in your genital area, consult your doctor.

Approximately four in five people who experience one outbreak of herpes will suffer from recurrent outbreaks. However, there will usually be warning signs. The most obvious will be pain or discomfort in the areas that may develop sores. Remember, even without the sores, you're very contagious at this stage! Pay close attention to the signs of herpes and remember the warnings.