Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Most cases of genital herpes are caused by infection by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is more often the cause of cold sores or fever blisters, but it can also be a cause of genital herpes.
Most people with genital herpes don’t know they have it. That’s because in most people it produces either no symptoms or very mild ones.
Genital herpes virus is passed from one person to another through sexual contact. This happens even if the person with the virus doesn’t have symptoms or signs of infection. Once the virus enters through the skin, it travels along nerve paths. It may become dormant (inactive) in the nerves and remain there indefinitely.
From time to time, the virus may become active. When that happens, the virus travels back along the nerve path to the surface of the skin, where additional virus is shed. At this point the virus may cause an outbreak of symptoms. Or it may remain undetected.
Symptoms include:
- Blisters may appear in your mouth, and on your lips, face, and anywhere else that came into contact with the infected areas.
- The infected site often starts to itch, or tingle, before the actual appearance of blisters.
- The blisters may become ulcerated (open sores) and ooze fluid.
- A crust may appear over the sores within a week of the outbreak.
- Your lymph glands may become swollen as they are fighting the infection and inflammation in your body.
- You may have headaches, body aches, and fever.
- Usually breakouts happen when individual is tired, worn down and immune system is off.