Genital Herpes - Review of its Main Phases

Dec 10
08:56

2008

Trevor Price

Trevor Price

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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.

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There are five stages of herpes,Genital Herpes - Review of its Main Phases Articles each defined by the progression of the herpes outbreak. With the first herpes outbreak after the contraction of the disease, these stages are often pronounced and dramatic.

To find out more about the stages of a herpes outbreak and the healing process, read on.

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 of the Affected Area
 
The area will begin to swell and, depending on the individual, this swelling may or may not be immediately noticeable.

Small Blisters

The most obvious symptom associated with genital herpes is the formation of small blisters in and around the genitals. These blisters are often filled with fluid and can appear as a single, small blister or as multiple blisters that cover the affected area.

Wet Ulcers

Wet ulcers are one of the most painful stages of herpes. They are what happens when herpes blisters burst or break. Once the blisters are drained, the individual is left with open sores that are raw, tender and very sensitive.

Scabs or Dry Crust

Once the wet ulcers begin healing, scabs will start to form over the region. Eventually, the dry crusts will harden and new skin will start to grow. Over time, the scab will fall off.

The End of Healing

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.

The Spread of Herpes

Even though your herpes outbreak may be over and done with, you can still spread the disease. When an outbreak isn't present, this is called the asymptomatic phase, which means there are no symptoms. However, the disease is still present and though the risk is small, it can still be spread.

Herpes can't be cured. Though there are drugs to limit the incidence of outbreaks and prevent contraction, it's critical that you provide protection from contracting the disease. If you have herpes, you should always use not only condoms, but also latex barriers such as dams even if you're not experiencing symptoms. You should also avoid sexual activity when experiencing an outbreak.

Remember, even if the various stages of herpes aren't occurring and you have no symptoms, you can still spread the disease.