Herpes blisters are caused by the herpes virus, which can lie dormant in nerve endings and reappear during periods of stress or weakened immunity. There are two types of herpes: type one, which causes blisters near the mouth, and type two, which is sexually transmitted and causes genital blisters. Antiviral medication can help treat herpes, and it’s important to avoid sex during an active infection or prodrome.
Herpes blisters are the outward sign of an active herpes virus infection. The herpes virus is transmitted by contact with an infected person, just before or during an outbreak. The virus can lie dormant in the nerve ending for several years and reappear only during a period of severe stress or weakened immunity. When the virus does reappear, it usually occurs in the same location as in previous outbreaks.
There are two classes of herpes, type one and type two. Type one is defined as blisters that occur on or near the mouth. These blisters are also known as fever blisters or cold sores. They are quite painful and can last up to three weeks.
Herpes type one blisters are quite common, affecting between 15% and 35% of the population in the United States. The first infection typically occurs in childhood, with the onset of fever, pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a sore throat. The virus is spread through contact with an infected person, through their saliva, breath droplets or skin-to-skin contact.
These blisters are typically seen on the outer edge of the lips. They often appear as two or three small sores that quickly merge together. The sores become very tender, develop a scab and then a scab. The average number of outbreaks is between two and five. Individuals with compromised immune systems may have more frequent outbreaks.
The second type of herpes occurs as a result of sexual contact with an infected person. The sores appear in the genital region in clusters of three to five blisters. The first appearance of herpes blisters occurs three to five days after contact with an infected person during a contagious phase. It is important to contact your doctor to confirm your herpes infection. Antiviral medications may be prescribed to promote healing.
Herpes type two is a sexually transmitted disease. Condoms do not prevent the spread of herpes, as infected sores can be found anywhere in the genital region. If you have herpes, it’s important to let your sexual partner know. To avoid spreading this infection, avoid sex when you have an active infection or when you have a prodrome.
Prodrome is a name for symptoms that appear just before an outbreak. During this time, the herpes infection is active and contagious. The most common prodromal symptoms are pain, tingling and burning in the area of previous herpes blisters. Some people feel very tired and may have a slight fever.
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