Herpesis a common viral infection that can cause sores in the mouth or genitals.
“Oral herpes” refers to herpes that affects the throat, mouth, and lips.
Some people will experience lesions in a group or cluster.
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This is particularly noticeable when urinating.
During this stage, there may be a feeling of discomfort or itching in the genitals as well.
Once lesions develop, they may break, leaving behind sores.
These can take weeks to heal fully.
What Does Anal Herpes Look Like?
In some cases, genital herpes (including anal herpes) is not noticeable.
If symptoms of herpes do appear, they may begin as small bumps that are white or discolored.
The blisters may be filled with fluid and be of different sizes.
They may also appear in different places on the body.
When the blisters break, they may bleed or ooze white-colored fluid.
Over time, the sores left from the burst blisters will form scabs that will eventually disappear.
Conditions That May Be Mistaken for Anal Herpes
Anal herpes can sometimes bemistaken for other skin conditions.
It is important to determine which STI you have since they require different treatments.
Genital Herpes Causes
Genital herpes is an STI.
It is triggered by herpes simplex virus.
A person with oral herpes can transmit herpes to the genitals or anus through oral contact with those areas.
These symptoms include:
Diagnosis
Genital herpes can only be diagnosed through testing.
To diagnose herpes, a healthcare provider may examine you to look for sores.
If sores aren’t present, a healthcare provider may recommend a blood test.
This usually is recommended if other symptoms are present.
An anti-herpes medication taken daily can lower the risk of the herpes infection being transmitted to sexual partners.
Anal herpes refers to herpes that occurs on the anus.
Sometimes, genital herpes is mistaken for other STIs, pimples, or ingrown hairs.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but medications are available to manage the condition and shorten outbreaks.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with genital herpes can be uncomfortable.
But remember, herpes infections are common and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a healthcare provider for support and guidance.
In later outbreaks, sores will heal more quickly.
They typically clear up in three days to a week.
Lesions from genital herpes that appear on the anus and other areas may be itchy or painful.
Herpes sores develop at the site where there was contact with the virus.
Not everyone with herpes will have noticeable symptoms.
But herpes can appear in a number of places including the:
Planned Parenthood.Oral & genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital herpes: signs and symptoms.
