What Does Herpes Look Like/ Could Herpes Look Like a Pimple   by HerpesHelp

in Health / Diseases and Conditions    (submitted 2009-01-10)

One of the common questions asked is what does herpes look like and could herpes look like a pimple. Finding the answers to these questions is an important part of the prevention and control of this virus that has now infected twenty five percent of the U.S. population. Before we look into what does herpes look like let's discuss what is herpes. Some of this information you may already know but hopefully you will be able to find some new information that you didn't know to further your knowledge about this virus.

There are two types of the herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and HSV-2. Type 1 is usually referred to as cold sores that appear around the mouth and eyes (ocular herpes). Type 2 affects the genital area although it is known that HSV-1 can also reside in the genital area.

When I say reside, the herpes virus never goes away. It only presents itself through outbreaks but during its dormancy it lives in the nerve endings where the outbreaks occur. In HSV-1 those nerve endings are found near the ears and in HSV-2 it's found at the lower base of the spine. According to The American Social Health Association, under a microscope HSV 1 and HSV 2 are virtually identical, sharing approximately 50% of their DNA.

Now let's get into the reason why you're here. So what does herpes look like and could herpes look like a pimple? There is a misconception that herpes looks like a pimple because in the virus's early stages it may resemble one as it starts as a red bump. This bump is accompanied by a burning, tingling or itching sensation and it soon becomes apparent that it is not a pimple at all as this red bump fills with fluid and forms into a blister.

Once this blister breaks open the wound is then in the healing stage as it crusts over as in a scab. Herpes does not leave a scar and this whole process can take anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks. Knowing what does herpes look like is very helpful in the diagnosis of the virus but the signs and symptoms of herpes and its severity differ as some people may experience all symptoms and some experience none.

As someone who has lived with the herpes virus for 27 years I can tell you life does go on if you do contract this disease. There are so many ways to help you control the virus these days that it is not as bad as it once was. The key is to get a diagnosis and find out what will work with your body in order to lesson your outbreaks and allow you to have a normal life.

About the Author

The best way to answer what does herpes look like is through visual images. You can find those images and more information at signsandsymptomsofherpes.com. Learn more about this virus as knowledge is the key to prevention.