What Do Herpes Sores Look Like?
Does Herpes Look Like a Pimple?

What do herpes sores look like? That's a good question.

Often herpes sores get mistaken for other things like bug bites, ingrown hairs, or even pimples. Yes herpes can look like a pimple. This page will give you an idea of what herpes looks like.

So if you have some symptoms of herpes OR if you see symptoms of herpes in your partner... you need to get honest with yourself and them. The best thing to do is to get TESTED by a clinic or a doctor.

STDcheck is the next logical step to take if you suspect you have herpes of any type. You can book a professional blood test at a local clinic there and which will tell you accurately if you have Herpes. Watch me get tested and see how easy it was.

Take a look at the pictures below and then if you think you or your partner may have it, then consider getting tested.

This page is all about answering the question "What Do Herpes Sores Look Like?"

What Do Herpes Sores Look Like in the Early Stages Herpes?

(Picture of Herpes Type One HSV-1: Known as a cold sore or fever blister)

In the early stages of herpes, it is hard to detect a herpes sore.

The way the Herpes Simplex virus works is this: the herpes virus hides in the nerves at the base of the spine. Then usually triggered by stress, it goes up the ganglia of the nerves to the skin around the mouth or genital area.

It hangs out under the skin for a few days. Irritating the skin. Making you feel very itchy. You might even feel some pain.

At this point you might not notice any signs of herpes sores.

Or you might see some red skin with a slight rash.

Important. You are still contagious at this time! If you have herpes, you are still contagious. The herpes virus is getting ready to reproduce. So as you shed skin in the infected area, the herpes virus can be spread through skin to skin contact. This is called Asymptomatic Shedding.

What do Herpes Sores Look Like on the Skin?

(What herpes can look like on the skin)

Once the herpes virus has gotten to the skin. It will make the skin red and irritated.

Then the herpes virus will create small liquid pus-filled blisters at the surface of the skin. This combination of red skin and blisters is known as a herpes sore.

Usually there will be many little blisters clustered together. It is very uncomfortable and very contagious by this point of a herpes outbreak.

What Do Herpes Sores Look Like After a Few Days

(Image of What Do Herpes Sores Look Like After a Few Days)

After a few days, the herpes sore will release their liquids and thousands of little viruses. Yes, that is what viruses do... they reproduce.

Important: Avoid any skin to skin contact at this time. Which means no kissing, or sex, or touching the herpes sores.

Then the blisters or herpes sores will turn into scabs. They will eventually fall off, and the skin will heal within 3-7 days.

Does Herpes Look Like a Pimple?

"Does Herpes look like a pimple?" is another good question.

Mainly because, yes, they can look really similar.

Here's the differences between a herpes sore and a pimple.

A pimple is caused by oils being trapped under the skin. Eventually the oils collect up in a blister. A pimple looks like herpes because it has red skin with a white blister on top.

The difference however are many. Usually there is only one blister whereas herpes can have many blisters located together. Another difference between pimples and herpes is the location of the pimples.

Usually pimples occur on the oily parts of the body such as the face, cheeks, arms, neck, and back.

Herpes occur primarily around the mouth, especially on the lips. Genital herpes occurs in the groin area.

(This is a pimple: herpes can look like a pimple)

What Should You Do if You Think You Have Herpes Sores?

The sooner you take some action, the sooner you'll be able to calm your mind about whether you have herpes or not.

1. Get STD Tested! Get an STD Blood Test. The blood tests are fast and accurate. Use a fast and confidential service like STDcheck.com to find a testing center in your area. 

2. Visit a doctor. You can also visit your doctor who can prescribe and direct you for an STD test.

3. Delay sex until you get tested. Hold off on having sex until you get tested so you will know. 

4. Get your partner tested. Maybe they were the one who gave you potential herpes.

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