Herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is spread largely by unprotected sexual activity. It is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV- type 2. It is important to know that usually the first sign of herpes is a severe inflammation of skin that shows in form of blisters or sores and in some extreme cases can lead to ruptures. These blisters commonly appear around the genital area and sometimes around the mouth too.
Interestingly many people who are infected by the virus do not show the signs of herpes but they may happen to infect other people with whom they have sexual relationship. The transmission is most likely to happen right before the appearance of blister or immediately after its drying. The myths about female and male genital herpes are just fabricated out of whims; herpes affect essentially the same parts of both sexes with similar symptoms.
The early signs of genital herpes include itchiness, nausea, painful urination, muscle pain and a burning sensation around the blister area. The blisters may be filled with an unclear liquid. They can appear inside or around the penis, groin, anus or inside the thighs of male and inside labia, vagina, groin, buttocks or around anus of female.
For females particularly, urination may become excessively painful and usually abnormal vaginal discharge also occurs. Blisters normally remain present for two to three weeks, after which they may subsequently burst open and they dry up on their own. People often learn to recognize the signs of herpes after the first attack and hence can take drugs to alleviate the pain. The appearance of the flu or nausea are very rare symptoms, but can occur. They usually happen 12 to 24 hrs before the appearance of blisters, intense itching or tingling sensation starts in the particular area. That is the best time to take hold of situation and to make the affliction more bearable.
