Infections caused by HSV-1 are less likely to recur in the genital area than infections caused by HSV-2. Over time, episodes usually become less frequent and may eventually stop altogether. Recurrences are usually less painful and shorter in duration than the first episode of genital herpes. Considerable pain and swelling in the genital area – that may cause discomfort and difficulty passing urine.Small cracks in the skin (with or without an itch or tingling).Small blisters around the genitals – these break open to form shallow, painful ulcers, which scab over and heal after 1 to 2 weeks.Flu-like symptoms (such as feeling unwell, headache, pain in the back and legs, enlarged glands in the groin).Symptoms of the first episode may include: The first episode of herpes can cause considerable pain and distress. Many people who have genital herpes may not be aware they have the infection, because they have no symptoms. Genital herpes can also spread between episodes – when there is no sore, blister, ulcer or skin split present (known as asymptomatic viral shedding). from the mouth or face to genital skin during contact.This occurs by having a sore, blister, ulcer or skin split (known as viral shedding).ĭuring viral shedding, the virus is on the skin surface and can spread through: The virus is most contagious when someone with HSV has an ‘episode’ or an outbreak. The infection can occur anywhere on the genitals (including the groin and pubic area) and in or around the anus.Ĭold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for those who do not have the cold sore virus.

The herpes virus spreads by skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted during: It’s important to remember that it only affects the skin for short periods of time. Many people are anxious about genital herpes.

It is difficult to be certain as many people do not experience symptoms.Īlso, it’s often not possible to tell when a person first acquired the HSV infection as symptoms may appear weeks to years later, if at all. Image of genital herpes - blisters and ulcer, courtesy DermNet Genital herpes is commonĪround 75% of the Australian population have been exposed to the HSV-1 virus and about one in 8 people have HSV-2.

Can i get herpes by touching someone