Herpes includes two types or forms. These two forms can result in blisters in the mouth as well as the genital of individuals. The HSV 1 type results in herpes lesions called cold sores or fever blisters. These lesions are observed in the lips and mouth regions of individuals. The HSV 2 types results in appearance of blisters in the genital areas.

Persons infected with herpes have to experience symptoms associated with this illness throughout their lives. During periods of inactivity the virus lies latent in the nerve cells. Many people are infected with the herpes simplex virus and as many as 45 million people in America are infected with genital herpes. Herpes lesions are accompanied with feelings of itching and burning in the affected areas.

As a part of initial symptoms people tend to experience a burning sensation and pain in the legs and genital areas along with vaginal or penile discharge. Following these initial symptoms herpes lesions or sores erupt in the affected areas. In women these sores can be observed in the vaginal or cervix. In genital herpes the lesions may initially be in the form of small red bumps that may go on to develop into blisters. These blisters may become rather painful and eventually crust over and heal without any scarring.

The symptoms of this condition including herpes lesions appear in a period of around 2 to 10 days after the infection and such symptoms can last for around 2 to 3 weeks. The initial outbreak of sores may also be accompanied with fever, muscle aches and swollen glands in areas such as the groin region.

In genital herpes the virus can reactivate even without the presence of herpes lesions or sores. In these phases small proportion of virus may be shed in the regions near the lesions and this can result in the infection spreading to other people. The virus may be reactivated due to infections, fever, weak immune system, stress, trauma and menstruation.

In some cases once the herpes lesions rupture ulcers are noticed these may be particularly painful. These ulcers and the fluid within the ulcers are extremely contagious and such a condition can last for almost two weeks. In some cases herpes can also result in lesions on fingers and these are called whitlow.

Those who have herpes lesions should avoid touching the lesions or sores. Likewise hands should be washed before touching or kissing babies. It is advisable to wear loose clothes and cool cloth can be kept on the lesions to get some relief. These lesions can be treated with antiviral medication.