Herpes is a viral infection that is caused due to the herpes simplex virus. This infection results in oral herpes as well as genital herpes. In oral herpes lesions or sores are seen in regions of the face like the mouth, gums and the lips. In genital herpes penis, vagina and anus get eruptions or blisters. This infection normally develops in around 2 to 20 days once contact occurs.

In genital herpes penis and vagina may develop lesions that last for around 2 weeks. In some cases these lesions may be rather minor while in other cases these may be severe. The first outbreak of herpes is often quite severe as compared to the subsequent attacks. This is because after the first attack the body is able to fight the virus to a certain extent by developing the antibodies.

With genital herpes penis and vagina develops lesions from time to time as the virus never leaves the body after an infection. The virus remains in latent or dormant condition in the nerve cells at the spinal base. Because of certain triggering factors such as exposure to sunlight, illness or a compromised immune system the virus may become reactivated.

With herpes penis sores or lesions start off with pain and itching or tingling in the affected region. This is followed with eruption of small red bumps which develop into sores. These sores may be filled with clear or cloudy liquid. With times these sore scab over and then heal without resulting in any scarring. During this time it is advisable to keep the area dry and clean.

Some other symptoms that accompany herpes penis sores include fever, headaches, swelling in lymph nodes along with penile discharge. Many people also experience a burning sensation during urination. In some cases the sores may look like ulcerations or vesicles. This is particularly true in respect of the first outbreak.

In many cases the herpes penis sores tend to have an atypical appearance as the genital area is moist and warm. This results in the lesions looking more like erosions. In other cases crusting may not occur as the sores heal.