Stages of Herpes-What it all means

Everyone needs to be aware of the different stages of herpes so that they can be on the lookout for symptoms not only in themselves, but also in potential sexual partners.  It’s a sad fact that not everyone is one hundred percent open and honest about their health when it comes to hooking up with others.  And in some cases, it’s not that a person is lying or being less than forthcoming, but it’s simple ignorance.  They may actually have herpes and be unaware of it, or think it’s some sort of benign condition.  By being able to recognize the various stages of herpes, you’ll be better able to both protect yourself from infection, and recognize one if it does occur.

The first stage will be marked by redness of skin in the genital area.  The affected area will be sensitive, and touching it can bring distress, from slight discomfort to severe pain, depending on the severity of the outbreak.  But many times during this first stage of herpes the symptoms will be so mild that many people won’t notice them, or dismiss them as just tenderness for one reason or another.  The next stage involves blisters popping up on the skin.  They’re usually small, but they can be larger.  In women, they will often be accompanied by vaginal discharge and pain or difficulty in urination.  This stage is when most people start to realize they have herpes.

In stage 3 of herpes, the blisters will start leaking or oozing the fluid that’s inside them.  They will also become quite distressed looking, and quite sore, especially when being touched.  This is a sign that the worst is over, and then the final stage of herpes begins.  That’s when the blisters begin healing, drying up and forming scabs, which eventually fall off.  That signals the end of a particular outbreak.  It’s vitally important that you get treatment in the early stages of herpes, as that can reduce the severity of not only that outbreak, but future ones, too.