Herpes - The Most Significant Symptom.

There are varying strains of the herpes virus family and they all cause some type of eruption or herpes outbreak of sores or lesions.

Two herpes family strains are paramount. The virus responsible for affecting the upper body (above the waistline) is herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV 1. This virus causes mainly oral herpes.

The second strain of herpes is herpes simplex 2. This strain affects the parts of the body that are below the waist. This strain is typically transmitted through intercourse and involves outbreaks on the genitalia or the surrounding pubic area. Below we will more specifically get into the types of blisters caused by this virus as well as the location of these sores.

Take note of the fact that although HSV 1 causes mainly oral herpes, it can also easily be spread to the genitals through oral sexual activity. It is highly transmittable although it is actually a milder member of the herpes family of viruses.

This is known as oral herpes. These lesions erupt when the immune system is weakened or stressed. Hence the term fever blisters, or cold sores, refer to these lesions occurring around the time a cold appears.

Herpes simplex 2 is the most commonly talked about form of herpes. HSV 2 is passed through sexual activity. The lesions that occur from this strain are similar to cold sores; The herpes virus that causes genital herpes is the virus that raises most concern. HSV 2 causes lesions and blisters on the genitalia and surrounding pubic areas including the buttocks and the anus.

Genital herpes (the blisters) in males will make their appearance on the shaft of the penis, the anus, the buttocks and even on the inner thighs and lower back. Woman will see the blisters appearing over the whole of the pubic area, including the anus and buttocks. Sometimes the outbreak is that mild that a torch or flashlight is used during the examination.

The sores that appear when you have an outbreak of herpes simplex 2 can resemble a paper cut, simply look chafed or appear only slightly more red than usual. Experiencing aches and pains in the affected area could occur as well as a secretiondischarge from the penis or vagina.

That first outbreak of herpes will always be the the most severe and long lasting! Expect to experience swollen lymph glands and flu systems in addition to the eruptions. Subsequent outbreaks will inevitably be less severe:shorter in length and not as acute and could happen about 5 times a year. The actual number of outbreaks will depend on the state of your immune system and how much stress you have in your life.