What does a herpes outbreak look like?

Herpes is often impossible to detect visually because it lies dormant in many people’s bodies for significant periods of time.1,2 Once an outbreak occurs, however, oral herpes in your throat is characterized by painful sores and lesions around the mouth, eyes, nose, chin, or cheeks. 1,2,3 These ulcers are usually referred to as fever blisters or cold sores. Oral herpes often requires a closer look to determine if they are cold sores or pimples. Genital herpes outbreaks cause painful bumps, blisters, and ulcers around the genitals and anus. Sores that appear during any herpes outbreak may break open and ooze before crusting over and eventually healing. 

Immediately before an outbreak, patients often experience itching or burning in affected areas. As the sores begin to develop, they may initially look like bug bites, shaving irritation, ingrown hairs, or mild acne. During the first outbreak, patients may also develop flu-like symptoms including fevers, body aches, sore throats, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. Future outbreaks are typically shorter in length and less severe. Learn more about what  STDs look like.

If you suspect you might have HSV-1 or HSV-2, you should contact your doctor immediately to get an official diagnosis. To determine whether you have a herpes simplex virus, your physician will examine and swab any sores that are present and potentially conduct a blood test to detect HSV antibodies. 

At PlushCare, our board-certified doctors are available day or night for discreet, online appointments to discuss herpes. If they decide further evaluation is necessary, they will order necessary tests at a lab near you. 

First-time and recurrent herpes outbreaks vary in timing and cause, but some conditions may trigger or make you more sensitive to outbreaks. These include menstruation, fevers, being in the sun, stress, surgery, and injury. 

During an outbreak of oral or genital herpes, it is important to follow your medical team’s directions regarding treatment and preventing transmission to others. This includes using condoms or dental dams, wearing sunscreen, and taking prescribed medications.2 

A few simple at-home treatments may also help soothe symptoms. Eating or drinking cold things can help with oral herpes, and sitting in a warm bath can make genital herpes sores feel better. Over-the-counter pain medications can also be helpful if your doctor deems them suitable for your treatment plan. 

One of the most effective ways to manage herpes outbreaks is through prescription medications. Our online doctors can prescribe antiviral medications including Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir. These medications can help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks, alleviate symptoms, and speed up the healing process of sores.