Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types of the virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 generally causes oral herpes presenting as fever blisters or cold sores on or around the mouth. It may also cause genital herpes, which may occur from oral-genital contact during an HSV infection. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes, but it can cause oral herpes, too. You can also get herpes anywhere on your skin. Depending on how you come in contact with the virus, either type can cause outbreaks near the mouth or on or near the sex organs.
Symptoms of the herpes virus
Many people who carry the herpes virus are unaware because they have no symptoms. Despite the absence of symptoms, however, the virus may spread from person to person (asymptomatic shedding). Most people transmit herpes when they don't have symptoms and aren't aware that they carry the infection. When present, the symptoms may come and go and may include:
-
Genital burning, tingling, or sometimes itching
-
Blisters or small fluid-filled bumps in the genital area, anus, or around the mouth
-
Fevers
-
Swollen lymph glands
-
Pain during urination
-
Blisters may rupture, revealing tiny ulcerations in your skin
-
Painful ulcers that may heal to form scabs
-
Discharge from the vagina or urethra (the tube from where urine passes out of the bladder)
Understanding the herpes virus
Herpes reproduces only when it is inside the body. It does so by tricking a healthy cell into making copies of the herpes virus. Each copy can infect nearby cells. But before too long, the body’s defenses rally to stop the attack. The immune system forces the virus to retreat. Even then, the virus stays inside the body but does not cause disease. For some people, an outbreak never happens again. For others, outbreaks are more likely to occur due to:
-
Menstruation
-
Illness
-
Poor diet
-
Uncontrolled diabetes
-
Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
-
Being exposed to cold or strong sunlight
-
Stress
-
Poor immunity due to illness or medicines
How the herpes virus attacks
-
The herpes virus enters the body through a small break in the skin. The virus can also enter by direct contact with mucous membranes, such as those of the lips, vagina, or anus.
-
Inside the body, the herpes virus binds to a special site on a skin cell. Then part of the virus moves into the cell.
-
Inside the skin cell, the virus releases a set of instructions. These commands cause the cell to begin making copies of the herpes virus.
-
Herpes blisters appear on the skin. Herpes blisters may also appear on mucous membranes lining the mouth, vagina, or anus.
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Sabrina Felson MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Shaziya Allarakha MD
Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Tapeworm Infection
Tapeworm is a parasite that grows in the intestines (gut). They can live in your body for many years, or they can leave the body during a bowel movement. Tapeworms can cause an infection.
Typhoid Fever (Adult)
Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria in the Salmonella family. Early symptoms include chills, sweating, dry cough, headache, body aching, and abdominal pain. A high fever may then develop.
Viral Syndrome (Adult)
A viral illness often lasts 1 to 2 weeks, but sometimes it lasts longer. In some cases, a more serious infection can look like a viral syndrome in the first few days of the illness. You may need another exam and additional tests to know the difference. Read on for more details.
VRE Infection
VRE are germs that are resistant to certain antibiotics. Normally, VRE does not cause infections in healthy people. But in some cases, VRE can spread and cause infection. Here's what you need to know.