Herpes symptoms go through phases. During the first phase of an outbreak, the genital area becomes red and swollen. The area is inflamed and this means that it can be painful.
In most people, their first outbreak is the worst because the body has not had time to develop any type of antibodies to lessen its reaction. What’s more, you may not know what to expect. During this first phase, the herpes virus enters into the skin cells of the genital area and reproduces. As it does so, the skin becomes inflamed and painful. It will feel sensitive.
After a few days, the area becomes even more irritate as bumps form and on top of those bumps are usually fluid filled sacs. These are the blisters that herpes are known for. Herpes symptoms like this are a tell tale sign of contracting the condition. For some, the bumps do not form large fluid amounts, but remain smaller. They are still likely to be painful and irritated, though.
Herpes symptoms continue at this point. The next phase is the breaking open of the blisters. This painful condition is one that must happen, though. As they break open, the skin will be red and very painful if touched. They will look like open sores that are elevated off the surface of the skin. As they open, the fluid will leak out and eventually dry out. The drying out process of the blisters is an important result because it will allow the skin to begin to heal.
The final stage of the herpes virus is the healing process that your body undergoes. During this process, the herpes symptoms you will likely experience includes the scabbing over of the blistered area. Be very careful not to remove these scabs because infection can happen at any time that the sores are open. During this process, individuals will likely itch in the area just as you would if you had a scab on your arm or leg. Keep from touching the area until it is completely healed.