Genital herpes typically looks like small, painful blisters or sores that appear in clusters around the genitals, anus, thighs, or buttocks. These blisters are filled with clear or cloudy fluid and can burst, leaving red, open sores that may ooze or bleed. The sores then crust over and heal without scarring, usually taking about a week or more to heal
. Before the blisters appear, people often experience tingling, itching, burning, or a sensation of discomfort in the affected area. The initial outbreak is usually the most severe and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches
. The sores can vary in size and number and may be red, white, or yellow. In women, sores may develop on the vulva, vagina, or cervix, which can be harder to see. In men, sores often appear on the penis or scrotum. Herpes sores can also appear around the anus and on the thighs or buttocks
. As the outbreak resolves, the sores crust over and heal. Some people may have recurrent outbreaks, which tend to be milder and shorter than the first
. In summary, genital herpes looks like clusters of painful, fluid-filled blisters that break open to form red, open sores which then crust and heal. Early symptoms include tingling or itching before the blisters appear
