There are 8 main stages of genital herpes.
Stage 1: Tingling
As the first round of outbreak starts, the initial stage of herpes might not be immediately noticeable. However, the tingling sensation becomes more and more noticeable a few hours of subsequent outbreaks of lesions. Some symptoms include genital pain, itching, and tingling on the buttocks, legs, lower back, and hips.
Stage 2: Inflammation
This stage involves the areas affected by herpes lesions to become erythematous or red and inflamed. This is why some doctors refer to this stage as the erythematous stage. Some patients mistake the red spots for pimples, ingrown hair, or insect bites.
Stage 3: Blistering
The inflammation stage is followed by the blistering stage. In the third stage of herpes, raised lesions known as blisters appear on the skin surface. The following areas may be affected:
- Upper thighs
- Anus
- Vulva
- Penis
- Scrotum
Stage 4: Pustulation
Pustulation is the process of turning the blisters opaque. The process is completed gradually and at the end converts the clear liquid-filled vesicles in to pus-filled ones. Similar to stage 3, these lesions are painful and easy to rupture by accident.
Stage 5: Ulceration
The lesions break open and begin to ooze. This ulceration occurs a few days after the lesions first appear and causes them to look like sores. Typically, they are red in color and ooze for 2 days to up to 2 weeks.
Stage 6: Crusting
This next stage of herpes outbreak is characterized by the drying of the skin sores. As they begin to dry out, they form a layer of crust which looks like a scab.
Stage 7: Swelling
The residual swelling stage is experienced by only a few people infected with the herpes virus. It marks the onset of the final stage of genital herpes; healing. Even though the crusted lesions may still be tender to the touch, they start to heal with no further outbreaks.
Stage 8: Healing
The crusted legions begin their natural healing process as they flake off. New, pinkish skin emerges underneath the crust which too, fades without leaving scars. Fortunately, there will be no noticeable signs of the outbreak post-healing.
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