What Does Genital Herpes Look Like?

Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection, with nearly 28,000 new cases in the UK each year. If you think you may have caught genital herpes, it’s useful to know what symptoms to look out for. So, what does genital herpes look like, and how can you tell if you’ve caught the infection?

In this guide, our experts will explore herpes photos in different stages and how it shows up on the skin.

Article Summary:

• Genital herpes symptoms can include blisters, sores, itching or discomfort around the genitals or surrounding areas.
• Some people experience mild symptoms or no visible symptoms at all, which can make genital herpes difficult to recognise.
• Treatment can help manage outbreaks, ease symptoms and reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups.

What is genital herpes? 

Genital herpes can be caused by two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 AND HSV-2. HSV-1 is commonly associated with cold sores around the mouth, but it can also lead to genital herpes through oral-to-genital contact. HSV-2 more commonly affects the genital and anal areas, and is typically spread through sexual contact. Both types of herpes simplex virus can result in recurring outbreaks. [1]

Both types can cause similar symptoms, including blisters, sores, itching or tingling sensations. However, some people may experience milder symptoms or no symptoms at all.

What does herpes look like?

Herpes may look different from person to person, and in some cases, there’s no visible symptoms. However, if you think you have contracted herpes you may notice:

• Small liquid-filled blisters
• Tingling or itching sensations
• Discomfort while urinating
• Sores around mouth or genitals

It's always best to speak to a professional first about your individual case.

While it’s possible to self-diagnose genital herpes, you should always get yourself properly checked out by a medical professional. If you think you might have genital herpes, head to your local sexual health clinic or speak to your GP. They can do tests to confirm if you have it, and what kind of herpes you have.

Speaking to a medical professional is a good idea because:

• You might misdiagnose yourself. There are other conditions which have a similar appearance. For successful treatment, you need to be sure you definitely have herpes and not something else. Getting a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional is the most conclusive way to identify the issue.
• Herpes is not always visible. While you’ll normally experience symptoms of the illness within a couple of weeks of exposure, it can remain in your system for months, or even years without surfacing. So even if you think you’ve been exposed to the disease, there’s a chance you won't know if you have it or not. [1]

What does a herpes sore look like on someone else?

If you’re worried that your partner may be carrying herpes, to protect your own sexual health it’s important that you raise your concerns directly with them. Below, we describe some common visible signs of genital herpes to look out for. However, having an open, frank conversation with your partner is advised. You have the right to know if they have an STI, as this could affect you.

In any case, making sure a condom is worn during sex can reduce the chances of herpes (and some other sexually transmitted infections) being passed on, whether your partner knows they have herpes or not. [2]

Worried you might have genital herpes?

If you’re worried that you might have genital herpes, the following guide might help you figure out if you have the condition. As we stressed above, if you’re worried about your health, the first port of call should always be your GP or a sexual health clinic. The tips below are for guidance only, and you should always get herpes diagnosed by a medical professional.

Non-visible signs of herpes

Herpes can look different at different stages. An outbreak of genital herpes normally starts with tingling or burning skin in the affected area. You may also find it painful or difficult to pee.

Other signs include swollen lymph nodes around the groin areas and flu-like symptoms, such as headaches and aching muscles. [3]

What does genital herpes look like?

Genital herpes will usually appear as a pink or flesh-coloured wart. It may appear either raised, flat or in a kind of cauliflower-like shape. The warts or sores will often become filled with a clear liquid and the skin eventually breaks. This liquid will ooze out to create a yellow-ish crust or scab. [4]

A herpes outbreak will normally clear up by itself after 7-10 days, although genital herpes treatments can treat breakouts faster and suppress the virus.

What does herpes look like on female genitals?

Women with genital herpes can develop sores inside and outside the vagina (those inside are difficult to see). Outside the vagina they may appear on the vulva (the outer part of the vagina), including on the outer lips. They will look like blisters or pimples and are filled with fluid. After a few days these will burst, and a yellow crust will form as they heal.

Women are more likely than men to experience pain and a burning feeling when they urinate during a genital herpes outbreak. [5]

What does genital herpes look like on a man’s genitals?

Men with genital herpes tend to develop sores on the penis itself, although they may also appear around it. As with women, they will look like fluid-filled pimples or blisters which, after a few days, will break. A yellow crust will appear around them as they heal.

Men most often have sores outside the penis, although they can also appear in the urethra (the duct along which urine passes out of the body). This can make it painful to urinate.

What does a herpes sore look like on the anus?

Men and women with herpes may also experience sores on their buttocks or around the anus. Using a mirror, you may notice open red wounds or pimples which look the same as those described for the penis and vagina.

Although herpes most often appears on and around the genitals and anus, it can also manifest anywhere else on the skin, including around your mouth, eyes and on your fingers and hands. [5]

Next steps if you think you have genital herpes

Self-diagnosis and talking to your partner can be useful for understanding what seems to be happening to your body. Nevertheless, your first port of call should always be your GP or a sexual health clinic if you think you have genital herpes. They’ll be able to rule out other illnesses and give you advice on how to manage the condition.

Once you’ve been diagnosed with genital herpes, you’ll know what to do if and when your next outbreak occurs. The good news is that, over time, outbreaks become less frequent and the symptoms less severe. What’s more, there are various medicines which can make treating breakouts easier so that when they do happen, you should be able to get them under control and cleared up fast.

If you have genital herpes, your treatment options include:

• Aciclovir: an antiviral medicine that helps stop the infecting virus from reproducing.
• Valaciclovir: A prodrug antiviral medicine that converts into aciclovir when it’s taken.

These medicines can help suppress outbreaks, and make outbreaks that do happen go away much faster.

Get in control of genital herpes

While genital herpes can be uncomfortable and frustrating, it’s also a very manageable condition and most people with the illness lead completely normal lives. By learning what herpes looks like and having the right treatments available as soon as you need them, you can get in control of herpes and carry on with your life.

Find our what treatment might be suitable for you on MedExpress.

References

1. Herpes in Hiding [Internet]. NIH News in Health. 2017. Available from: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/11/herpes-hiding
2. EFFECT OF CONDOMS ON REDUCING THE TRANSMISSION OF HERPES... : Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice [Internet]. LWW. 2026 [cited 2026 May 21]. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/infectdis/fulltext/2001/06000/effect_of_condoms_on_reducing_the_transmission_of.28.aspx
3. NHS . Genital herpes [Internet]. NHS. 2019. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes
4. What does herpes look like: Pictures, treatment, and prevention [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324838
5. US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. Genital Herpes - Women’s Health Guide - Public Health [Internet]. Va.gov. 2014. Available from: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/infectiondontpassiton/womens-health-guide/stds/genital-herpes.asp
6. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2 [Internet]. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2