The herpes simplex virus causes eruptions on the skin. Although there are many different types of this virus family, they all cause outbreaks or lesions unique to that particular strain.

There are two strains that are the most frequently experienced. The first strain of herpes is herpes simplex 1 which affects parts of the body above the waist. The outbreaks mainly occur on the inside and outside of the mouth.

Spreading Genital Herpes

The other dominant strain of the herpes family is the herpes simplex 2 virus which is known as as HSV 2. Herpes Simplex 2) affects the lower part of the body. HSV 2 is generally spread via sexual realtionscontact of a sexual nature and affects the pubic areas as well as the buttocks and lower back. We will be discussing the type of outbreaks this virus causes in greater detail a little further on.

Take note of the fact that although HSV 1 causes mainly herpes of the mouth, it can also easily be spread to the genitals through oral sexual activity. HSV 1 is highly contagious although it is actually a more gentle member of the herpes family of viruses.

The fever blisters that sometimes appear in and around the mouth when one is getting a cold or flu are typical of HSV 1. This is called to as oral herpes.

Herpes simplex 2 is the most commonly talked about form of herpes. This strain is passed through sexual activity. The lesions that occur from this strain are similar to cold sores; The herpes virus that causes genital herpes is the virus that raises most concern. It causes lesions and blisters on the genitalia and surrounding pubic areas including the buttocks and the anus.

Genital herpes (the blisters) in males will make their appearance on the shaft of the penis, the anus, the buttocks and even on the inner thighs and lower back. Females will see the blisters appearing over the whole of the pubic area, including the anus and buttocks. Often the outbreak is that mild that a torch or flashlight is used during the examination.

So what do herpes sores look like? Sometimes herpes simply appears as reddening of the affected area. You also may fee feverish and possibly have some flu like aches and pains. A secretion from the penis or vagina may also occur.

It is usual for the first herpes outbreaks to be far more severe and they often are preceded by feelings of fever and glands that are swollen. Subsequent outbreaks are generally never as harsh as that first outbreak and can occur 6 to 8 times a year, depending on your health. If you are suffering from stress this will almost always trigger an outbreak as will a lowered immune system. Depression can extend the length of your herpes outbreaks.