What Are the Symptoms of Herpes Simplex?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that most often affects the skin. The virus infects approximately two-thirds of the adult U.S. population, as well as some newborns. The herpes simplex virus manifests as either Type 1 and Type 2. Symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2 appear in two different areas of the body.

Type 1: Cold Sores

• The most common symptom of HSV-1 is a cold sore that appears around the mouth or on the lips. However, this type of sore may also form on the eyes, arms or hands. Cold sores look like blisters, and they will usually burst open and then go away in approximately three weeks.

Type 2: Genital Sores

• The primary symptom of HSV-2 is the appearance of cold sores on the genitals. These cold sores are red and painful and can appear on the penis, on the external genital organs in females, or in the area of the anus in both males and females.

Symptoms in Newborns

• Early symptoms of herpes simplex in newborns that may appear between 2 and 12 days after being exposed to the virus include a temperature of 100.4 degrees and over (taken rectally), loss of appetite or blisters on the skin. Symptoms of fever in a newborn can worsen quickly, and a newborn may have seizures and experience lethargy.

Severe Symptoms in Adults

• Severe symptoms of herpes simplex include spreading lesions in the thigh area, on the lips, face, or in the area of the rectum. These lesions are larger than usual and painful.

Reoccurrence of Symptoms

• Blister symptoms disappear after treatment with medication, but subsequent breakouts may reappear throughout life.