10 Symptoms of Herpes

2. Blisters on the Genitals

When genital blisters occur, the herpes type-2 virus (HSV 2) is frequently suspected as a cause. It will first start with a similar feeling to that of the mouth sores, but with more intensity due to the sensitivity of the area. Approximately 12 to 24 hours prior to visible blisters, the skin will be itchy and painful, and may be red, raw, and cracked. A blister will appear, then burst open to become an ulcer, before scabbing over to heal. The herpes outbreaks can repeatedly occur, though the symptoms of clustered blisters will sometimes become less severe than the initial infection. The virus is contagious both during an outbreak and when there are no symptoms or sores.