What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

What to look out for

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

What to look out for

Dr Zenon Andreou

"Genital herpes outbreaks can differ in severity. While some people encounter multiple painful blisters, some only have one single sore." - Dr Zenon Andreou

genital herpes symptoms on skin
Dr Zenon Andreou

"Genital herpes outbreaks can differ in severity. While some people encounter multiple painful blisters, some only have one single sore."

Dr Zenon Andreou

genital herpes symptoms on skin
What do herpes sores look like? How do you know whether you have herpes? Find out which symptoms herpes causes and how to spot the first signs.

Last reviewed: 12/03/2020 by Dr Simran Deo
View Genital Herpes Treatments
pack of valaciclovir 500mg tablets
Valaciclovir

from £40.00
herpes test kit
Herpes Test Kit

£80.00
Pack of aciclovir for genital herpes
Aciclovir

from £20.00
View Genital Herpes Treatments
I have herpes symptoms - What should I do?

1. Get diagnosed

Sores or bumps on your genitals can be caused by a range of conditions. You should see a doctor or you can use our online photo diagnosis to get diagnosed. If you have sores present you can also get a swab test to determine if herpes is the diagnosis.

2. Get treated

Antiviral medication helps your body to fight the herpes virus and speeds up recovery from it. You can get treatment for it from your GP or order online from Superdrug Online Doctor.

3. Prevent further outbreaks

Following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding stress are believed to help reduce the risk of recurrent outbreaks. You may also notice that certain things trigger outbreaks, which will help you to avoid these in the future, therefore reducing your outbreaks. If you suffer from 6 or more outbreaks in a year you may wish to consider suppressive treatment.