Coffee Is My Copilot

The task of identifying genital herpes symptoms in men can be difficult enough for a trained health care provider, much less the patient, thanks to the strong resemblance between the infection’s visual indicators and those of other skin conditions and sexually-transmitted diseases. Visual diagnosis is made even more complicated by the differing degrees to which each patient will exhibit symptoms during his outbreak – with some experiencing eruptions of fluid-filled blisters and others developing only a mild skin irritation (the likes of which could easily be confused for another condition).

Several skin conditions and diseases can resemble the following herpes symptoms in men:

Emergence of Blisters

In the public consciousness, no other symptom is more closely-tied to genital herpes in men than the eruption of blisters on the genitals or groin region. This symptom may indeed be linked to genital herpes, but it is not exclusively associated with the disease. The secondary stage of a Syphilis infection produces fluid-filled blisters very similar in appearance to those of herpes and in the same exact places on the body. This is also sometimes true (although to a lesser extent) in the case of yeast infections (Candidiasis). Furthermore, both Impetigo and Eczema (two non-sexually transmitted skin conditions) are known culprits in the appearance of blisters above the skin – although they rarely affect the genitalia.

Draining Sores and Ulcers

As is the case with the other diseases and conditions mentioned in the preceding section, herpes blisters eventually burst – leaving behind sores and ulcers indistinguishable from those caused by other conditions. However, these lesions can also be mistaken for those that result from picking at acne, or scratching rashes and other irritations associated with allergies. Another painful skin condition which causes swelling and cracking of tissue, Lichen Sclerosis, also produces ulcers and sores like those found in the wake of a herpes outbreak.

Irritated, Swollen Patches of Skin

The appearance of reddened, irritated skin in the genital region can sometimes be the sole indication of a herpes outbreak, but it can just as easily be the symptom of anything else ranging from a different sexually-transmitted disease to poorly-fitted boxer shorts. This frustratingly-ambiguous symptom is also associated with Eczema, Lichen Sclerosis, Impetigo, Candidiasis and allergic reactions to various irritants.

At the end of the day, however, there is one basic thing to keep in mind regarding the information presented in this article. While this article provides a summary of those genital herpes symptoms in men that look like other skin conditions, it is important to remember that an accurate diagnosis requires testing by a trained physician. As with many other herpes-related issues, only through obtaining an accurate diagnosis can you be sure that you are infected, and only then can you begin to undergo treatment.

If you think you may be exhibiting HSV 2 symptoms, contact your physician and request a test. You may also want to check out the author’s site to learn about testing for herpes in greater detail.

No related posts.