Herpes, like many other STIs, presents differently on melanated skin. There’s Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), which typically causes oral lesions: Typically on the lips, mouth, or tongue. HSV-1 has also been known to cause herpes keratitis (eye infections). This presents as redness, pain, and blurred vision.
Then there’s Herpes Simplex Virus 2, which is commonly known as genital herpes. This can cause genital lesions and can also cause anal or rectal lesions.
Both types come with the following symptoms:
- Blisters or sores that may appear as small, fluid-filled, painful bumps
- Itching, tingling, or burning sensation
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
While condoms may help reduce the risk of contracting the herpes virus, transmission is still possible through casual skin-to-skin contact.
***SCARY FACTS***
From 1988 to 1994, HSV-2 in people aged 12 and above was 21.9%. This equates to about 45 million noninstitutionalized US citizens. Women accounted for 25.6%, men for 17.8%, Black Americans for 45.9%, and whites for 17.6%. Since the late 1970s, HSV-2 has increased by 30% and is now detectable in roughly 1:5 people aged 12 and above nationwide.
References
Herpes vegetans of the vulva
Abril-Pérez, Carlos et al.
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 225, Issue 5, 570 – 571
Lanka, P., & Woloski, J. R. (2024). Eczema Herpeticum Misdiagnosed as Facial Cellulitis in an African American Male. Cureus, 16(4), e58328. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.58328
Pouget ER, Kershaw TS, Blankenship KM, Ickovics JR, Niccolai LM. Racial/ethnic disparities in undiagnosed infection with herpes simplex virus type 2. Sex Transm Dis. 2010 Sep;37(9):538-43. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3181d9042e. PMID: 20502391; PMCID: PMC3066059.
