The incubation period of primary genital herpes infection is about 3 to 5 days. The affected area first has a burning sensation and erythema, and soon 3 to 10 small blisters occur in clusters on the surface of the erythema, which become small pustules after a few days, and then break down to form vesicles and shallow ulcers, with local redness and burning pain. In female patients, it mostly occurs in the labia, perineum, and vagina, but about 90% of patients can also invade the cervix causing cervicitis or uterine inflammation; in male patients, it mostly occurs in the glans, coronal sulcus, urethral or penile body, and sometimes can be complicated by urethritis. Most patients have bilateral inguinal lymph node enlargement. Herpes zoster is an acute inflammatory skin disease caused by the herpes zoster virus. It can occur on any part of the body, but is more common on the lower back. Herpes zoster is caused by a filter virus, trauma, syphilis, spinal cord disease, and arsenic poisoning.
Herpes zoster often begins with an itching, burning or painful sensation in the affected area, sometimes with preexisting symptoms such as general malaise, fever, and loss of appetite. The herpes zoster virus often manifests as chickenpox after the initial primary infection, and is usually seen in pediatric patients Re- or secondary infection with the virus is known as herpes zoster. A blister-like rash develops on the skin of the original nerve. If herpes zoster affects the facial nerve, facial paralysis may occur, and if the eye is affected, the cornea may be damaged. Genital herpes occurs mostly at the junction of the skin and mucous membranes, starting with a mild localized redness of the skin, followed by clusters of small pinpoint-sized blisters with mild itching and burning sensations, which dry out after a few days and form brown scabs.