Herpes Pictures | What do herpes sores look like?

The short answer

Herpes can look different from person to person, and from one outbreak to the next. Photos are a useful starting point, but many sores that look like herpes turn out to be something else, and many herpes infections cause no visible sores at all. The only way to know is to have a fresh sore checked.

Key facts

• Herpes often starts with tingling, itching or burning, followed by small fluid-filled blisters that break open, leave sores and then crust over.
• Many people with herpes have no symptoms or very mild ones that look like a pimple, ingrown hair or other skin problem.
• A first outbreak can come with fever, body aches and swollen glands. Repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and milder.
• Pictures can help you know what to ask about, but they cannot diagnose herpes. Other conditions, such as impetigo, mouth ulcers or boils, can look similar.

When to talk to a doctor

See a doctor or sexual health clinic if you notice a new sore or blisters, ideally while the sore is still fresh. A swab test of a sore that has not yet crusted over gives the most reliable result. Get help quickly for any sore near the eye, for a newborn with blisters, or if you have a weakened immune system.

Related reading

• Herpes Testing Guide
• Genital Herpes Pictures
• Herpes Symptoms

Sources

1. CDC – About Genital Herpes
2. CDC – Screening for Genital Herpes
3. NHS – Cold sores
4. NHS – Genital herpes

This is general information, not medical advice. Please see our medical disclaimer. Section added October 2026.