What should you know about herpes pimples?

A herpes lesion may begin with tingling, burning, or sensitivity before small blisters appear. The blisters can break, ooze, and form a crust. Ordinary acne more often starts as a blocked pore, while folliculitis may form around hairs. Appearance alone cannot confirm the cause, especially when lesions are near the mouth or genitals.

Avoid squeezing or puncturing a suspected blister. Touching it can transfer the virus to another area, including the eyes, and can expose another person through skin contact.

Arrange a prompt clinical assessment while fresh blisters are present, because an examination and, when appropriate, a swab can help clarify the diagnosis. Keep the area clean and dry, wash your hands after touching it, and avoid kissing, oral contact, sex, and sharing lip products or towels until a clinician advises that contact is safe.

Do not apply acne acids, steroid creams, or home remedies to an uncertain blister without advice. A clinician may discuss antiviral medicine, particularly when treatment is started early.

Seek urgent medical help for eye pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, vision change, rapidly spreading lesions, severe illness, or difficulty drinking. Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or the lesions are painful or recurrent.

Ask whether the appearance fits herpes or another condition, whether testing is useful while a blister is present, when treatment should start, and how long to avoid close skin contact. Mention any new medicines, prior episodes, eye symptoms, or lesions in another body area.