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Herpes Discharge Color: What to Look For

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact and causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes if transmitted from mouth to genitals during oral sex.

HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes genital herpes outbreaks involving the genitals, rectum or mouth. Genital herpes is diagnosed in about 1 in 6 adults ages 14-49 in the U.S.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Many people infected with genital herpes wont experience symptoms, or symptoms can be very mild. When symptoms do occur, they typically include:

• Itching, burning or tingling around the genitals, buttocks or anal region
• Small red bumps, fluid-filled blisters, open sores, or cracks in the skin around the genital or anal areas
• Pain or soreness during urination
• Vaginal discharge in women
• Flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches

The first outbreak after initial genital herpes infection usually occurs within 2-20 days after exposure. Symptoms may last up to several weeks. Over time, outbreaks tend to recur less often and become less severe for most people.

Herpes Discharge Color

A common symptom of genital herpes in females is vaginal discharge. The appearance of this discharge can vary based on the stage of the herpes outbreak.

Here are some characteristics of herpes discharge color to look for:

• Clear or watery discharge - This may occur in the earliest stages of a herpes outbreak before blisters develop, or after they begin to crust over and heal.
• Yellow or green discharge - As herpes sores open and burst, the discharge often takes on a yellow or green appearance. This is a sign of infection and inflammation.
• Gray, tan or brown discharge - At the tail end of a herpes outbreak as the sores are drying up and scabbing over, the discharge tends to look darker in color.
• Pink or bloody discharge - Fresh spots of blood may appear if sores have cracked or ruptured. This causes bloody or pink-tinged discharge.

These discharge colors indicate the stage of the herpes outbreak. Clear or bloody discharge tends to predominate early on. Yellow/green discharge is common at the height of sores and irritation. Then discharge takes on darker gray, tan or brown tones as sores naturally begin healing.

Causes of Herpes Discharge

So why does genital herpes cause vaginal discharge in the first place? There are a few reasons:

• As the herpes virus multiplies, it causes an inflammatory reaction leading to swelling and fluid leakage from inflamed tissues.
• Open blisters and sores seep out fluid and exudate as part of the body's healing response.
• Secondary bacterial or yeast infections can develop as a result of irritation, causing changed discharge.
• Inflammation increases blood flow and makes small capillaries more permeable allowing fluid leakage.

In essence, discharge is the result of the body's attempt to dilute viral particles and wash them away from affected areas. The type of discharge reflects what stage this immune response is in.

Herpes Discharge vs. Normal Discharge

Normal vaginal discharge varies in amount, consistency and scent throughout the menstrual cycle. It's usually clear to whitish in color. Discharge caused by genital herpes differs in some key ways:

• It occurs outside of normal variations in discharge related to menstrual cycle.
• It's associated with other herpes symptoms like itching, burning, and visible blisters or sores.
• It can be yellow, green, pink or bloody - colors not typical of regular discharge.
• It has a foul odor from infection rather than normal scent.
• It lasts for duration of active outbreak, while normal discharge comes and goes.

Keep in mind certain other vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis can also cause discharge with an abnormal color or odor. Testing is needed to confirm whether herpes is the cause.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor or gynecologist if you notice any unusual vaginal discharge, especially if accompanied by other symptoms that may indicate a herpes outbreak. Signs to watch for include:

• Itching, burning or soreness around genitals
• Pain during sex or urination
• Single or clustered red sores, blisters or cracks near vagina or anus
• Swollen lymph nodes in groin area
• Flu-like fatigue, fever, body aches
• Yellow

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.