Genital herpes symptoms in men are often hard to visually identify for a physician (much less the average person) thanks to a myriad of variables - not the least of which is the fact that some symptoms of herpes look like those of other skin conditions. With each infected individual's immune system experiencing varied degrees of success in combating the virus, one man may develop tell-tale clusters of painful blisters (the most-recognizable symptom of a herpes infection) during an outbreak, while another experiences the type of generalized skin irritation caused by several different conditions. The following herpes symptoms in men look like other skin conditions: Blisters Without doubt, the symptom most-commonly associated with herpes in men is the formation of blisters on or around the genitals. Less known by the general public, however, is that this symptom is also seen in cases of Eczema, Impetigo, Syphilis, and yeast infection. Whereas the blisters associated with Eczema and Impetigo may appear in the genital region (although it's uncommon), those blisters that form during the second stage of a Syphilis infection, and during a primary yeast infection definitely will. For this reason, genital herpes sores are sometimes misdiagnosed as Syphilis or Candidiasis (yeast infection). Sores and Ulcers The sores and ulcers that form after herpes blisters rupture can, obviously, resemble those of the other aforementioned skin conditions which cause blisters. They can also, however, resemble symptoms of skin conditions such as Lichen Sclerosis, various allergic reactions, and even acne at various stages. In the case of Lichen Sclerosis, a painful skin irritation that causes inflammation and itching, scratching of the irritated tissue can produce leaking sores similar to herpes ulcers. Allergic rashes and acne, if scratched or otherwise picked at by the sufferer, can also produce an appearance similar to herpes. Swollen, Reddened Patches of Skin Perhaps the easiest symptom to mis-diagnose, swollen, reddened patches of skin on and around the genitals are often indicative of a herpes outbreak, but can just as easily be indicative of any number of other skin conditions resulting from either internal, or external, irritants.