[header] How to recognize herpes [title] Look for itchy lesions. [step] The main way that you will be able to tell if you have genital herpes is through the lesions that appear on your genital area. These present approximately 6 days after infection. 
Hsv-1 lesions will usually appear on or in the mouth. Hsv-2 lesions will appear on the thighs, buttocks, rectum, and perineum.