Herpes starts like a red, painful and itching bump. Then the bump turns into a blister full of serous liquid. The blister then pops and turns into a erosion. Finally erosion turns into a crust that heals without scar.

thats a really good description. Its really painful too. You will be able to feel every thing!

Try looking up actual photos on the net. There are plenty out there. But they can be scary.

Often though the symptoms are more mild and apeare as just a rash or redness. It can be misdiagnosed often because of this.