Is it herpes or something else? Conditions often confused with herpes

Is it herpes or something else? Conditions often confused with herpes

Herpes – specifically the herpes simplex virus (HSV) – is a very common condition, but that doesn’t mean that every sore, blister, or rash around the mouth or genitals is necessarily herpes. In fact, there are several other skin and mucous membrane conditions that look so similar to herpes that even doctors sometimes have to run tests to be sure.

 

In this blog post, we review some of the most common conditions that are often confused with herpes – and how you can tell the difference.

1. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
Canker sores are small, white sores in the mouth that often appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue. They are painful but not contagious and do not blister like herpes.
• Appearance: White center, red edge – no fluid-filled blisters.
• Location: Inside the mouth – never on the outside of the lips.
• Cause: Unknown (but related to stress, foods, vitamin deficiencies).

2. Impetigo (childhood sores)
This bacterial infection – most often caused by staphylococci – appears as red sores with honey-yellow crusts, especially around the nose and mouth.
• Appearance: Red sores with yellowish crust.
• Risk of infection: Highly contagious.
• Difference: No blisters before ulcer; caused by bacteria, not viruses.

3. Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction
Nickel, perfume or cosmetics can cause redness, blisters and itching, which can easily resemble herpes. The difference is that the rash often covers a larger area and does not occur in cyclical outbreaks.
• Appearance: Redness, itching, possibly a oozing rash.
• Difference: Triggered by contact with irritants – not a viral infection.

4. Genital fungus (candida infection)
In both men and women, thrush can cause redness, irritation, and small cracks or spots that can be confused with genital herpes.
• Symptoms: Itching, burning, whitish discharge (in women).
• Difference: No blisters – and fungus is treated with antifungal, not antiviral.

5. Syphilis (primary stage)
A primary syphilis sore may resemble a genital herpes outbreak, as it can also start as a painless sore. However, unlike herpes, syphilis usually has only a single sore and is rarely accompanied by itching.
• Appearance: One firm, painless wound.
• Difference: Requires antibiotic treatment – ​​not antiviral medication.

How do you distinguish between herpes and something else?

It can be difficult to diagnose yourself, especially when you first get an outbreak. Here are some signs that point to herpes:
• Fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crusts.
• Rashes occur in episodes (come and go).
• Preceding tingling or burning of the skin.
• Pain and possibly swollen lymph nodes.
If you are in doubt, it is important to get tested. Your doctor can take a sample from the wound or a blood test to show whether you are carrying HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Conclusion

Herpes is a common viral infection – but not everything that looks like herpes is herpes. Many other skin and mucous membrane conditions can resemble the disease but require different treatment. If in doubt, seek professional assessment – ​​especially if symptoms recur, worsen or do not go away.