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When people think of herpes, they often think of cold sores or painful blisters. But did you know that herpes sometimes has no symptoms at all, or symptoms that can be easily confused with other conditions? Herpes is a very common virus- it is estimated 67% of the world’s population has herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), and 13% of the population has herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) (WHO, 2022). However, the majority of the people in both groups do not have symptoms, and many of them do not know they have herpes.
Why is it so hard to tell if you have herpes? Apart from those that don’t experience symptoms at all, herpes symptoms can present themselves in a variety of ways, causing symptoms such as pain, itching, or bumps on the genitals or mouth region. These symptoms can seem like other STIs or skin conditions. Are you experiencing symptoms you think could be herpes? Learn the common conditions that can be mistaken for herpes, and how to know for sure whether you are infected or not.
What conditions can be mistaken for oral herpes?
Oral herpes (HSV-1) can cause symptoms that can resemble several other conditions, which can make it difficult to know if you have the infection or not. An oral herpes infection often causes cold sores- small blisters that appear in and around the mouth. While these blisters can be painful, some cases are very mild and can be difficult to identify. Acne, contact dermatitis, canker sores, chapped lips, an insect bite, and an injury to the skin around the mouth are all harmless skin issues that can resemble cold sores. These conditions can cause bumps, redness, or abrasions to the mouth area, but often not the painful, fluid-filled blisters caused by a cold sore.
A recent syphilis infection can also cause a lesion in or around the mouth that can resemble herpes, also known as a chancre. Unlike herpes, this lesion is usually painless and can be treated with antibiotics. Homed-IQ’s STI Test Complete tests for several common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.
While cold sores can resemble other skin blemishes, they tend to look like translucent blisters rather than solid bumps on the skin. Look for the following signs to help identify a herpes infection.
- A feeling of tingling, burning, or itching in the affected area
- Blisters filled with clear fluid
- Pain and redness around the sores
- Crust over and dry out as they heal
Source: NHS, 2020
What conditions can be mistaken for genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 and can cause outbreaks of blisters on the genitals or thighs. Genital herpes is more difficult to identify than oral herpes because blisters can be hard to see, and symptoms may be mild and not occur often. Additionally, symptoms of genital herpes are similar to several other conditions affecting the genitals, such as bumps on the skin, a feeling of burning or itching, trouble urinating, and/or abnormal discharge (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2022). Conditions that may be mistaken for genital herpes are ingrown hairs, pimples, haemorrhoids, insect bites, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and genital warts. Symptoms can also differ between men and women. As symptoms can be difficult to identify and blisters can be hard to spot, the best way to check if you have a genital herpes infection is by seeing a healthcare professional. A doctor or nurse can check for blisters and/or perform a test, which includes either a swab of the blisters or a blood test.
How do I know if I have herpes or not?
The only way to know for sure if you have herpes is to visit a healthcare provider for an examination or perform a home test. If you have symptoms, herpes can be diagnosed through looking at or swabbing the sores. If you don’t have symptoms or any visible blisters, a blood test can be performed (CDC, 2022).
References
CDC – Genital Herpes Screening. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/testing/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/screening.htm#
Genital Herpes. (2021, August 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/genital-herpes
National Health Service. (2022, May 5). Cold sores. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-sores/
World Health Organization. (2022, March 10). Herpes simplex virus. WHO Newsroom. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
