Difference Between Genital Warts and Herpes

Genital warts and herpes can be hard to tell apart since they both appear in the genital area. However, genital warts are small, flesh-colored bumps whereas herpes sores look like blisters or open wounds. Both genital warts and genital herpes can be sexually transmitted through skin-on-skin contact.

1. Can genital warts be mistaken for herpes?
2. Is herpes and HPV the same thing?
3. What does genital warts look like?
4. What does genital herpes look like?
5. Will I have genital warts forever?
6. What can mimic herpes?
7. Can I ever kiss again with herpes?
8. Does herpes affect HPV?
9. Is HPV bad to have?
10. What do genital warts feel like to touch?
11. How do I know if it's genital warts or something else?
12. What can be mistaken for genital warts?

Can genital warts be mistaken for herpes?

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection that causes lesions on the penis, vaginal and buttocks. Herpes are also a sexually transmitted infection that cause ulcers and blisters on the genitals, anus and mouth. Genital warts may be mistaken for herpes because both cause genital lesions.

Is herpes and HPV the same thing?

HPV is caused by the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) while herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are more than 100 strains of HPV and two strains of HSV. HSV-1 usually causes cold sores, although it can cause genital lesions through oral sex.

What does genital warts look like?

Genital warts look like skin-colored or whitish bumps that show up on your vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anus. They kind of look like little pieces of cauliflower. You can have just one wart or a bunch of them, and they can be big or small. They might be itchy, but most of the time they don't hurt.

What does genital herpes look like?

Genital herpes outbreaks usually look like a cluster of itchy or painful blisters filled with fluid. They may be different sizes and appear in different places. The blisters break or turn into sores that bleed or ooze a whitish fluid.

Will I have genital warts forever?

Although HPV isn't curable in all cases, genital warts are treatable. You can also go extended periods of time without an outbreak, but it may not be possible to get rid of the warts forever. That's because genital warts are only a symptom of HPV, which may become a chronic, lifelong infection for some.

What can mimic herpes?

Noninfectious conditions that can mimic genital herpes include Reiter syndrome, contact dermatitis, Crohn disease, Behçet syndrome, trauma, erythema multiforme, and lichen planus.

Can I ever kiss again with herpes?

So, can you ever kiss again? I vote yes, although there is a slight chance of transmitting the virus even in the absence of any symptoms. To reduce the likelihood of transmission, if you DO have an active HSV-1 lesion (like a lip blister), skip the kiss…and give a hug!

Does herpes affect HPV?

HPV and herpes are both common sexually transmitted infections that can affect a person's skin. However, each virus involved is distinct.
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The key differences between HPV and herpes.

Is HPV bad to have?

Most genital HPV infections aren't harmful at all and go away on their own. But some kinds of HPV can lead to genital warts or certain types of cancer.

What do genital warts feel like to touch?

Genital warts usually take the form of small bumps of roughly two to three centimeters in diameter and are sometimes described as resembling miniature cauliflowers. They typically cause no pain and minimal discomfort, are red or skin-colored in appearance, and can be either soft or hard to touch.

How do I know if it's genital warts or something else?

Discolored marks, rashes, or bleeding on or around the genitals usually indicate the presence of something else, such as herpes or a skin infection. Some symptoms that suggest that the bumps on the genitals might be genital warts include the following: The bumps are skin colored or slightly darker.

What can be mistaken for genital warts?

Genital warts can be mistaken for harmless things like moles, skin tags, or penile pearly papules (small bumps found around the edge of the head of the penis and also the entrance of the vagina). These things aren't infections. They're just normal parts of you.