Genital pimples and herpes sores can look similar but have key differences.
Pimples stem from clogged hair follicles, while herpes sores are viral blisters that break into painful ulcers.
Also, pimples appear in hairy areas, while herpes sores form onmucous membranesand smooth skin.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Genital herpes is asexually transmitted infection(STI) that causes recurring outbreaks, often with flu-like symptoms.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Causes
Genital pimples and herpes sores have different causes.
These differences impact how they develop, spread, are treated, and how long they take to heal.
Genital Pimples
Genital pimples happen when oil, dead skin, and bacteria clog a hair follicle.
This can be resulting from sweat, dirt, tight clothing, or irritation from shaving.
Genital pimples look like regularacneand can be confused with other skin conditions.
Genital pimples:
Often develop beneath the skin and become more noticeable when filled with pus.
Genital herpes sores look different from pimples and follow a specific pattern as they develop.
They start as small blisters and go through several stages before healing.
Genital pimples usually dont cause much pain, but they can become uncomfortable if irritated.
Genital herpes can cause significant discomfort, especially during an outbreak.
The sores are often painful and can make everyday activities uncomfortable.
Symptoms of genital herpes include:
When herpes blisters break, they release fluid and can become more painful.
Healing can take up to four weeks.
Genital pimples can develop anywhere in the genital area where there are hair follicles.
They are more common in areas prone to friction, sweating, or shaving.
Tight clothing, such as jockstraps or underwear, can also contribute by trapping sweat and clogging pores.
Unlike herpes, genital pimples rarely appear on mucous membranes like the inner labia or inside theurethra.
Genital pimples typically dont cause symptoms beyond the visible bump.
Genital herpes can cause more widespread symptoms because the body’simmune systemactively fights the infection.
In some cases, herpes can lead to increased vaginal orpenile discharge.
Severe outbreaks or, in rare cases, neurological inflammation can occur.
Seeking treatment during the first outbreak can help reduce these risks.
Diagnosis
Genital pimples and herpes can both be diagnosed by appearance.
However, a healthcare provider may opt for additional testing to be sure.
Treatment
While genital pimples usually heal on their own, herpes sores may recur over time.
However, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and shorten outbreaks.
In addition to routinely inspecting your skin, consider the following steps to prevent both conditions.
Sometimes, genital pimples and herpes sores can be mistaken for one another.
Herpes sores tend to appear with tingling, itching, blisters, and flu-like symptoms.
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