However, when comparing herpes vs. shingles, they are different conditions resulting from different viruses.
Genital herpesis resulting from herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2).
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vs.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
It’s common on the torso or face and only rarely in the genital area.
Though the virus stays in the body, most people do not get multiple shingles outbreaks.
Contagiousness
Shinglesisn’t something you could catch from someone else.
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It’s triggered by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.
How Long It Lasts
Ashinglesrash typically goes away within two to four weeks.
Blisters associated with the rash tend to clear in seven to 10 days.
The pain and tingling can last for months after the rash has healed.
Withherpes,the firstoutbreak a person has usually is the worst and takes the longest to heal.
How Common Is Shingles vs. Shingles and herpes are both common in the United States.
Herpes vs. Shingles: Symptoms
Herpes
Someone with genital herpes does not always have symptoms.
If they do have symptoms, theyre often so mild that they go unnoticed.
Later outbreaks are usually less severe and get better faster.
A few days later, small blisters form.
They can be very painful and may cause a burning sensation on the skin.
The pain after the blisters heal can last for months or even years.This condition is calledpostherpetic neuralgia.
Occasionally, herpes may extend beyond the area of skin supplied by one spinal nerve (dermatome).
Shingles istreatedwith antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir.
The sooner the medication is started after the shingles rash appears, the more effective it will be.
Although rare, a shingles outbreak can appear on the genitals, making it look like genital herpes.
These conditions include:
Shingles vs.
They may want to do some tests to double-check they have the right diagnosis.
Genital herpes can be hard to diagnose if the lesions have gone away before you see a provider.
There are also blood tests that can check for antibodies to the herpes virus.
You might be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well.
For example, they can take fluid from the blisters to look at in the lab.
Blood tests may not detect an active shingles infection but can help rule out other possible causes.
Herpes cannot be cured but outbreaks can be treated with antiviral medications.
The medications can also be taken daily to help prevent outbreaks.
Shingles is sparked by the same virus that gives you chickenpox.
Once you get the shingles rash, it can be treated with antivirals like herpes.
Shingles can also be prevented with a vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people only get shingles one time, but it can happen multiple times.
Shingles cause pain, itching, tingling, or burning skin where the rash develops.
These symptoms can be quite severe for some people and last long after the rash has gone away.
This is called postherpetic neuralgia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Laboratory testing for varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
