What can be mistaken for herpes?

Are there any other medical conditions that can be mistaken for herpes?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), sometimes known as herpes, is a form of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) caused by a virus. It can be transmitted orally or through sexual contact.

Herpes is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact. It features symptoms that could be mistaken for those of other illnesses.

This article will assist you in determining whether you have herpes or one of a variety of diseases with symptoms similar to herpes.

First, let us take a look at what herpes is so we can better understand whether the infection you have is herpes or something else.

 What is Herpes?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly referred to as herpes, is a type of STD caused by a virus.

There are two main strains of the virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both can be transmitted sexually.

HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which is responsible for cold sores.

However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted from one person’s mouth to another person’s genitals during oral sex. When this happens, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes.

HSV-2 is responsible for Genital Herpes. The most common symptom of herpes is blistery sores. In the case of genital herpes, these sores develop on or around the genitals. In oral herpes, they grow on or around the mouth.

Herpes sores generally crust over and heal within a few weeks. The first outbreak is usually the most painful; outbreaks typically become less painful and frequent over time.

Both these types of herpes are highly contagious.

If a pregnant woman has herpes, she can potentially pass it to her fetus in the womb or to her newborn infant during childbirth. This so-called congenital herpes can be very dangerous to newborns, so it’s beneficial for pregnant women to become aware of their HSV status.

There is no known cure for herpes yet.

What causes herpes?

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is very contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact. Children can also contract HSV-1 from an adult who has an infection. The virus spreads more quickly during an outbreak.

What are the symptoms of herpes?

Herpes has many symptoms, including blistering sores in the mouth, blistering sores on the genitals, itching, and pain during urination (for genital herpes).

Herpes also has symptoms that are very similar to flu, and these symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and reduced appetite.

Herpes can also spread to the eyes resulting in a condition known as keratitis. Symptoms of keratitis include eye pain, gritty sensation in the eye, and discharge from the eye.

How is herpes transmitted?

Herpes is mostly transmitted through direct physical contacts such as oral, anal, and genital sex and sex without protection. Sex toys can also transmit herpes. If your partner has herpes, touching the infected area with your fingers can result in the virus spreading to you.

Herpes is most contagious when you are not practicing safe sex. Using protection and avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person can prevent you from getting infected.

Non-sexual activities can also transmit herpes.

Herpes can be transmitted through handshakes (herpetic whitlow, also known as herpes on hands) and can cause painful infectious blisters on the fingers.

It can also be transmitted through birth. Suppose the mother has an active case of the herpes virus around her vagina during childbirth. In that case, she can unwillingly transfer the herpes virus to her newborn baby as the baby passes through the birth canal.

Also, the chances of getting herpes from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from sharing objects such as silverware, soap, or towels is low, but it is possible.

What could be mistaken for herpes?

Some persons with Herpes experience only moderate symptoms that could be confused for another STI or other health issues. These may include:

 

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial Vaginosis is a bacterial imbalance in the vaginal area. Although it is not a sexually transmitted infection, it is more prevalent among sexually active women. BV, like herpes, is generally asymptomatic, but if symptoms do appear, you may notice discharge, irritation, discomfort, a burning sensation, and a fishy odor.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are hairs that have grown inwards into the skin. Shaving is a common source of ingrown hairs, although they can also occur naturally.

You may see small, sensitive red lumps and blisters if you have ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs, unlike herpes, usually appear as discrete lumps. Although it might appear as a single lesion, genital herpes usually develops in clusters.

 

Irritation Caused by Shaving

Skin irritation around your genitals may not be due to herpes. If not done correctly, shaving the genital area can cause discomfort, redness, and tiny lumps. Ingrown hairs are also a possibility.

 

A different STI

You could be mistaking herpes for another sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Syphilis or Genital Warts.

Both create itchy, visible sores in the genital area; however, Syphilis is usually not painful, and Genital Warts can cause other symptoms such as genital bleeding and a change in urine flow.

 

Yeast infection (thrush)

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that produces inflammation, discharge, and severe itching in the vagina and vulva — the tissues that line the vaginal entrance.

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, affects up to three out of every four women at some point in their lives, and at least two episodes are common in many women.

Thrush affects 75% of women at some point in their lives and is often misdiagnosed as herpes. Vaginal discharge, inflammation, burning, redness, and discomfort are common symptoms. Thrush, on the other hand, is unlikely to cause sores or blisters.

How to be sure whether it is herpes or not

If you’ve seen symptoms that worry you, the only way to know for sure if it’s herpes or not is to go for an HSV test.

Can you get herpes from sharing a drink?

The chance of you getting herpes from sharing a drink with an infected person is very low, almost nonexistent. Due to the nature of the virus, sharing a drink will not harm your health. However, it is advisable to avoid sharing glasses, dishware, and utensils with someone with herpes.

How is herpes diagnosed?

Herpes is generally diagnosed with a physical exam. During the physical examination, your doctor will check your body for sores.

HSV testing, also known as herpes culture, is another way to diagnose herpes, and it confirms the diagnosis if you have sores on your genitals. This test involves using a swab to take a sample of fluid from the sore, which is then sent to the lab for testing.

Blood tests for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also help diagnose herpes infections. Blood tests are beneficial when there are no sores present.

How long can herpes live outside the body?

The amount of time that the herpes virus can live outside of the body varies; it has been estimated to be anywhere between a few hours and a week. Once the virus dies, there’s no risk of infection, even if you share a drink or food with someone with herpes.

Misconceptions of Herpes

Some myths exist about herpes and how it spreads. Here are a few facts

• Herpes can spread even without the presence of active sores.
• The herpes virus can be present even without symptoms. Once you contract herpes, the virus is in your body for life.
• Herpes can be acquired through oral or anal sex, even if no fluids are shared. This also includes sharing sex toys.
• Herpes can be transmitted through kissing, even if the kiss does not involve any tongue.

How is herpes treated?

Currently, there is no cure for herpes; however, there are treatments that focus on limiting the outbreaks of herpes and getting rid of the sores.

For example, Luminance Red is a cold sore treatment that uses high-powered light technology to shorten the healing time and reduce the number of herpes blisters.

It is also possible for the sores to go away on their own without treatment. Your doctor can give you medication to help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Medicines like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir help lower the intensity and frequency of outbreaks.

How to prevent herpes?

Since there is no cure for herpes, measures can be taken to avoid contracting or transmitting the virus to another person.

If you are experiencing an outbreak of HSV-1, consider taking a few preventive steps:

• Try to avoid direct physical contact with other people.
• Don’t share any items that can pass on the virus, such as cups, towels, silverware, clothing, makeup, or lip balm.
• During an outbreak, don’t participate in oral sex, kissing, or other sexual activities.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and apply medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores.

People with HSV-2 should avoid sexual activity with other people during an outbreak.

Summary

Herpes has symptoms that are similar to other conditions, thus, making it easier for these other conditions to be mistaken for herpes.

Yeast infection, bacterial Vaginosis, ingrown hairs, shaving, etc., are some conditions that have symptoms similar to herpes. The only way you can know whether you have herpes or not is to get tested.

Can you get herpes from sharing a drink?