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Telling the difference between genital herpes and pimplesMedically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on May 29, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers.
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Genital herpes and genital pimples have similar characteristics, often appearing as small, pus-filled bumps on the skin. However, there are differences between genital herpes and pimples on the genitals, which can help a person identify each condition.
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The appearance of small pus-filled bumps on the genitals may initially cause concern, but not all bumps require medical treatment. Pimples result from a buildup of dirt or oil that clogs up the pores. Genital pimples often appear as flesh color pustules or ulcers filled with white pus.
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It is not a serious medical condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has no cure. Genital herpes can present as white or red bumps filled with a clear liquid or as red ulcers that are typically painful.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 417 million people worldwide have the virus that causes genital herpes. Symptoms of genital herpes vs pimples
Share on PinterestA person who suspects they may have genital herpes should speak to a doctor.Herpes and pimples share the following symptoms:both may appear as a cluster of red bumpsboth may itchboth may contain pus
Herpes-specific symptoms
The herpes virus can lie dormant for years after exposure, and symptoms may appear at any time.
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Sometimes people have no signs or do not recognize them. When an outbreak of genital herpes does occur, it usually presents as a patch of small red, purple, or white bumps or red ulcers.
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These lesions are often painful. Genital herpes may also appear on the buttocks or mouth in some cases. The pus-filled blisters will eventually burst, leaving an ulcer-like sore on the skin.
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People may experience additional pain when the blisters burst. It can take several weeks for a herpes outbreak to subside, and the first outbreak tends to be the most severe.
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People who have herpes may also experience additional symptoms. These symptoms may include:feverachinessheadachespain in the legsswollen lymph nodesvaginal discharge
Lesions caused by genital herpes tend to feel softer than a pimple and can sometimes resemble a blister.
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Pimple-specific symptoms
Genital pimples, by contrast, often feel firm to the touch. Pimples may appear one at a time or in small clusters.
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Pimples also tend to form near areas where sweat can collect. They may develop in areas where underwear or other tight clothing touches the skin, causing sweat and dirt to build up. Pimples develop within pores and will only rise above the skin surface if they accumulate enough pus.
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Pimples will leak thick pus or blood if squeezed or scratched. Genital pimples may itch, but unlike herpes lesions, they do not tend to be painful unless a person applies pressure to them. Pimples may also appear following intense exercise, heat, or humidity.
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Pimples will clear up quickly in most cases. Comparison table
The following table compares some of the common signs of herpes and pimples:HerpesPimplesFeelsoftfirmLocationaround genitals, buttocks, or mouthareas of sweat or frictionNumbermultiple lesionsindividual or clustersPainusuallysometimesTimelineseveral weeksa few weeksOther symptomsfever,achiness,headache,swollen lymph nodes,genital dischargeitchiness,bleeding
What are the causes
The reasons for genital pimples and genital herpes are entirely different. Causes of genital pimples
Genital pimples are not contagious.
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They develop due to:clogged skin poresingrown hairfolliculitis
Causes of genital herpes
A virus known as herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. The virus can easily spread from person-to-person through sexual activity. There are two types of herpes virus:HSV-1 is generally referred to as oral herpes as it tends to form in or near the mouth.HSV-2 typically develops around the genitals and is the most common type of STI.
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Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be oral or genital. Sexual activity can transmit both types of the herpes virus. Practicing sex with a barrier method can help prevent the virus from spreading.
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However, people can still contract the virus even when using a condom or dental dam. Risk factors
A person is at high risk for developing genital pimples when:they are extremely sweatywearing tight clothing that can trap sweat and debris under the skinshaving over pubic hairthe weather is hotter and more humid
People can contract genital herpes through sexual activity with anyone who has the virus.
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People most at risk are sexually active people with multiple partners. It is still possible for herpes to spread even when using a condom or a dental dam, and a person is not experiencing a flare.
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When to contact a doctor
Genital pimples tend to clear up quickly on their own. However, people should speak with a doctor if the pimples do not resolve with simple routine changes or if the bumps appear shortly after sexual activity. Diagnosis
A doctor can diagnose genital herpes by performing a test to determine whether the HSV virus is present.
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Potential tests include:HSV DNA testHSV cultureherpes serologic test
If a doctor confirms genital herpes, they may also check for additional STIs. At-home testing kits are also available. Treatment
Treatment options vary according to whether a person has pimples or herpes.
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Pimple treatment
It is not usually necessary to treat genital pimples with anything more than good hygiene practices, such as cleaning the genital area more thoroughly or frequently. Other treatment options include:applying ointments that contain acne medicationusing antibacterial soapapplying antibacterial creamsusing a sitz bath and Epsom salts for 10–15 minutes or as directed by a doctor
Herpes treatment
Herpes treatment, by contrast, usually requires medical intervention. A doctor will typically prescribe antiviral medications to combat the herpes infection.
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People should take the recommended doses and avoid sexual contact until the outbreak subsides. A doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications or prescribe slightly stronger medicines if the lesions are painful.
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Antibacterial soap is available for purchase online. Antibacterial cream is available for purchase online.
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Preventing genital herpes and pimples
People can take steps to avoid developing either genital pimples or herpes. To prevent pimples, a person can try:washing their genitals at least once a day and after any activity that causes them to sweatwearing loose-fitting clothing that does not cause frictionbathing or showering regularlyavoiding shaving or waxing pubic hair. Clipping or laser hair removal are generally safer options.
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A person can help prevent genital herpes by:always using a condom or dental dam during sexual activityrefraining from having sex with someone who has herpesavoiding having sex during a partner’s flare
Summary
People may confuse genital herpes and genital pimples. Signs that the pus-filled bumps are herpes and not pimples include.pain associated with the bumpsadditional symptomsthe appearance of bumps following sexual contact with a partner
Pimples should resolve on their own and are often preventable. Herpes will cause a person to experience flares and will usually require additional medical treatment.
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Last medically reviewed on May 29, 2022Public HealthInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / VirusesPain / AnestheticsSexual Health / STDs 4 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bumps on penis.
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(2017).https://www.std-gov.org/symptoms/bumps_on_penis.htmGenital herpes - CDC fact sheet. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htmHerpes simplex virus. (2022).http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virusOral & genital herpes.
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(n.d.).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpesFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on May 29, 2022
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New clues arise
Related CoverageWhat to know about anal herpesMedically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. Anal herpes is a form of genital herpes.
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Like genital herpes, it is caused by HSV-2 and is passed on through sexual contact. Anal herpes causes…READ MOREWhat should you do about a pimple on the penis?Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD
Pimples can occur anywhere on the body, including the genitals, and a pimple on the penis can have a range of causes.
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Knowing the signs of an STD can…READ MOREWhat to know about herpes gladiatorumMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Herpes gladiatorum is a transmissible viral infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, often during contact sports. Learn more here.READ MOREHow are HPV and herpes different?Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD
HPV and herpes are both viral infections that can be transmitted through sex and lead to skin problems.
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Each infection also causes distinct symptoms…READ MOREWhat is the treatment for a pimple on the scrotum?Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. A pimple can occur anywhere on the skin, including the scrotum.
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Scrotal skin is different to areas where people more commonly get pimples, so…READ MORE
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