Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Both pimples and herpes sores can be red, have a discharge, and disappear on their own in a few days. Herpes sores, however, tend to be larger and redder, and they can turn into painful blisters that can break open and take a few weeks to heal. Herpes outbreaks can also include flu-like symptoms.
This article covers the differences between genital pimples and genital herpes.
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Genital pimples and herpes can have similar symptoms, but there are also key differences between the two conditions.
Genital Pimples
Symptoms of genital pimples include:
Herpes
Symptoms of herpes include:
Genital Pimples vs. HPV Warts
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an STI that can cause warts that, much like herpes sores, disappear over time. HPV warts can take weeks to months to disappear.
Genital pimples and herpes sores have different causes, though herpes can look like pimples. The following are the different causes of genital pimples and herpes.
Herpes is classified as an STI. While HSV-2 is usually passed through sex with a person with HSV-2, HSV-1 can be transmitted orally but show up in the genitals.
Herpes can be spread through:
To diagnose a pimple, a healthcare provider will likely:
When Could Genital Pimples Be Something Else?If you have genital pimples that are getting larger, softer, or redder or that last longer than a week, it might be time to get tested for an STI. Inflamed pimples that do not go away in a few days could be a sign of an STI like herpes or syphilis. Early treatment of STIs is key to preventing future outbreaks or adverse health effects.
When Could Genital Pimples Be Something Else?
If you have genital pimples that are getting larger, softer, or redder or that last longer than a week, it might be time to get tested for an STI. Inflamed pimples that do not go away in a few days could be a sign of an STI like herpes or syphilis. Early treatment of STIs is key to preventing future outbreaks or adverse health effects.
Herpes can go undetected in most people since symptoms are often mild. In mild cases, herpes sores can be confused with pimples. Getting tested for herpes may be necessary for all parties who’ve had sexual contact with a person who could be infected, whether or not sores exist on the skin.
A herpes diagnosis could include:
While both genital pimples and herpes sores disappear on their own, there are treatments available that can shorten their duration.
If genital pimples are painful, occur frequently, or are large and red, seek medical attention or get an STI test. Treating genital pimples might include:
The most important time to get antiviral treatment for herpes is during the first outbreak, which can be the longest or most severe outbreak (and often the only outbreak someone experiences).The risk of regular future outbreaks is higher with a more prolonged first outbreak, and untreated herpes can cause brain disorders in rare cases.
Three commonly prescribed antiviral medications for herpes are:
There are three kinds of regimens (courses of treatment) for antiviral medications for herpes:
To manage outbreaks, it can also help to:
Both genital pimples and herpes can be prevented.
To prevent genital pimples, it is recommended:
Avoiding sexual contact is the best way to prevent spreading or getting herpes. Other methods that decrease risk include:
Summary
Both genital pimples and herpes sores can appear for a few days and disappear, however, if a genital pimple gets larger and redder, it is advised to get tested for STIs to rule out herpes.
A Word From Verywell
Having herpes might seem embarrassing, but the infection is treatable and can be mild. The key is getting treatment as soon as possible to prevent future outbreaks. While herpes might come with a stigma, staying informed can help keep it from negatively affecting your personal life.
Genital pimples can be distressing, but they are largely harmless and can disappear on their own. However, if you’re concerned or your pimples are getting worse, it never hurts to get an STD test for peace of mind and to keep yourself and your partners safe.
Learn MoreGenital Warts vs. Pimples vs. Herpes: What’s the Difference?
There are several sexually transmitted infections that could cause genital bumps. Herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) are viral STIs that cause bumps. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are bacterial STIs that also cause bumps. HPV bumps can be flat and appear in clusters. Syphilis can cause warts moist areas like genitals and armpits.Learn MoreThe Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
There are several sexually transmitted infections that could cause genital bumps. Herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) are viral STIs that cause bumps. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are bacterial STIs that also cause bumps. HPV bumps can be flat and appear in clusters. Syphilis can cause warts moist areas like genitals and armpits.
Learn MoreThe Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
The first sign of genital herpes is one or more sores around the mouth or genitals and in some cases, flu-like symptoms like fever and headache. Most people with genital herpes either do not have symptoms or have mild symptoms.Learn MoreEffective Treatments for Herpes
The first sign of genital herpes is one or more sores around the mouth or genitals and in some cases, flu-like symptoms like fever and headache. Most people with genital herpes either do not have symptoms or have mild symptoms.
Learn MoreEffective Treatments for Herpes
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.Merck Manual.Genital herpes (professional version).Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?.Marcocci ME, Napoletani G, Protto V, et al.Herpes simplex virus-1 in the brain: the dark side of a sneaky infection.Trends Microbiol. 2020;28(10):808-820. doi:10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.003National Health Service (UK).Genital warts.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.MedlinePlus.Acne.TeensHealth.Is it normal to get pimples near the vagina?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.National Human Genome Research Institute.Antibody.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips to treat deep, painful pimples.National Health Service (UK).Genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: genital herpes.Queensland Health.Dude, what’s that lump? A guy’s guide to STIs.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.Merck Manual.Genital herpes (professional version).Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?.Marcocci ME, Napoletani G, Protto V, et al.Herpes simplex virus-1 in the brain: the dark side of a sneaky infection.Trends Microbiol. 2020;28(10):808-820. doi:10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.003National Health Service (UK).Genital warts.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.MedlinePlus.Acne.TeensHealth.Is it normal to get pimples near the vagina?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.National Human Genome Research Institute.Antibody.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips to treat deep, painful pimples.National Health Service (UK).Genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: genital herpes.Queensland Health.Dude, what’s that lump? A guy’s guide to STIs.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.Merck Manual.Genital herpes (professional version).Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?.Marcocci ME, Napoletani G, Protto V, et al.Herpes simplex virus-1 in the brain: the dark side of a sneaky infection.Trends Microbiol. 2020;28(10):808-820. doi:10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.003National Health Service (UK).Genital warts.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.MedlinePlus.Acne.TeensHealth.Is it normal to get pimples near the vagina?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.National Human Genome Research Institute.Antibody.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips to treat deep, painful pimples.National Health Service (UK).Genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: genital herpes.Queensland Health.Dude, what’s that lump? A guy’s guide to STIs.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.
Merck Manual.Genital herpes (professional version).
Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of herpes?.
Marcocci ME, Napoletani G, Protto V, et al.Herpes simplex virus-1 in the brain: the dark side of a sneaky infection.Trends Microbiol. 2020;28(10):808-820. doi:10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.003
National Health Service (UK).Genital warts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.
MedlinePlus.Acne.
TeensHealth.Is it normal to get pimples near the vagina?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.
National Human Genome Research Institute.Antibody.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips to treat deep, painful pimples.
National Health Service (UK).Genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: genital herpes.
Queensland Health.Dude, what’s that lump? A guy’s guide to STIs.
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