Yeast infections and herpes are two widespread health problems of the genital area. Many people often confuse the two because some of the symptoms resemble each other and feel the same way. For example, both may cause redness, itching, or discomfort in private areas. Although the causes or treatments for these conditions are very different.
Knowing the difference between a herpes and vs yeast infection is very important. If you are treating the wrong condition, your symptoms may become worse, and you want to make sure that you are doing the best thing for your own body! Understanding how yeast infections and herpes work in your body and how they can manifest themselves is very helpful.
What is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection happens when there’s too much yeast (called Candida) growing in the body. An overgrowth of yeast can create discomfort, especially in warm, moist areas such as the mouth, underarms, and private areas. A yeast infection isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it can sometimes be shared between partners during sexual activity.
The most frequent kind of yeast infection affects the vaginal area. Yeast infections are very common for women, and many women will experience a vaginal yeast infection in their life. Vaginal yeast infection symptoms often include:
- Itching or burning in the vaginal area
- Redness and swelling
- Thick, white discharge from vaginal, which looks like cottage cheese
- Pain with urination or pain during sex
Men can also get yeast infections, especially if they are not circumcised or do not follow proper hygiene. For men, it may create redness, itching, or a rash on the penis and is often confused with other conditions, such as herpes in the vaginal area or region of the genitals.
Yeast infections are usually mild and somewhat uncomfortable. They can often be treated and go away quickly with the right course of treatment. It is very important to know that yeast infection blisters vs herpes, they look very different.
What is Herpes?
Herpes is an infection that comes from a virus known as the Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV for short. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, which causes cold sores most often around the mouth, and HSV-2, which is mainly associated with genital herpes. Both types can affect either the mouth or the genitals.
Herpes spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted through kissing or during sexual activity. Anyone can get herpes, even a person whose partner is asymptomatic. The virus is lifelong and can trigger flare-ups during a person’s life.
Herpes in women is very common and can cause a lot of pain because of the sores, especially in the vaginal area. Herpes sores can appear as small blisters that break open and crust over. Other symptoms include:
- A slight tingling or warm, stinging feeling often happens right before blisters start to form.
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever and body aches
- painful urination
In some cases, someone may think they have herpes in the vaginal area when it’s something else, like a yeast infection. That’s why it is good to know the distinctions. Contact professionals for urgent care for herpes test in chicago, Illinois.
Some may wonder, “Does herpes smell?” or “Does herpes stink?”— Herpetic infection usually doesn’t smell, but other infections that may happen at the same time could.
Yeast Infection Blisters vs Herpes Blisters
It is sometimes difficult for people to distinguish between yeast infection blisters and herpes. Both conditions can present in the same areas of the body, however their symptoms are very different.
Blisters are rare in yeast infections. If there are blisters, they appear mostly as a result of scratching or some sort of irritated skin. These sores is not really blisters and can appear red, raw, or a bit broken. They typically do not have much pain associated with them, and usually heal completely once the yeast infection clears.
Herpes blisters, however, are a well-known sign of the herpes virus. They will typically present as small and fluid-filled blisters, in clusters. They are usually painful and individuals may experience a burning or itchy sensation days before the blisters appear. After a short time, these blisters burst and form crusts or scabs. Healing can take 1-2 weeks.
The key differences between herpes blisters and yeast infection blisters can help you tell them apart.
- Pain level: Blisters associated with herpes are usually painful. For yeast sores, there is typically more itching than pain.
- Appearance: Blisters from herpes will be fluid-filled blisters in clusters. I-do not consider yeast-related sores to be blisters, but more patches that are red or irritated.
- Healing: Healing take longer for herpes. Yeast infections often heal quicker with treatment.
Jock Itch or Herpes? How to Tell the Difference
Jock itch is a fungal rash that causes itching and redness in sweaty areas like the groin. Jock itch usually has a clear border and spreads outward in a ring-like pattern. Herpes, by contrast can cause painful blisters or sores that break and scab over.
If you’re trying to figure out jock itch or herpes, check out the symptoms- jock itch has an itchy, patchy feel, whereas herpes is more painful like blisters. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get to a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.
In Males: Balanitis versus Herpes Symptoms
Men may sometimes confuse balanitis vs herpes symptoms because both conditions affect the head of the penis and can cause pain. Balanitis often happens because of poor hygiene or skin irritation, and sometimes it’s caused by a yeast infection.
Symptoms of balanitis include redness, swelling, and itching, and it may be accompanied by a whitish, cheesy-smelling discharge. Herpes generally begins with a tingling sensation followed by painful blisters or sores.
Unlike balanitis, herpes blisters can burst open and will take considerably longer to heal than balanitis. If you develop symptoms of either condition, please ensure that you get checked out to know what is happening.
When Should You See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if you are dealing with persistent blisters, itching, or pain. A qualified health practitioner can offer an accurate diagnosis which will enable you to receive treatment. Contact Novamed urgent care in Illinois for fast and effective care.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a yeast infection vs herpes infection, but knowing the key differences can help. Whether it is signs of vaginal yeast infection or a case of herpes blisters, distinguishing between what is normal and what is not is key to your health. If you are ever in doubt, do not guess; consult a qualified health provider for your safety and relief.
