Other Possible Causes Of Skin Rashes And Outbreaks
So far, weve discussed symptoms of ingrown hairs and herpes virus infections.
But, there are other potential causes of sores or outbreaks in or around the genitals.
- Jock itch, ringworm, or other fungal infections
Both ingrown hairs and herpes blisters can be uncomfortable.
Even though the sores may appear similar, they each require a different treatment.
Is Genital Herpes Related To Shingles
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus , which causes chickenpox earlier in life. The natural history of varicella zoster infection is similar to genital herpes infection in that VZV also becomes latent in the sensory nerve roots. Later in life the virus may exit, causing shingles.
Recurrences in shingles cause blister lesions in a single area of skin called a dermatome. Shingles is not a sexually transmitted infection and is independent from genital herpes.
The First Herpes Outbreak May Come With A Flu
The first time the HSV expresses itself after you have been infected which could be 47 days after the infection, months, or years, even the sores may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms like fever, body ache, and swollen glands.5
An yeast infection does not cause these. Of course, you may simultaneously have a flu and an yeast infection. The blisters or rashes will be the telling difference.
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Oral Herpes Can Cause Sores Or Blisters Around The Mouth
HSV-1 is a common cause of oral herpes, which can lead to cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. Most people with oral herpes do not have any symptoms, according to the CDC. Children and young adults typically get the infection from nonsexual contact with saliva. Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can also spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex, causing genital herpes.
Fifty percent to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Once you are infected with oral herpes, you will have the virus for the rest of your life. While some people never develop any symptoms, others will have recurrent outbreaks.
The first outbreak of oral herpes is usually the worst. In addition to sores on and around the lips and throughout the mouth, it may cause severe flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and a headache, per Johns Hopkins. However, some people have no symptoms at all.
Some people with oral herpes never have any additional outbreaks after the initial one. If they do, the recurring infections are usually much milder, and the sores typically appear on the edges of the lips. Recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the first outbreak of oral herpes.
The most common signs and symptoms of a recurring oral herpes infection include:
Treatments for oral herpes include:
Std Vs Yeast Infection: Comparing Causes
Another way to determine if you have a yeast infection or an STD is to consider the cause. While it is often impossible to trace an infection back to its beginning, you may be able to make an educated guess at the cause of your symptoms by thinking about your activity over the past few weeks or months.
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As you age, the virus loses some of its ability to kind of be a badass, says Kelly-Jones. Youve been fighting it for a long time, and you have less of a chance of asymptomatic shedding. This means youâd be less likely to actively have an outbreak without knowing it, making you less likely to pass along the virus.
Its a phenomenon known as prodrome, says Kelly-Jones, and it happens when a patient experiences symptoms before a lesion appears. Some patients recognize them, and what happens is the herpes virus lives in the nerve root in your spinal cord. When it reactivates, it comes down that same nerve root and causes the lesion in one specific area. So patients will report itching, tingling, and burning .
If you notice those symptoms, Kelly-Jones says you can begin treatment right away. It probably wont prevent the lesion from happening, but it can decrease the longevity and severity of the outbreak, she says. And, of course, you should abstain from sex.
When youre not having an outbreak, its okay to have sexso long as you use a condom. Consistent use reduces your risk of passing along the virus by about 30 percent, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
That said, remember that condoms break and not everyone knows how to use one perfectly. And because the virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, that means that any slip-ups could leave an uninfected partner at risk. Thatâs why itâs important to talk to your doctors about medication, too.
What Are The Symptoms Of Vulvar Lichen Planus
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following are possible symptoms of lichen planus:
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Bumps and patches on the skin that itch
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Soreness, burning, and tenderness
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Blisters and open sores that may make urination and sexual intercourse painful
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Pale appearance or white lacy pattern on the vulva
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Yellowish discharge
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Fragile and thin vaginal skin, which sometimes causes cracking and bleeding
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If left untreated, this skin condition can erode the vaginal skin tissues, especially the labia minora .
It is not difficult to understand how some women may mistake these symptoms for or some other sort of .
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Fungal Infection And Types Of Herpes
Depending on the cause, there are two types of herpes: herpes simplex and herpes zoster or shingles.
Most people think that herpes is only herpes simplex because they may not know that shingles is also herpes.
The most common herpes that affects the lips, genitals and other areas of the body is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus.
Herpes zoster or shingles is an infection caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, which is called herpes virus type 3 or varicella zoster virus.
Who Might Get Herpes Simplex
People of any age can contract herpes simplex. You are more likely to get the virus if you:
- Were assigned female at birth.
- Have had multiple sex partners.
- Started having sex at a young age.
- Have a history of any sexually transmitted infection .
- Have a weakened immune system.
- Dont use condoms for intercourse and dental dams for oral sex.
Who gets HSV-1, commonly known as oral herpes?
Anyone can get HSV-1. Most people contract HSV-1 during childhood. It spreads when an adult who has the virus has close contact with a child, such as when a family member kisses a child.
Who gets HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes?
Genital herpes affects sexually active teens and adults of all genders and races. It can spread if you have multiple sexual partners and dont use condoms or dental dams.
People assigned female at birth are more at risk. Delicate vaginal tissue can tear, making it easier for the infection to get in. Black people who were AFAB are especially vulnerable, with an estimated 1 in 2 people AFAB between the ages of 14 and 49 infected with HSV-2.
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Customer Reviews And Brand Reputation
FemiClear does not have Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau registration. However, the company website features several customer reviews.
These reviews generally praise the quality of FemiClear products and state that the ointments are easy to apply and work immediately. Customers also generally report that the genital herpes items are effective in relieving itching and burning.
However, some people reported a burning sensation after applying HClear, suggesting that this product may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.
How Common Is Genital Herpes
Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. CDC estimated that there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in the United States in a single year.1 Nationwide, 11.9 % of persons aged 14 to 49 years have HSV-2 infection .2 However, the prevalence of genital herpes infection is higher than that because an increasing number of genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1. 3 Oral HSV-1 infection is typically acquired in childhood because the prevalence of oral HSV-1 infection has declined in recent decades, people may have become more susceptible to contracting a genital herpes infection from HSV-1. 4
HSV-2 infection is more common among women than among men the percentages of those infected during 2015-2016 were 15.9% versus 8.2% respectively, among 14 to 49 year olds. 2 This is possibly because genital infection is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men during penile-vaginal sex. 5 HSV-2 infection is more common among non-Hispanic blacks than among non-Hispanic whites . 2 A previous analysis found that these disparities, exist even among persons with similar numbers of lifetime sexual partners. Most infected persons may be unaware of their infection in the United States, an estimated 87.4% of 14 to 49 year olds infected with HSV-2 have never received a clinical diagnosis. 6
The age-adjusted percentage of persons in the United States infected with HSV-2 decreased from 18.0% in 19992000 to 12.1% in 2015-2016. 2
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Herpes Or Ingrown Hair How To Tell The Difference
Medically reviewed by Patrick Carroll, MD
Men are careful about our genitals. We wash and groom ourselves regularly, and weâre always looking to make sure things down there are in proper order. Plus, itâs not like you havenât spent a long time with the olâ twig and berries itâs almost like weve been friends with them our whole lives.
Jokes aside, the point weâre trying to make is: you know every single detail of your genitals and the area around them. Every follicle, every wrinkle, every curve. And when something is amiss, you notice it immediately. And when it comes to our genitals, any change to the norm is enough to induce a heart attack. So, chances are youâre here because something down there is out of order, and youâre wondering: Herpes or ingrown hair?
Well, luckily, telling the difference is pretty simple if you know what to look for.
Ingrown hairs are a common annoyance that can affect anyone who shaves or waxes their body hair. They can itch and form a reddish bump and, if infected due to folliculitis, cause a significant amount of discomfort.
When an ingrown hair becomes infected, its quite common for a pustule to form around the hair follicle. Since these pustules often contain fluid and crust over during the process of healing, its easy to confuse them with the sores that can develop during a herpes outbreak.
Otc Treatments Vs Seeing A Doctor
If you have had yeast infections before and you are certain that is what youre experiencing, then you should be fine buying OTC medications for it. If time passes and the medications obviously arent doing anything, youll want to see a doctor as soon as possible.
If youve never had yeast infections or just arent sure, visiting a doctor is the best option. Better safe than sorry by making assumptions when lab tests can easily provide a diagnosis and a doctor can treat you while also answering all of your questions.
Do you need a doctor you can trust to give you a medical diagnosis and provide treatment? We have an incredible team that youll feel comfortable with and that can assist you! Reach out to us today if youd like to schedule an appointment.
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Initial Outbreaks Of Hsv
If youve been infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, youll usually go through an initial outbreak. Your first herpes outbreak is also referred to as the primary outbreak, which usually happens one to two weeks after your virus exposure, and tends to be the most severe physical experience from the virus.
Not everyone with HSV-1 or HSV-2 will have an initial outbreak. Some people are completely asymptomatic, which means they can be infected with the virus without experiencing any real herpes symptoms.
During a first herpes outbreak, most people experience the physical effects of herpes , plus additional flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, sore throat and general body aches.
Herpes outbreaks usually start within several days of exposure. If youre worried that youre going through an initial outbreak of herpes, the best thing to do is check your symptoms and talk to your doctor about testing and treatment options.
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How To Reduce Your Risk Of Getting An Std
If you have any symptoms of genital herpes or any other STD, see your doctor or go to a sexual health clinic. Your doctor will know what tests to give you to detect any STDs you may have. And if youre sexually active, get screened regularly and always practice safe sex.
Additional reporting Cathy Cassata and Ingrid Strauch.
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Genital Herpes Causes Sores Yeast Infection Does Not
You may still carry the genital herpes virus even if you do not have blisters.
The tell-tale signs of herpes are blisters that mostly appear on or around the genital area and sometimes the rectum and mouth. They eventually break and lead to painful sores near the genitals, thighs, buttocks. This is called an outbreak. These outbreaks may occur in loops, especially during the first year after infection. The first one is the most dreadful and may be the longest. But the frequency of these outbreaks reduces after a couple of years.
Areas Of Fungal Infection Or Herpes Outbreaks
Herpes and fungal infection have similarities and differences depending on the area of the body that both diseases affect.
The areas of the body most affected by herpes simplex are the genitals and nearby areas, mouth, lips and eye area. Of all these areas, the genitals and mouth are the most affected.
Herpes simplex does not infect the blood, whereas some species of fungi such as Candida albicans can. The presence of fungi in the blood is called fungemia.
Another difference between herpes and fungal infection is that fungi can infect nails and hair, whereas herpes cannot.
The species of fungi that infect nails and hair belong to the group of dermatophytes. This is why the infection is called dermatophytosis or ringworm. The ringworm of the nails is called onychomycosis.
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How Can You Avoid Genital Herpes
Most women get genital herpes through sexual contactwith a person who has herpes sores. You can get thevirus without having sex. To avoid infection:
- Avoid skin-to-skin and sexual contact.
- Have safer sex:
- Reduce the number of sexual partners.
- Condoms, when used correctly, can reduce therisk of getting genital herpes. Each time you have sexuse a condom :
- Before vaginal sex
- Before oral sex
For more information, see Safer Sex.
What Are The Risk Factors For Lichen Sclerosus
As with lichen planus, the cause of lichen sclerosus is unclear, but it may be related to an overactive immune system or hormones, according to the NIH. One study completed in 2008 found that women who have may be more susceptible to being diagnosed with lichen sclerosus. It is more common in postmenopausal women as well, according to a report by the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
However, because of the similarities to other conditions, such as genital herpes, vaginitis, or yeast infections, some women may not realize they have lichen sclerosus or mistake it for other gynecological problems.
If left untreated, lichen sclerosus can progress and cause serious effects. In rare cases, its associated with an increased chance of . About 4 percent of women with lichen sclerosus develop vulvar cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
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Oral Herpes Or Yeast Infection
Herpes and yeast infection are diseases that often affect the mouth. That is why it is important to know how to differentiate between them based on their signs and symptoms.
What are the differences between the signs and symptoms of herpes and oral candidiasis?
- Oral herpes starts accompanied by malaise, headache and other symptoms already mentioned oral candidiasis is not accompanied by such symptoms.
- Outbreaks of oral herpes begin with redness in an area of the mouth such as the tongue, gums or inner cheeks. After about a day, the reddened area is covered with blisters that burst and turn into painful ulcers of the same color as the affected tissue oral candidiasis is manifested by white lesions on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth or tonsils.
- Oral candidiasis produces a cottony sensation in the mouth oral herpes does not.
What Can I Do If I Have Herpes Simplex 2
Many people who find out they have herpes feel depressed knowing theyll always have the virus and can give it to others. But you arent alone. Herpes is one of the most common STIs, both in the U.S. and worldwide. If you have herpes, you should:
- Learn all you can about it. Information will help you to manage your disease and feel better about yourself.
- Talk about your illness with your doctor.
If you have herpes, you can still:
- Have sex if you use a condom or dental dam , and you tell your partner about your illness. Some couples, who have sexual relations only with each other, may choose not to use condoms even though one partner has herpes. Because each situation is different, you should ask your doctor if this is the right choice for you in your relationship.
- Have children. People with herpes can still give birth to healthy babies. If you have herpes and plan to have children, discuss your illness with your healthcare provider.
If you have herpes, you should also get checked for HIV and other STIs .
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