Acne on the genitals and genital herpes are almost similar, what's the difference, huh?

The appearance of small red or white bumpy bumps on the genitals is a typical symptom of genital herpes disease. This sign is often difficult to distinguish and some even think it is just a pimple on the genitals. Therefore, it is important to really understand what the difference between small bumps is a sign of genital herpes or just pimples on your genitals.

How to distinguish genital herpes and pubic acne

Even though they have very similar shapes, but if you pay close attention, pimples on the genitals and genital herpes are two different things.

1. Different characteristics

Pubic acne

Just like acne in general, pimples that appear on the genitals are also identical to red bumps and have white pus or clear fluid in them. Acne can appear one by one, or all at once.

Acne may be itchy, but it usually won't hurt as much unless it gets rubbed or pressed suddenly. No need to worry, acne on vital organs will usually disappear in a matter of days.

Genital herpes

Symptoms of the herpes virus can appear at any time, regardless of how long it takes for the virus to enter the body. This means that you may not feel any symptoms even though the herpes virus has already attacked.

The main sign that usually appears is a red or white lump filled with clear fluid resembling boils in the vital area, mouth, or buttocks. Unlike acne, herpes blisters or bumps will usually be painful even if they are not touched, especially when they have burst. The texture of herpes blisters tends to be softer than that of pimples.

However, these typical symptoms do not come alone. You will also notice headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and a high fever.

2. Different causes

Pubic acne

Acne is actually a normal skin condition due to clogged pores with oil and dirt. In other cases, small pimple bumps on the genitals can also be caused by an allergy to a garment, after shaving or plucking pubic hair; as well as the presence of bacterial and fungal infections in the hair follicles.

All of these things can cause one or more small bumps on the genitals, until finally itchy.

Genital herpes

If acne is more synonymous with dirty and unhealthy skin conditions, then genital herpes is 180 degrees different. Yes, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is spread by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the herpes simplex virus, namely:

HSV-1, often referred to as oral herpes because it spreads through saliva and sores in the area of the mouth that has become infected. This virus can also cause genital herpes.
HSV-2, usually develops around the genitals through sexual contact. This virus is the main cause of genital herpes.

Any partner who has unsafe sex is at risk of contracting genital herpes. In fact, sometimes using a condom does not guarantee that you are free from the herpes virus.

3. Different treatments

Pubic acne

You don't need to worry because usually acne on vital organs can heal within a few days. The key is to always adopt a healthy lifestyle and always maintain the cleanliness of all members of the body. Especially the genital area which may be often overlooked.

In addition, you can help get rid of acne by cleaning it using a warm compress and soap containing benzoyl peroxide. With a note, be more careful when rubbing the skin in the genital area and avoid rubbing it too hard even to the lips of the vagina.

Genital herpes

Meanwhile, genital herpes is a little difficult to treat with home remedies. Medical treatment using oral and topical antiviral drugs plays an important role in helping to prevent the spread of the herpes simplex virus. For example the drugs valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir, and acyclovir (Zovirax).

You are advised to regularly take the drug according to the rules and avoid sexual intercourse for a while, until the genital herpes treatment is completely finished. Because if not, you are still at risk of transmitting this virus to your partner.

Avoid picking at herpes bumps or lesions as this will trigger severe pain and make the virus easier to spread.