What is the difference between genital warts and herpes?

Genital warts and Herpes are two different diseases caused by two different viruses. People particularly first times get panicked as they really don’t understand the difference between genital warts and genital herpes.

They differ in size, shape and feel and yet the differences are not widely known by people.

They are caused by two different viruses. The virus that is responsible to cause and spread Herpes is HSV 2 but HPV is the one that causes Genital Warts.

The easiest and most visual difference is in the way these conditions show their symptoms.

Herpes is like cold sores. They are pinkish in color and can ulcerate. Give itching and pain. Whereas warts are cauliflower shaped hard and non-ulceration type of dark pale bumps. Herpes is like inflamed bumps near the surface of the genitals and the bumps are filled with the fluid. Warts have no fluid inside.

Other main difference between the genital warts and herpes is the way these conditions spread.

Herpes is transmitted by contact with a lesion or the bodily fluid of an infected person but is never contracted through skin touch whereas warts are highly contagious and mere touch can transmit the wart from one person to another and one part of the body to another.

How to ensure that you have Genital Warts or Herpes?

Although it is easier to differentiate between the two, yet it is important that you take Doctor’s advice and do the required diagnostic test to properly treat the condition.

Both conditions may not show any symptoms for days, months or years after getting it but if you have doubts then see a doctor. He/She will perform blood test, viral culture, or antigen test, or a combination of these for herpes and a pap smear or swab test to see if you have the HPV which causes warts.

Learn more about warts in other related articles:

What is the difference between genital warts and herpes?

How to ensure that you have Genital Warts or Herpes?

Other related articles