How To Find Out If You Have Herpes

Noticing a sign of Herpes can be worrying, only don't panic. Information technology is piece of cake to mistake Herpes for something else. Hither, we explain the other potential causes for Canker-like symptoms and how to notice out if it is Herpes, or not.

The Herpes Simplex Virus, also known equally Herpes, is often misunderstood yet an extremely common infection. The symptoms of Herpes ordinarily course equally sores and blisters in the oral and/or genital area, depending on which type of Herpes it is. However, it is not always easy to differentiate the symptoms from other wellness or skin conditions.

The nuts

Firstly, permit's understand the two nearly mutual types of Canker:

Oral Herpes (HSV-1). This appears around the lips and nose or inside the rima oris, commonly known equally 'cold sores' or 'fever blisters'
Genital Herpes (HSV-2). This appears every bit sores or blisters in the genital area.

Often, people with Herpes will not bear witness any symptoms. In fact, only one in 3 people will have symptoms, whilst the bulk will have either mild symptoms or none. Therefore, it is highly likely that a person may not even be aware that they have the virus.

If someone is infected with Canker, they tin spread the virus to another person through skin to pare contact, including kissing and sex. HSV-2 tin be passed to a partner through oral sexual activity, if the person performing oral sex is infected with HSV-1.

When the virus is passed from 1 person to another, this most often occurs when either person has active sores or blisters. So, if you have visible symptoms, you should always refrain from sexual contact. However, Herpes can besides be passed when symptoms are not nowadays. Using condoms can help to prevent spreading or catching Herpes, but since condoms do not cover the unabridged genital area, they are not 100% constructive.

What else can resemble Canker?

Canker symptoms tin can be mistaken for many other things, including:

A unlike STI which causes visible lesions, such every bit Syphilis or genital warts (HPV)
Irritation acquired by shaving
Ingrown hairs
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Pimples
Yeast infections
Haemorrhoids
Bug bites.

How to be sure whether it is Canker or not

If you lot have noticed symptoms that are concerning you, getting tested is the only mode to exist sure whether it is Herpes or non. You can choose to book an appointment at one of our nationwide clinics or examination at habitation with one of our convenient home test kits.

If you practise have symptoms, a simple swab test tin provide y'all with the peace of heed you need. Alternatively, why not consider our Blotch Screen? This swab test will detect Syphilis, Herpes and HPV, then y'all tin can be sure which (if whatever) is causing your symptoms. This is available as a home examination kit, or you can book in at one of our clinics. Observe out more here.

With our convenient Photo Consultation service, you can send a photo of your lesion(southward) to our expert medico who will review your photograph and recommend the side by side steps based on your symptoms. If you lot feel unsure about which test or screen to volume, this is the perfect pick for you.

If you do not have symptoms but would like to find out whether you have the Herpes virus, a uncomplicated claret test will tell you this.