Is it Herpes or Thrush? How to Tell the Difference

Is it Herpes or Thrush? How to Tell the Difference

A Response to Aimee from Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

Aimee from Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, recently asked, “Is it herpes or thrush?” This is a common question as the symptoms of both conditions can feel similar. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between herpes and thrush, how to recognise them, and when to seek medical advice.

What is Thrush?

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that normally lives in small amounts in the body. It’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but certain factors like antibiotics, pregnancy, or diabetes can increase your risk of developing thrush. Typical thrush symptoms include:

• Itching and irritation around the genital area.
• Thick, white discharge that may look like cottage cheese.
• Redness and swelling around the vulva or penis.
• Discomfort during urination or sexual activity.

Thrush is generally treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or oral medications, and it’s often easy to clear up. However, recurrent thrush may need further investigation by your doctor.

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Unlike thrush, herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. There are two types: HSV-1 (often causing cold sores) and HSV-2 (usually responsible for genital herpes). Key herpes symptoms include:

• Painful blisters or sores on the genital area burst and form ulcers.
• Tingling or burning sensation before the blisters appear.
• Flu-like symptoms include fever or body aches, especially during the first outbreak.
• Mild discharge is not as prominent as the discharge caused by thrush.

Herpes is a lifelong infection, but antiviral medications can manage outbreaks. Once the virus enters the body, it stays dormant and can reactivate at any time.

Is it Herpes or Thrush? The Key Differences

Here’s how to differentiate herpes from thrush:

• Pain vs. Itch: Herpes typically causes painful sores, while thrush concerns itching and irritation.
• Discharge: Thrush leads to a thick white discharge, while herpes may cause a small amount of clear or yellowish discharge.
• Blisters: Herpes causes blisters and sores, but thrush does not.
• Onset: Herpes may start with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by blisters. Thrush symptoms often develop more gradually.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re unsure whether you have herpes or thrush, it’s essential to visit your GP or a sexual health clinic. A medical professional can take a swab or blood test to accurately diagnose herpes. An antifungal treatment for thrush typically clears up the infection quickly, but persistent cases may require further investigation.

Final Thoughts

While herpes and thrush can share some symptoms, they are very different conditions. Herpes is a sexually transmitted virus that causes painful sores, while thrush is a fungal infection characterized by itching and thick discharge. If you’re asking yourself, “Is it herpes or thrush?” and you’re still unsure, make an appointment with your doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.