What is the difference between herpes and syphilis

The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take weeks to heal. It is important to realize that although syphilis rates are declining in the United States, they remain constant, or are actually rising in certain populations. Regrettably, undiagnosed and untreated syphilis may lead to life-threatening complications such as hepatitis, stroke, and nervous system damage … gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men MSM are at highest risk for syphilis infection.

Other significant risk factors include concomitant HIV infection or other STI, use of illicit drugs during sex, poverty, and trading sex for drugs or money.

Full text of article available at link below: bit. With syphilis, the lesion might take up to two weeks to become visible and up to 8 weeks to heal. It might scar after healing since the lesion penetrates the entire skin thickness. Herpes lesions might take one or two days to appear and on average last for two weeks this might extend to four weeks in the first outbreak. Since the lesions are superficial, no scarring is expected after healing.

X Herpes navigation Herpes overview What you feel? Balanitis Herpes vs. Herpes vs. Table 1. Similarities of herpes and primary syphilis symptoms Differences between herpes and primary syphilis signs Both conditions may have systemic symptoms: overall weakness, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle aches, and loss of appetite Pain Herpes blisters and sores are tingly, itchy, and painful in different stages. Syphilis sores are painless.

Similarities of herpes and primary syphilis signs Differences between herpes and primary syphilis signs Location Both conditions can affect the vagina, penis, anus, or mouth. Can ulcerate Both conditions can present as an ulcer a concave sore. Frequently Asked Questions In this frequently asked questions section, Dr. The only way to know which STI you have contracted is to get tested as soon as possible. HSV 1 is commonly associated with causing sores or blisters around the mouth, often known as cold sores.

HSV 2 is often linked with genital sores or blisters. Despite this, the two strains are not limited to these areas. Herpes I could have been contracted in childhood from kisses off a relative, remaining dormant until triggered by illness, stress or a weakened immune system. There is a high chance of Herpes transmission if you or your partner engage in unprotected sexual activities whilst experiencing a Herpes outbreak. This is because direct skin-to-skin contact with an active blister or sore will pass on the virus.

Once you have acquired Herpes, the virus remains in your system for life. You can still engage in sexual activities, and protection should always be used. If you are experiencing an outbreak, you are advised to abstain from sexual contact to prevent transmission to your partner. There are creams available to help with Herpes outbreaks; medications may be prescribed by a doctor if your outbreaks are particularly severe and frequent. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted sexually.

Unprotected oral, anal or vaginal intercourse is the most common way to transmit a Syphilis infection. Direct contact with a Syphilis chancre, sore or lesion is highly likely to result in Syphilis transmission. There are three phases to a Syphilis infection , with symptoms varying depending on the stage primary, secondary, latent or tertiary.