Herpes vs Genital Warts vs Yeast Infection
Quick answer
Herpes often causes tender or painful blisters or sores that crust over. Genital warts are usually painless growths that may be flat, raised or stalk-like, though they can itch or be painful. A yeast infection mainly causes itching, soreness and redness, often with thick white discharge. Symptoms overlap, and it is possible to have more than one, so see a clinician for a proper diagnosis.
Which of these sounds most like you?
Tick the field marks that match.
The first and fourth points can point toward herpes, the second and fifth toward warts, and the third toward a yeast infection. This is not a diagnosis, and it is possible to have more than one.
A new bump, rash or burning sensation in the genital area can be worrying, and three common causes can feel confusingly similar: herpes, genital warts and yeast infections. The differences are useful patterns, and all three are common and treatable.
How do I tell herpes from genital warts or a yeast infection?
Start with pain, appearance and how it began. These are patterns, not rules.
| Herpes | Genital warts | Yeast infection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Herpes simplex virus (HSV) | Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly types 6 and 11 | Overgrowth of yeast, usually Candida albicans |
| Feels like | Tingling or burning, then pain or tenderness | Usually asymptomatic, but can be painful or itchy | Itching, burning, soreness |
| Looks like | Blisters, then open sores that crust over | Flat, raised or stalk-like growths | Redness and irritation, often thick white discharge |
| Diagnosis | Swab (PCR) of a fresh sore | Usually by visual inspection | Wet mount or culture |
What does herpes look like compared with the others?
The WHO notes that herpes sores are typically painful, and that blisters may break open, ooze and then crust over. Symptoms often begin with tingling, itching or burning near where the sores will appear.
Warts are not described as blistering. Yeast infections cause more general redness and irritation than distinct blisters.
What do genital warts look like?
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. CDC notes that they are usually flat, papular or pedunculated growths on the genital skin. They are usually asymptomatic, though depending on size and location they can be painful or itchy.
CDC notes that warts can develop months or years after HPV is acquired. Warts also don’t always show up, so it is possible to have HPV without visible warts.
What does a yeast infection look and feel like?
CDC describes typical symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis as itching, vaginal soreness, pain during sex, pain when urinating and abnormal vaginal discharge. Signs can include vulvar redness, swelling, fissures and a thick, curdy discharge. None of these symptoms is specific to yeast.
CDC notes that uncomplicated yeast infection is not usually acquired through sexual intercourse, and that most healthy women have no identifiable trigger.
What about other lookalikes?
Other conditions can look similar, so don’t be alarmed if the cause turns out to be something different. Irritation from soaps, lubricants or condoms can cause redness and soreness. A clinician can examine the area and advise.
How do I find out for sure?
A clinician can often recognise warts by examining you, and CDC notes that warts are usually diagnosed by visual inspection. For yeast, CDC describes a wet mount with KOH or a culture as the diagnostic methods.
For herpes, a swab (PCR) test of the sore taken while it is fresh is the most sensitive option. CDC notes that clinical diagnosis of genital herpes can be difficult, and that a herpes blood test shows past infection rather than what a particular bump is. CDC does not recommend HSV-2 blood screening for the general population, so a clinician can help you decide whether one fits your situation.
What should I do while I wait?
- Don’t scratch, pick or squeeze anything.
- Avoid sex until you know what it is. CDC advises that herpes and warts can both be passed on by skin contact, and warts can be passed on even without visible signs.
- Take a note of when it started and what it looks like, or a photo, to show the clinician.
All three conditions are common and treatable. A clear diagnosis lets you treat the right thing and spares you needless worry.
Get care today if
- You have a fever, headache or feel generally unwell along with new genital sores
- You are pregnant and have new genital sores or growths, especially near your due date
- Your immune system is weakened, for example by HIV or chemotherapy
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Otherwise, urgent care or your doctor can see you today.
When to test
- As soon as you notice somethingSee a doctor or clinician. Warts are usually diagnosed by visual inspection, and yeast infections are diagnosed with a wet mount or culture.
- If it looks like herpesAsk a doctor or clinician for a swab (PCR) test of the sore while it is fresh, before it crusts over. CDC describes this as the most sensitive herpes test.
- If it was a yeast infection or warts, or the diagnosis is unclearA clinician can test for yeast. For a wider STI screen, order a test online and check which infections it covers, because infections can occur together. Which tests make sense depends on your symptoms and exposure.
Common questions
Can genital warts look like herpes?
Sometimes. Warts can be flat, and a cracked or irritated wart can look like a sore. CDC notes that warts are usually asymptomatic, while herpes is typically tender or painful. A clinician can tell the difference by examination or testing.
Can a yeast infection be mistaken for herpes?
Yes. CDC describes yeast infection symptoms as itching, soreness, pain on urinating or sex, and abnormal discharge, and the signs can overlap with other conditions. A swab or test helps to tell them apart.
Is a yeast infection an STD?
CDC notes that uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis is not usually acquired through sexual intercourse. Partners of people with yeast infections are not routinely treated, though a small number of male partners can develop irritation that responds to antifungal treatment.
Can I have more than one at once?
Yes. It is possible to have herpes, warts or a yeast infection at the same time. If something doesn't match, tell the clinician about all your symptoms.
Sources
- CDC, Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021: Genital Herpes
- World Health Organization, Herpes simplex virus fact sheet
- CDC, Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection, Anogenital Warts
- CDC, Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021: Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.