Question 1

herpes, cold sore, pimple, or something else, how to tell?

Accepted Answer

Cold Sore/ Herpes: Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus.Cold sores are painful liquid filled blisters that can occur on the lips, roof of the mouth or the gums which are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Tingling &amp;/or pain can herald the oncoming of cold sore 1 to 2 days prior to eruption.

Question 2

how can you tell if it's a pimple or a herpes sore?

Accepted Answer

Blister= herpes: Most herpes lesions look like a blister(think burn) early on.A pimple is usually a red base with a pustular (white)center.Not always easy to tell the difference.If it is on or very near your lip (or penis or vaginal labia) suspect herpes.Is worthwhile to discuss with dr.Herpes is a serious and life- long infectious disease.

Question 3

i have a little pimple or sore on my clit. is it a sign of herpes simplex?

Accepted Answer

: It is  more likely to be Herpes Type 2  (HSV-2) known as Genital Herpes and is more likely to be Sexually Transmitted. Herpes Simplex - (HSV-1) tends to occur around the mouth ( oral Herpes) and tend to occur with Stressor more often. There is treatment and management Practices for Herpes Infections, so a visit to the PCP /Infectious Disease Expert or Gynecologist will help.

Question 4

how can you tell the difference between a pimple/ingrown hair and a herpes sore?

Accepted Answer

Its difficult: Herpes sores are like craters or blisters which are initially clear then yellow. Pimples are normally red hard, pus filled . Both can be tender. A picture would be helpful.

Question 5

how can i know the difference between a pimple and herpes simplex both near the mouth  ? it appeared as a pimple at first, now it hurts a lot.

Accepted Answer

Herpes: The change you describe would be in keeping with a herpes infection.  It would be best to see your family doctor to guide you thru this.

Question 6

i had a pimples in the corners of my mouth no pain doctor said my lips where dry to use vasline the pimples are back and hurt is it herpes simplex 1?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: More than likely if it's recurrent and painful sores on lips +/- skin around the lips, it's herpes simplex- type 1. It is a reactivation virus that becomes quiescent or inactive but virus is still dormant and can recur especially under circumstances of stress - creams like abreva or Denavir (penciclovir) decrease the pain + length of time sores are present but no cure available.

Question 7

i kissed someone with what i thought was a pimple but now know was a cold sore. does that automatically mean i have herpes? and will i for sure get outbreaks if i do?

Accepted Answer

: Oral and genital herpes virus is spread easily by oral or genital contact with someone with an active herpes ulcer.  The virus is attached to the nucleus of cells, and severe stress from any source can activate the virus, causing typical ulcers.  If you begin to have episodes with ulcers, ask your physician about antivirals like acyclovir or Valtrex, which can alleviate active virus.

Question 8

can u get herpes if someone touches a sore on their body then touches a gas pump, then u touch and use the gas pump and rub someones back after? (i was the one getting my back rubbed) can it spread to my back? i have pimples/ some open?

Accepted Answer

: No risk at all. You cannot catch herpes except by someone's herpes sore coming in direct contact with your genital area, mouth, etc. The virus is never transmitted by indirect exposure or by contact with contaminated surfaces, hands, fingers, etc. Don't worry about this.

Question 9

how painful is vaginal herpes i have one big pimple like sore can it affect your whole vagina like stinging and smelly fishy odor ?

Accepted Answer

Maybe not...: Vaginal herpes can be quite painful--especially the first episode.  However, a single big pimple is unlikely to be herpes.  It is more likely to be an ingrown hair or hydradenitis.  The fishy odor is not common to herpes. It usually is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. To know for sure, you need to have an exam.   Best wishes!

Question 10

my lips are swollen, sore and bright red with a red border round them. also tiny white pimples. i don't think it's herpes. it isn't itchy.

Accepted Answer

There are several: possible causes for this. I would recommend that you see your doctor or if you are on HealthTap Prime, you could consult with one of us on that platform so that we could see this on video or a photo. It could be a contact reaction to something, an allergy, impetigo or possibly herpes (but you're right, it doesn't seem like herpes). Hope you can get it checked and treated soon.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Herpes sore or pimple

A member asked:

Herpes, cold sore, pimple, or something else, how to tell?

A member asked:

How can you tell if it's a pimple or a herpes sore?

A member asked:

I have a little pimple or sore on my clit. is it a sign of herpes simplex?

A member asked:

How can you tell the difference between a pimple/ingrown hair and a herpes sore?

A member asked:

How can i know the difference between a pimple and herpes simplex both near the mouth ? it appeared as a pimple at first, now it hurts a lot.

A member asked:

I had a pimples in the corners of my mouth no pain doctor said my lips where dry to use vasline the pimples are back and hurt is it herpes simplex 1?

A member asked:

I kissed someone with what i thought was a pimple but now know was a cold sore. does that automatically mean i have herpes? and will i for sure get outbreaks if i do?

A member asked:

Can u get herpes if someone touches a sore on their body then touches a gas pump, then u touch and use the gas pump and rub someones back after? (i was the one getting my back rubbed) can it spread to my back? i have pimples/ some open?

A member asked:

How painful is vaginal herpes i have one big pimple like sore can it affect your whole vagina like stinging and smelly fishy odor ?

A member asked:

My lips are swollen, sore and bright red with a red border round them. also tiny white pimples. i don't think it's herpes. it isn't itchy.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?