What is the difference between Folliculitis and Herpes?

When you compare the symptoms and signs of folliculitis and herpes, you might erroneously conclude that both are the same. While they might have similar symptoms, they are not the same. Herpes is a viral infection caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This virus manifests itself by showing symptoms like painful, watery blisters in the mucous membranes or skin and also on the genitals.

Herpes can be contracted through sexual intercourse and also when you kiss other infected people. Folliculitis, on the other hand, has different causes. This is why there's one called Fungal Folliculitis which is caused by a fungus. There are also Bacterial Folliculitis, Viral Folliculitis, Parasitic Folliculitis.

Folliculitis is simply a disease that causes the inflammation of the hair follicles. While herpes only affect the genitals and mouth, folliculitis can occur anywhere on the skin. Herpes causes painful blisters, while folliculitis causes itchy papules.

Herpes and folliculitis are two types of conditions that can occur on the body. Herpes is transmitted through sexual activity. It happens to both genders of people, though the risks are higher for women.

Most people with herpes do not show any symptoms of the disease. To contract this disease, a person will come in contact with the sores or even shedding skin from the outbreak. Folliculitis is when the hair follicles become inflamed.

This inflammation resembles a pimple and can be very different sizes. When this occurs, it will leave a scar. Herpes is contagious and spread from person to person, while folliculitis is not.

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both genders, and most people do not display signs of the disease. The instance of herpes is higher in women and can be transmitted through direct contact with sores or even between outbreaks, which are known as shedding from the skin of an infected individual. Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair making follicles on the surface. The sight of herpes looks like small blisters which contain fluid that occur independently or in clusters.

Folliculitis, on the other hand, cause pimple-like pustules in all different sizes surrounding a hair follicle. With herpes, blisters do not usually leave scars. With folliculitis, the pustules leave scars. Herpes occurs in oral and genital areas. Folliculitis can be anywhere on the body. Herpes blisters are painful, while bumps from folliculitis tend to be itchy. Most importantly, herpes is highly contagious, while folliculitis is not contagious.