Herpes vs. vaginal yeast infection

This will help you tell the difference between herpes and a vaginal yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infection is not an infection in itself, but rather a fungal overgrowth caused by moisture that can result from sweating, recent antibiotic intake, or discharge from another infection that keeps the area wet.

The skin lesions for these two conditions can look alike and may be easily confused. It’s important to distinguish these two conditions:

Unlike herpes, a vaginal yeast infection can be easily cured.
Unlike herpes, a vaginal yeast infection usually will not be transmitted to a partner.

As in other chapters, we will present tables containing important facts, followed by frequently asked questions answered by an expert STD doctor.

Herpes vs Yeast infection. Expert Doctor explains.

Similarities of and differences between these conditions’ common symptoms (what the patient feels)

In the table below, we summarize the common symptoms (what’s felt by the infected person) of herpes and vaginal yeast infection.

It’s important to consider symptoms within the right context. The right context is the history of the condition: how soon it appeared, what preceded it, how it’s evolving over time, etc.

Similarities of herpes and vaginal yeast symptoms	Differences between herpes and vaginal yeast symptoms
Both conditions may cause burning and itching of the vulva and vaginal opening. Both conditions may cause painful urination (if the urethra is involved).	Unlike herpes: A vaginal yeast infection doesn’t have systemic symptoms: generalized weakness, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, or others. A vaginal yeast infection doesn’t cause shooting nerve pain in the leg and/or thigh.

Similarities of and differences between these conditions’ common signs (what the patient and doctor see)

In the table below, we summarize the common signs of herpes and vaginal yeast infections. In comparison to symptoms, signs are more reliable when it comes to establishing a diagnosis because signs are more objective and can be seen by the patient and the doctor.

Similarities of herpes and vaginal yeast signs	Differences between herpes and vaginal yeast signs
Both can affect the vaginal area.	Blister vs. redness A vaginal yeast infection doesn’t usually cause blisters and ulcers. Herpes presents with multiple blisters or sores on the same red base. Discharge A vaginal yeast infection produces a specific cottage cheese discharge. Herpes has scanty clear discharge from the blisters with a thin consistency. Entire area vs. one side A vaginal yeast infection’s redness and irritation covers the entire vaginal and vulva area. Herpes usually is on one side of the body and not as widespread. Lymph node enlargement A vaginal yeast infection rarely causes lymph node enlargement. Herpes can cause localized lymph node enlargement on the side of the skin lesions. Systemic symptoms A vaginal yeast infection usually doesn’t have systemic symptoms but rather only vaginal irritation. Herpes lesions can be preceded by fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

Similarities of herpes and
vaginal yeast signs

Differences between herpes
and vaginal yeast signs

Both can affect the vaginal area.

Blister vs. redness

A vaginal yeast infection doesn’t usually cause blisters and ulcers.

Herpes presents with multiple blisters or sores on the same red base.

Discharge

A vaginal yeast infection produces a specific cottage cheese discharge.

Herpes has scanty clear discharge from the blisters with a thin consistency.

Entire area vs. one side

A vaginal yeast infection’s redness and irritation covers the entire vaginal and vulva area.

Herpes usually is on one side of the body and not as widespread.

Lymph node enlargement

A vaginal yeast infection rarely causes lymph node enlargement.
Herpes can cause localized lymph node enlargement on the side of the skin lesions.

Systemic symptoms

A vaginal yeast infection usually doesn’t have systemic symptoms but rather only vaginal irritation.

Herpes lesions can be preceded by fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In this frequently asked questions section, Dr. Fuzayloff answers in more detail questions about important points that differentiate herpes and vaginal yeast infection.

How can a doctor tell the difference between herpes and a vaginal yeast infection?
When a doctor examines a person with suspected herpes or vaginal yeast infection, they try to put the signs and symptoms into the right context.

What is the right context? It’s the history of the disease: what preceded it, when it began appearing, how it’s evolving, and whether there are other associated symptoms.
The presence of systemic symptoms and signs
Unlike herpes, a vaginal yeast infection doesn’t cause systemic symptoms and signs (overall weakness, flu-like signs, lymph node enlargement).
The appearance of skin lesions
- Herpes causes fluid-filled blisters or sores that are usually clustered on the same red base.
- Vaginal yeast infection causes redness and swelling of the entire area.
The presence of pain
- Unlike herpes lesions (which are painful), a vaginal yeast infection is burning and itchy.
The discharge
- A vaginal yeast infection can have a thick, clumpy white discharge.
- Herpes discharge is scanty and usually clear.

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Herpes vs. vaginal yeast infection

Similarities of and differences between these conditions’ common symptoms (what the patient feels)

Similarities of and differences between these conditions’ common signs (what the patient and doctor see)

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a doctor tell the difference between herpes and a vaginal yeast infection?

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