Boil or Herpes

Boil breakouts can be easily confused with herpes breakouts, and regardless of whether it's a boil or herpes, the experience is uncomfortable. “Boil or herpes” is a common question that pops up whenever people see lumps on their skin, and with STD cases sky-rocketing everywhere, it is crucial to know if you are suffering from just a boil or herpes.

Knowing whether you have boil or herpes and learning the difference between them is essential to understand the treatment you need to undergo. If you wonder what a boil or herpes is and what the differences are, then keep on reading!

A boil is an infection on the skin that protrudes from an oil gland or a hair follicle. It is a pus capsule that develops under the skin and is also called skin abscesses. Usually, your skin will first turn red in the infected area and then develop a tender and sensitive lump. After about a week, the lump will become more painful and firm to the touch. 

As the proteins, bacteria, and blood cells collect in the infected area, they form pus with a head on the skin's surface. This pus under your skin is what is called an abscess or a boil. It needs to be opened using surgical methods, or else it can burst by itself and drain out.

Some of the most common areas for boils to occur are the neck, face, shoulders, buttocks, and armpits. One way to differentiate whether you have a boil or herpes is to see where the infection is. 

On the other hand, herpes is caused by a virus and is highly contagious. If you have a herpes breakout, you will see small yet painful sores or blisters forming on the genitals or around the mouth. There are two types of herpes- type 1 and type 2. Type 1 herpes typically causes fever blisters or sores near the mouth, and type 2 causes sores on the sexual organs. 

Wondering if a boil or herpes is an STD? A boil is caused by bacteria and is not contagious, whereas herpes-causing virus spreads from person to person through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Therefore, herpes is an STD and can transmit from one person to another by accidentally touching open sores and skin contact.

We hope you know now what these two infections are and if boil or herpes can spread sexually. If you are not sure if the skin infection you have is boil or herpes, the best thing to do is see a doctor. STDs are very much prevalent everywhere now, and it is always ideal to rule out the possibilities of having one if you have any symptoms by getting the required tests.