What is the difference between syphilis and herpes? How can you tell them apart? Get the key facts about the symptoms, incubation periods, and other distinguishing features of these two sexually transmitted infections.

Syphilis vs. Herpes: Key Differences

Syphilis and herpes are two of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, but they can be easy to mistake or miss. While a syphilis or herpes test can help determine which STI you might have, it’s important to understand the differences between the two infections.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is primarily spread through sexual skin-to-skin contact, though mothers can also pass the infection to a child during birth. The infection is characterized by the appearance of sores, known as chancres, and can be transmitted when skin or mucus membranes make contact with these sores. While early syphilis can be cured, the infection can stay in the body for decades following the initial infection.

Stages of Syphilis

Syphilis infection has four distinct stages, each with its own set of physical signs:

1. Primary stage: The first stage is often characterized by a small, painless sore (chancre) where the infection entered the body.
2. Secondary stage: This stage is usually accompanied by a red or reddish-brown rash, with or without the continued presence of genital sores. The rash is usually not itchy, but it can be accompanied by the appearance of genital warts and canker sores in the mouth. General flu-like symptoms may also occur.
3. Latent stage: This stage is marked by the absence of noticeable symptoms, but the infection is still present in the body.
4. Tertiary stage: Without treatment, the infection can progress to the final stage, which can lead to serious health issues such as organ damage, heart problems, and damage to the brain and nervous system.

What is Herpes?

Herpes is an infection caused by two different viruses: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is responsible for oral herpes, such as fever blisters or cold sores, while HSV-2 is commonly known as genital herpes.

Herpes Transmission and Prevalence

It is possible to transmit HSV-1 (oral herpes) to the genital region via oral sex. Herpes can also spread even in the absence of visible sores. Estimates suggest that half of Americans have oral herpes, while roughly 1 out of every 6 Americans has genital herpes. This is partly due to how easily the virus can be transmitted, as it does not require sexual contact for transmission.

Syphilis vs. Herpes: Distinguishing Features

While syphilis and herpes can both be characterized by skin lesions or sores on the genitals, rectum, or around the mouth, there are some key differences between the two infections:

• Incubation period: The incubation period, or the time it takes for symptoms to appear, is different for syphilis and herpes. Syphilis typically has a longer incubation period of 3 to 90 days, while herpes has a shorter incubation period of 2 to 12 days.
• Appearance of sores: The sores or lesions associated with syphilis and herpes have distinct differences. Syphilis sores (chancres) are typically small, firm, and painless, while herpes sores are usually more numerous, smaller, and more painful.
• Progression of symptoms: Syphilis progresses through distinct stages, while herpes outbreaks tend to be more recurring and unpredictable.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you suspect you may have syphilis or herpes, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can perform the appropriate tests to confirm the diagnosis and provide the necessary treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these sexually transmitted infections and preventing further complications.

Preventing Transmission

To help prevent the spread of syphilis and herpes, it’s important to practice safe sex, communicate openly with sexual partners, and get tested regularly. Using protection, such as condoms and dental dams, can reduce the risk of transmission, and avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks can also help.