Jock Itch vs Herpes: Your FAQs Answered

Jock Itch vs Herpes: Your FAQs Answered

Trying to self-diagnose an STD is a risky and ultimately futile practice. STDs tend to manifest in subtle ways –– if at all –– and when they do it’s easy to confuse one STD for another. What’s more, there are a number of other issues like razor burn, acne, or jock itch that can appear similar to STDs. In short, the best way to determine whether you’re dealing with a condition like jock itch vs herpes (or any STD) is to visit a testing center near you. Beyond that, telling the difference between the two sets of symptoms could prove difficult, if not impossible. Here we’ll address common FAQs relating to STDs and jock itch to provide you with the info you need to make sensible decisions for your health:

What is Jock Itch?

Jock itch is a fungal rash that can appear on the groin, thighs, or buttocks. Jock itch itself isn’t particularly harmful, even if it is uncomfortable. It is not an STD, but rather a fungus that forms on moist areas of the body that accumulate a lot of sweat. That’s why athletes in particular are at risk for developing it or other fungal conditions like athlete’s foot. Jock itch rashes are red, itchy, and can contain ridges of small blisters. Lastly, treating jock itch is a relatively straightforward process; the fungus usually disappears after the application of anti-fungal cream.

Jock Itch Symptoms vs STDs

While genital herpes (HSV-2) can cause inflammation on the skin (rashes), it most often manifests in other ways such as small bumps on or around the genitals. These pustules resemble pimples and zits more so than jock itch, though. And most of the time herpes symptoms are mild, nonexistent, or difficult to notice.

The STD that bears the closest resemblance to jock itch is actually syphilis –– not herpes. If left untreated, syphilis will move through three distinct phases, the second of which is characterized by a rash or rashes. Unlike jock itch which is restricted to the groin region, a syphilis rash can appear anywhere on the body –– often on the hands or feet. In addition, syphilis rashes don’t itch and may be faint. Other symptoms of second-stage syphilis include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches. Note here that syphilis rashes will go away with or without treatment. Even if you stop experiencing outward symptoms, it doesn’t mean the STD has left your system!