razor burn vs herpes

5 min readJun 27, 2024

Razor Burn Vs Herpes

When you notice a red spot or bump on your skin, it can be worrying. You might wonder if it’s just a simple razor burn or something more serious like herpes. In this article, we will help you understand the difference between razor burn vs herpes, how to identify them, and what you can do to treat and prevent them.

What is Razor Burn?

Razor burn is a common skin irritation that happens after shaving. It can cause redness, itching, and small bumps on the skin. Razor burn is usually not serious and goes away on its own.

Causes Of Razor Burn

Shaving with a dull razor
Shaving too quickly
Not using shaving cream or gel
Shaving against the direction of hair growth

Symptoms Of Razor Burn

Redness on the skin
Itching
Small red bumps
A burning sensation

How To Treat Razor Burn

Apply a cool, wet cloth to the area
Use aloe vera gel or a soothing lotion
Avoid shaving the irritated area until it heals
Keep the skin moisturized

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a virus that causes sores on the skin. There are two types of herpes: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 usually causes cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 often causes sores in the genital area. Herpes can be more serious than razor burn and may require medical treatment.

Causes Of Herpes

Close personal contact with someone who has the virus
Sharing items like towels or razors with an infected person
Sexual contact with an infected person

Symptoms Of Herpes

Painful sores or blisters
Redness and swelling
Itching or tingling before the sores appear
Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches)

How To Treat Herpes

See a doctor for antiviral medications
Keep the affected area clean and dry
Avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the virus
Use pain relievers to reduce discomfort

How to Tell the Difference Between Razor Burn and Herpes

It can be tricky to tell the difference between razor burn vs herpes because they can look similar. Here are some tips to help you figure it out:

Razor burn usually appears right after shaving, while herpes sores may take a few days to show up after exposure to the virus.
Razor burn often causes small red bumps, while herpes sores are usually painful blisters.
Razor burn goes away on its own in a few days, but herpes sores can last longer and may come back.

When to See a Doctor

If you are not sure whether you have razor burn or herpes, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They can help you figure out what is causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment. If you think you might have herpes, you can get tested with a comprehensive STD panel. This panel includes tests for herpes and other common STDs. You can find more information about this at https://drkatecampbell.com/healthlab.

About Our Comprehensive Std Panel

Our comprehensive STD testing panel is our most popular test panel. The panel includes both blood and urine tests for the ten most common STDs. This includes both viral and bacterial STDs. Many of these STDs often do not show any signs or symptoms of infection. This 10-test panel is the easiest and most affordable way to provide yourself with peace of mind if you think you may have contracted an STD.

Tests Contained In This Panel

HIV (Type 1 and type 2) — We use a blood test via 4th generation DUO Antigen/Antibody that detects both strain 1 and strain 2 of HIV. The test will determine if both HIV antibodies and HIV antigens are present in the blood.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) — Commonly known as “oral herpes,” our type-specific herpes test is FDA-cleared via Herpes Type Specific IgG Antibody testing.
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) — Typically called “genital herpes,” the Herpes Type Specific IgG Antibody test will differentiate between herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 antibodies.
Chlamydia Test — We detect the presence of Chlamydia Trachomatis bacteria via a urine test.
Gonorrhea Test — Also called “the clap,” our gonorrhea test is a urine test that detects the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.
Hepatitis A — An IgM blood test that detects the presence of Hep A antibodies.
Hepatitis B — Our Hep B blood test detects the presence of hepatitis B antigens.
Hepatitis C — Blood test that detects the presence of the hepatitis C antibodies.
Syphilis RPR test — The RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) blood test looks for antibodies that the body’s immune system creates to fight off a syphilis infection.

Recommended Testing Windows

The recommended minimum window period for these STDs using our test methods are as follows:

HIV 1 & 2 Antibody Testing — 1–3 months after potential exposure. (Note: The RNA Test can detect as soon as 9–11 days after potential exposure).
Herpes Type 1 & Herpes Type 2 Testing — 4–6 weeks after potential exposure.
Chlamydia Test — 1–5 days after potential exposure.
Gonorrhea Test — 2–6 days after potential exposure.
Hepatitis A Test — 2–7 weeks after potential exposure; the hepatitis A virus averages a 28-day incubation period.
Hepatitis B Test — 6 weeks after potential exposure; hepatitis B can occasionally be detected as early as 3 weeks post-exposure, however for the most accurate results, we recommend getting tested after 6 weeks.
Hepatitis C Test — 8–9 weeks after potential exposure.
Syphilis — 3–6 weeks after potential exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Razor Burn?

Razor burn is caused by shaving too closely.

Is Razor Burn Contagious?

No, razor burn is not contagious.

What Are Herpes Symptoms?

Herpes symptoms include blisters, itching, and pain.

How To Differentiate Razor Burn And Herpes?

Razor burn causes redness; herpes causes blisters.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between razor burn vs herpes is important for your health and peace of mind. While razor burn is a common and usually harmless skin irritation, herpes is a viral infection that can have more serious consequences. If you are ever in doubt, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional. For more information and to get tested for STDs, you can visit https://drkatecampbell.com/healthlab.