Herpes vs. Ringworm — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Herpes is a viral infection causing blisters, while ringworm is a fungal infection characterized by ring-shaped rashes.
Difference Between Herpes and Ringworm
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), leading to painful blisters or sores, primarily around the mouth or genitals. On the other hand, ringworm is a fungal infection, not caused by a worm, that results in itchy, circular rashes with clear skin in the center, often on the skin or scalp.
Transmission of herpes occurs through direct contact with an infected individual’s sores, saliva, or genital secretions, making it highly contagious, especially during an outbreak. Whereas, ringworm spreads through direct contact with the fungus, which can be from human, animal, soil, or surface contact, making hygiene and environment crucial in its prevention.
Treatment for herpes involves antiviral medications to reduce outbreaks and pain, but there is no cure, meaning the virus remains in the body for life. In contrast, ringworm can be effectively treated and cured with antifungal medications, either topical or oral, depending on the infection's severity.
The symptoms of herpes include tingling, itching, and the appearance of sores or blisters that can recur over time due to the virus’s lifelong presence in the body. Ringworm symptoms are primarily the characteristic ring-shaped rash that can be dry, scaly, or raised, differing in treatment focus and management.
Prevention of herpes focuses on avoiding direct contact with the sores of an infected person and using protective measures during intercourse. For ringworm, prevention involves maintaining clean and dry skin, not sharing personal items, and avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals.
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Comparison Chart
Cause
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Fungal infection
Symptoms
Blisters or sores, itching, pain
Itchy, ring-shaped rashes, clear center
Transmission
Direct contact with sores, saliva, genital secretions
Direct contact with fungus from beings or surfaces
Treatment
Antiviral medications (no cure, management only)
Antifungal medications (curable)
Contagiousness
Highly contagious, especially during outbreaks
Contagious through contact with fungus
Prevention
Avoid contact with sores, use protection
Maintain hygiene, avoid sharing personal items
Compare with Definitions
Herpes
A viral infection causing painful blisters.
After contracting herpes, blisters appeared around her lips.
Ringworm
A fungal infection causing ring-shaped rashes.
The circular rash on his arm was diagnosed as ringworm.
Herpes
Highly contagious during outbreaks.
Herpes transmission is most likely when sores are present.
Ringworm
Can infect skin, scalp, or nails.
Scalp ringworm is common in children and may cause hair loss.
Herpes
Managed with antiviral medication.
Antiviral creams help reduce the severity of herpes outbreaks.
Ringworm
Prevention involves hygiene and avoiding infected sources.
Wearing flip-flops in the locker room can prevent ringworm.
Herpes
Virus remains in the body indefinitely.
Even without symptoms, herpes can be transmitted.
Ringworm
Treated with antifungal creams or pills.
Applying antifungal cream cleared up the ringworm in two weeks.
Herpes
Any of several viral infections marked by the eruption of small vesicles on the skin or mucous membranes, especially herpes simplex.
Ringworm
Contracted from animals, humans, or surfaces.
She got ringworm after petting a stray cat with the infection.
Herpes
(medicine) A viral infection, caused by Human alphaherpesvirus 1 and Human alphaherpesvirus 2, marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes or on the genitals.
Ringworm
Any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by several related fungi, characterized by ring-shaped, scaly, itching patches on the skin and generally classified by the location on the body. Also called tinea.
Herpes
An eruption of the skin, taking various names, according to its form, or the part affected, caused by a herpesvirus infection; especially, an eruption of vesicles in small distinct clusters, accompanied with itching or tingling, including shingles, ringworm, and the like; - so called from its tendency to creep or spread from one part of the skin to another.
Ringworm
A contagious fungal infection of the skin, characterised by ring-shaped discoloured patches, covered by vesicles or scales.
In superficial mycoses infection is localised to the skin, the hair, and the nails. An example is ringworm or tinea, an infection of the skin by a dermatophyte.
Herpes
Viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane
Ringworm
A contagious affection of the skin due to the presence of a vegetable parasite, and forming ring-shaped discolored patches covered with vesicles or powdery scales. It occurs either on the body, the face, or the scalp. Different varieties are distinguished as Tinea circinata, Tinea tonsurans, etc., but all are caused by the same parasite (a species of Trichophyton).
Herpes
Any of the animal viruses that cause painful blisters on the skin
Ringworm
Infections of the skin or nails caused by fungi and appearing as itching circular patches
Common Curiosities
What causes herpes?
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Can herpes be cured?
No, herpes can be managed but not cured.
Is ringworm curable?
Yes, with antifungal treatment, ringworm can be cured.
What is ringworm and what causes it?
Ringworm is a fungal infection, not caused by an actual worm.
What are the treatment options for ringworm?
Antifungal creams or pills, depending on the infection’s location and severity.
What are common prevention tips for ringworm?
Keeping skin clean and dry and not sharing personal items.
How are herpes and ringworm transmitted?
Herpes through contact with infected sores; ringworm through contact with the fungus.
How can one prevent herpes transmission?
By avoiding direct contact with herpes sores and using protection.
What are the symptoms of herpes?
Symptoms include blisters, pain, and itching.
What does a ringworm infection look like?
A ringworm infection appears as a circular, itchy rash.
Can animals get ringworm?
Yes, many animals, especially cats, can get and spread ringworm.
Are both herpes and ringworm contagious?
Yes, both are contagious but through different modes of transmission.
Can herpes be transmitted without visible sores?
Yes, herpes can be transmitted even when sores are not visible.
What is the main difference in the symptoms of herpes and ringworm?
Herpes causes painful blisters, whereas ringworm causes a ring-shaped rash.
How often do herpes outbreaks occur?
Outbreak frequency varies; stress, illness, or sun exposure can trigger them.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
