References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Genital warts and genital herpes are both common STIs that affect the genital area, but they’re caused by different viruses and have very different appearances. Warts are caused by HPV and look like flesh-coloured growths. Herpes is caused by HSV and usually appears as painful blisters that burst into ulcers. Knowing the difference helps you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Here’s a clear comparison.
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Key Differences
| Feature | Genital Warts | Genital Herpes |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | HPV (types 6 and 11) | HSV (usually HSV-2) |
| Appearance | Small flesh-coloured growths, can be flat or raised | Cluster of painful blisters that burst into ulcers |
| Pain | Usually painless | Painful, especially during outbreaks |
| Cycle | Persistent until treated; can clear on their own over time | Recurring outbreaks |
| Treatment | Topical creams, cryotherapy or surgical removal | Antiviral medication |
| Curable? | Growths treatable; immune system may clear virus over time | Virus stays in body but is manageable |
| Preventable by vaccine? | Yes (HPV vaccine) | No vaccine available |
Genital Warts in Detail
Genital warts are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), particularly types 6 and 11. They:
- Look like small, soft, flesh-coloured growths
- Can be single or multiple, smooth or cauliflower-like
- Appear on the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, anus or surrounding skin
- Are usually painless but can itch or bleed
- Don’t cause systemic symptoms
Genital Herpes in Detail
Genital herpes is caused by HSV (usually HSV-2, sometimes HSV-1). It:
- Starts with tingling or burning
- Develops into a cluster of small painful blisters
- Blisters burst into shallow ulcers
- Heals within 7-14 days for each outbreak
- Can recur, especially in the first year
- May cause flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak
How to Tell the Difference
- Pain — warts are painless, herpes is painful
- Appearance — warts are growths, herpes is blisters/ulcers
- Persistence — warts stay until treated, herpes comes and goes
- Timing — warts develop slowly over weeks, herpes outbreaks are rapid
Diagnosis
- Warts — visual diagnosis by a clinician
- Herpes — swab from an active blister for PCR testing
Treatment
Genital warts
- Topical creams (podophyllotoxin, imiquimod)
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Surgical removal for large warts
- May recur
Genital herpes
- Oral antivirals (aciclovir, valaciclovir)
- Episodic or suppressive treatment
- Pain relief during outbreaks
Prevention
- HPV vaccine — prevents most wart-causing strains
- Condoms — reduce transmission of both
- Antiviral suppression — reduces herpes transmission
- Avoid contact during outbreaks
Read more: What is herpes? | What is HPV? | What looks like herpes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both at the same time?
Yes, though they’re caused by different viruses.
Does HPV vaccine prevent herpes?
No. HPV and herpes are different viruses. There is no herpes vaccine yet.
Are warts and herpes equally contagious?
Both can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Herpes is particularly infectious during outbreaks.
Related reading
- Are Genital Warts Clearable?
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Cervical Screening When You Have HIV
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
