Herpes Demystified: Recognizing the Signs and Dispelling the Myths

Your Weekly Prompt to the Science of Skin and Success.

Author

DFPC Team
May 29, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Welcome back, DERM Community!

Last week, we looked at how viral skincare trends can turn dangerous—fast— when patients trust influencers over evidence. Missed it? Catch up on the DIY disasters worth counseling against.

This week in Beneath the Surface, we’re tackling a topic that’s surrounded by silence, stigma, and serious misconceptions: Herpes.

From hidden symptoms to diagnostic red herrings, we’re unpacking what clinicians need to recognize and what myths we need to help our patients unlearn

Let’s start by debulking some myths about Herpes!

Now that you know some of the things Herpes IS NOT… What is Herpes?

Herpes is a very common viral infection. Many people who have it don’t even know, because they may never experience noticeable symptoms.

At its core, Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which exists in two main types:

  • HSV-1: Traditionally linked to oral herpes, but increasingly responsible for genital infections

  • HSV-2: Primarily causes genital herpes, but can also infect oral mucosa

How It Spreads

Transmission happens through direct skin-to-skin contact, even when lesions aren’t visible. This includes:

  • Kissing

  • Oral, vaginal, or anal sex

  • Sharing personal items (less common)

Critically, asymptomatic viral shedding makes herpes tricky: patients can transmit the virus without ever knowing they’re infected.

Why Recognizing It Matters

Herpes is underdiagnosed, in part because of:

  • Mild or unrecognized symptoms

  • Stigma, leading to avoidance of care

  • Mimickers like impetigo, aphthous ulcers, or contact dermatitis

Early recognition helps:

  • Manage symptoms effectively

  • Reduce transmission risk through counseling and antivirals

  • Rule out other serious conditions

So… how can we tell if it’s Herpes or something else? Check out this chart

You can find more about Herpes in this FREE Pocket Edition Guide:

Herpes FREE Resouce.pdf1.94 MB • PDF File

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👋🏻 See you next Thursday, DERM community!

Herpes is more common—and more misunderstood—than most patients (and even some clinicians) realize. By recognizing the signs early, addressing stigma head-on, and offering clear, evidence-based guidance, we can shift the conversation from shame to smart care.

Seen a case that surprised you? A myth that just won’t die? 

Hit reply: we’d love to hear it and might feature it in an upcoming issue.

❝

Stay sharp, stay curious, and help patients feel seen, not judged.

— The Derm for Primary Care Team

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