SYPHILIS (SIFILIS) • HEALTH GUIDE
Syphilis vs Herpes: How to Tell the Difference
Nexus Laboratories health information team • Updated 8 October 2026
Syphilis and herpes can both cause genital or oral sores. You cannot reliably tell them apart from a photograph, pain level or a symptom description alone.
Different infections
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium and can be cured with suitable antibiotics. Herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus; antiviral treatment manages symptoms and reduces outbreaks but does not eradicate the virus.
Symptoms can overlap
Herpes often causes painful blisters or ulcers, while a syphilis sore is often painless. Those patterns have exceptions. Herpes may be mild, and syphilis lesions can be painful or atypical. More than one infection can be present.
Testing the right thing
A clinician may take a sample from a fresh lesion for herpes testing and request blood tests for syphilis. A syphilis test does not test for herpes. Book an assessment while a lesion is present, and avoid sexual contact with a new unexplained sore.
Frequently asked question
Can I rule out syphilis because a sore hurts?
No. Pain does not reliably distinguish the cause. Seek an examination and appropriate testing.
Useful next steps for readers in Malaysia
Use this guide to prepare questions for a healthcare professional. Bring your exposure dates, symptoms, test results and any treatment records. Ask what the result means, whether you need another test and how follow-up will be arranged.
This is general health information, not an individual diagnosis. Seek urgent care for new vision, hearing or neurological problems; contact your antenatal team promptly about a possible exposure during pregnancy.
Related guides
- All Syphilis (Sifilis) topics
- What Is Syphilis?
- Syphilis Testing Window Period
- Syphilis test kit product information
