Herpes or Hemorrhoids?

Statistics show that few people understand the herpes virus or how it works. Even fewer know that they're carriers of the virus.

There are three strains of the herpes virus: HSV 1, HSV 2 and Neonatal HSV. Neonatal herpes is caused by transmission from the mother to the infant when the baby is born. Symptoms can include lesions on the scalp or around the eyes, infected inner organs specifically the liver, or a full infection of the nervous system. Herpes 1 is responsible for causing cold sores. HSV 2 is the strain responsible for genital herpes. It causes lesions or warts on the penis and testicles in men and the vulva and vagina in women.

Many people don't realize that HSV 2 can cause lesions and other sores around the anus and inside the anal cavity. They believe that any sores they have in this area are caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Sometimes symptoms can be self misdiagnosed as heat rash, ingrown hair follicles, insect bites, jock itch or even an allergic reaction.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are itching, general rectum pain especially if any pressure is applied, and bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids are the ones that cause most rectal pain because a hard painful lump is often caused as pool clots under the skin. Internal hemorrhoids often don't cause any pain, but there is rectal bleeding after a bowel movement. Those suffering from internal hemorrhoids may notice blood on the tissue after wiping or blood on the surface of the stool.

Anal Herpes Symptoms

The symptoms of anal herpes and hemorrhoids can be similar. Both cause a knife-like pain during bowel movements which has been described like trying to pass glass that can last as long as 20 minutes after a bowel movement. Anal herpes can cause blood on the tissue and stool, just like hemorrhoids. The infected area usually burns, tingles or itches.

The biggest difference between hemorrhoids and anal herpes are the additional symptoms to the sores around the rectum. These often include lower back pain, headache, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, low grade fever and a steady recurrence of the symptoms.

With anal herpes, there's often also a mucus discharge with the blood that's not commonly seen with hemorrhoids.

Why Are the Two Often Confused?

Anal herpes and hemorrhoids are often confused because patients tend to focus on one or two symptoms instead of honestly looking at all of them. If you suspect you might have anal herpes, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible for treatment. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you do have anal herpes, the illness isn't curable and you will have it for the rest of your life. But you will be able to control the severity of the outbreaks and possibly the frequency of them.