The diagnosis of genital herpes is mainly based on medical history (history of unclean sexual contact or history of infection by spouse, etc.), typical clinical manifestations and laboratory test results, but attention should be paid to distinguishing genital herpes from the following diseases:
1. Contact dermatitis has a history of contact with allergic substances. Redness, swelling, papules, papulovesicles, blisters, even bullae and erosions occur at the contact site. Generally, if the cause is removed and treated properly, it can be cured in 1 to 2 weeks and will not recur if the allergen is removed.
2. Herpes zoster causes multiple clusters of blisters with neuralgia in the genital area, often invading unilateral nerves.
3. Behcet's disease may cause deep ulcers on the external genitalia, which are extremely painful and leave scars after healing. It may also be accompanied by oral ulcers, eye lesions, joint symptoms or erythema nodosum on the lower legs.
