Final answer:
Herpes is commonly misdiagnosed as candidiasis due to the similarity of symptoms. Laboratory testing is needed to confirm a herpes diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Herpes is commonly misdiagnosed as candidiasis due to the similarity of symptoms between the two conditions. Both herpes and candidiasis can cause lesions or sores in the mouth and genital area. However, there are some differences that can help distinguish between the two. Herpes lesions are usually painful, fluid-filled blisters that can break open and crust over, while candidiasis typically presents as white patches or plaques.
Another factor that can contribute to misdiagnosis is the fact that herpes infections can be asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. In fact, a large number of people infected with herpes are unaware of their infection. This lack of symptoms can make it difficult to differentiate between herpes and candidiasis based on clinical presentation alone.
To confirm the diagnosis of herpes, laboratory testing can be done. This may include viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, or blood tests to detect antibodies against the herpes virus.