The big difference between impetigo and herpes is the cause of each condition. Herpes is caused by a virus, the herpes simplex, and is spread by sexual contact. Impetigo is caused by a bacterial infection and while it can be spread through sexual contact, any contact at all can also cause a person to contract impetigo.2.Symptoms. The symptoms that are caused by each of these conditions are also very different.mpetigo causes clusters of red sores, normally around the mouth. These sores can also be spread to other parts of the body and other people by fingers and towels. These sores ruptures very quickly and continue to ooze for multiple days.