Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain it seems that purple ring around the anus along with soreness and itching can be most probably be due to External Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid is a swollen and inflamed vein in anus that can cause significant pain, itching and burning sensation especially during so after bowels.. As far as Herpes is concerned, it is in the form of fluid filled blisters present in clusters and the purple ring does not seems to be caused due to it.. I would therefore suggest you to consult a Proctologist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like Anoscopy can be done for confirmation and treatment can be done accordingly.. In case if Hemorrhoid is confirmed as the diagnosis you can be advised ointment like Anovate along with numbing gel containing Lignocaine.. Sitting in a tub of warm water also known as Sitz bath can relieve.. Take a high fibre diet and take stool softener as it can ease in bowels and reduce irritation and inflammation.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.