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Herpes folliculitis of folliculitis.

I am a 35 year old male and about two years ago I shaved my pubic area to find small red bumps all over my pubic area. I did shave a bout three weeks prior to that and noticed prior to shaving a second time that the area was itchy. After a few days they were filled with pus white heads. The bumps are scattered and not bunched together. All the whiteheads have a circular red base as well. Some are actually dry with some dead skin on top. They are itchy, sore, and they burn. They are located on my waistband area, lower abdomen, pubic area and about two to three under my belly button (note: I only shave my pubic area but have been scratching). I also have tingling in my legs as well. I went to the dermatologist and he immediately diagnosed it as folliculitis (This dermatologist has been practicing for 32 years). I was just wondering, because of the tingling, could it be herpes folliculitis. I am quite worried about it but the doctor seemed sure it wasn't an std. The doctor prescribed hibiclense and clindamycin for it. It has been two weeks and is slowly clearing up. I attached a picture as well. Thank you for your help. The pic is of my lower abdomen and upper pubic area
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Avatar universal
I had a small rash with white spots around the hair folicle in my pubic area. Later in the day I began to have swelling and pressure. I went to a local Urgent Care and the Doctor said it was folliculitis. Which in just a day became infected and had to be lanced and drained? I was put on Doxycycline 100mg 2 times a day and also Sulfamethox/Trimeth 800mg/160mg 2 times a day. Does this seem to be a correct protocol?Are there additional treatments ?
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Avatar universal
Thank you Dr. Kaur, you have been great. The Doctor still insists it's folliculitis. I have a question, is it common to have tingling in the body from folliculitis. Also, is it true that herpes rarely appears in the pubic area but usually on the penis itself? The spots I have are not clustered together but individual pustules, I just got a second wave of the in the waistband area on only one side where I sweat a lot. The doctor said to keep applying hibiclens. He said it can last for weeks. Does this all sound right to you? I am assuming he knows what he's talking about because he has been practicing for many years!
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Since you have clarified that it is two weeks and the bumps have appeared after shaving, so they sound like folliculitis only. Folliculitis is usually due to plugged sweat glands that become infected or by an ingrown hair. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics and warm compresses. Also use an antibacterial soap or shampoo. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult your doctor in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

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Avatar universal
I actually said two years which was a typo. I meant to say I shaved 2 weeks ago. I did consult a doctor and after visual diagnosis, he said it was folliculitis. I asked him if it was an std, he said no way, folliculitis for sure. I do go to the gym, shave, and sweat a lot. It has been three weeks and it is clearing up. I am just concerned if this can be a misdiagnosis and it could be herpes. Also note, none of the pimples and blisters are on the actual penis, just the upper pubes, waistband line, and two on lower abdomen. I did attach a picture. I assume the doctor having 32 years experience would know the difference. The only thing is I have been sick for the duration of it as well. Swollen glands and stuffy nose. Do you recommend a second opinion or does this sound accurate. Thanks again.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Although the symptoms are suggestive of folliculitis but since it has been present for 3 years the possibility of herpes has to be ruled out. The only way of ruling it out is by getting yourself tested for genital herpes. Laboratory tests include: culture of the virus, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) studies to detect virus, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for presence of viral DNA. I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get it ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

Helpful - 0
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