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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Herpes or Folliculitis.. again I know, I'm sorry!
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Herpes or Folliculitis.. again I know, I'm sorry!
by bdani67, May 25, 2007 12:00AM
4 days ago I noticed a patch of red bumps forming on the right side of my lower abs, starting around the level of my hip, going in a diagonal towards the vaginal region. They are in a group for the most part, w/ two of the bumps in different spots, below. Ranging in size from about the size of a pencil tip to the size of a dime, asymmetrical. There are approx. 25 bumps, not changing. One bump appeared to have a water blister but doesn't anymore. One appears to have two very little brown spots on it. I had shaved the area two days prior with a dull razor, & noted a bit of itching right away. I assumed these red bumps were from shaving. 2 days later they started to itch much more so I saw a doctor. Several of the bumps have hairs coming out of them, but several do not (where I don’t grow hair, closer to my lower ab area). The doctor suggested that it may be herpes, but wasn't sure. I’m not very uncomfortable, not really blistered, & no spots in the actual vaginal area, only the pelvic area. She gave me Zovirax creme, and I used it for a day but stopped, it was giving me 0 itch relief. I started using an anti-fungal crème, don’t know if it helps. Today the bumps seem to be more of big red patches running together almost. I haven't been sexually active for 6 weeks now, first rash like this. I already have oral HSV 1. My partner shows no signs of either type of HSV. I’m going another doc tomorrow to get a swab of the area. Please tell me it’s not herpes! Thanks a lot!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 25, 2007 12:00AM
, May 25, 2007 12:00AM
It sounds much more like razor bumps than herpes. It would be better if doctors who weren't sure of themselves were more careful about suggesting the diagnosis, or at least did the proper tests to confirm or disprove the diagnosis. In any case, the swab tomorrow may be the definitive test you need, not to mention another pair of diagnostic eyes.
You might want to minimize shaving there, or to do so very gently in the future, so you won't have these worries.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
You might want to minimize shaving there, or to do so very gently in the future, so you won't have these worries.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by bdani67, May 27, 2007 12:00AM
a few spots showed up on my back and it turned out to be shingles, thanks!
