Herpes or What?

I've noticed like for the past week, bumps near the hole of my butt, but on the skin. They're like little white bumps, and when I touch them, they almost roll and peel off. I'm not sure what it is. After I peel it off it bleeds a little. It's scaring me. I've only had sex with one person and he's only had sex with me. Is it herpes? What is it??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like folliculitis or cysts. It does not appear like herpes blisters which present as painful blisters which scab over. Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. 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 a dermatologist 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.