Herpes?

[toomuchtv]

I've been to the doctor about this twice, but I am still very paranoid.  I started using a product for ingrown hairs after shaving around my vagina about 2 months ago.  The last time I used it was on a Sunday, later that day, I noticed two slightly raised bumps on the skin surrounding my vagina.  The next day I had extreme burning (burning lasted only 1 day) and the area turned red and swollen. I went to the doctor, who said it was folliculitis/ contact vulvitis.  He said it didn't look like herpes, and if it was a 1st breakout, the burning would have lasted longer than 1 day.  I went back to the doctor 1 1/2 wks later, I had hives all over and was still a little itchy on my genitals.  I told him that I had been put on Wellbutrin a month or so before that, and he attributed everything to the Wellbutrin, which I have now discontinued.  He also said the area looked a lot better, but the itching could last a while. I finally felt better for about a week, with only slight itching there, and I figured that was from the hives which were still lingering.
A few days ago, I shaved again, used conditioner instead of shaving cream (figured it would be milder), but the next day I got all red and swollen again.  I have white bumps among the redness in the lips there are only 2 or 3 per side.  They are pretty flat and white they are pretty well under the skin.  The only way I see them is if I pull the skin pretty tight.  They do not look like the pictures of herpes I've seen online, they are not small, clear, above the skin or grouped together.  There's no burning, however, there is mild itching and pain to the touch.  My hives have been gone for 2 days now, I changed my soap and shampoo to sensitive skin products, I only have slight itching all over my body.  It feels like an electrical charge to a particular spot that only lasts a second.  
I do have dry skin when the seasons change, and typically get hives once a year, but I've never had any problems with my vagina.  Do the vaginal problems sound like Herpes?  I'm going to get tested next week anyway, but I am very worried.
I've also, in the last 5 months, started getting pimples, which I never had trouble with before (I'm 29 now).   I'm wondering if this is related?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

What you describe does not sound at all like herpes--it sounds like what your doctor diagnosed.  If this keeps happening, you may want to remove or thin the hair in the area, perhaps by laser.  

I don't know what to make of the hives, but I can't think of any connection between them (or your acne) and the problem you're describing.

I expect that at the doctor you will get some practical advise and negative test results.
Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[ferg]

shaving genitals constantly

[ferg]

i have small white bumps around my genitals for the past few months i don't think i have a std i am almost positive, i use to shave my genitals with a razor every other day, and i used to used a a dull old razor that i used to shave my face with, well the pimples been there a few months, they don' hurt, but how can i get rid of them and what can they possible be

[milanaila77]

A related discussion, i have been breaking out on my breast and my vagina was started.