Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Is it folliculitis?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Is it folliculitis?
by Marie590, Feb 11, 2006 12:00AM
Dr. Rockoff-
Here's the problem: I was shaving my public area in the shower- during shaving it was painful- there was not a lot of hair there in the first place. Almost immediatley after getting out of the shower my pubic area became red and slightly raised. The next day it was significantly bumpier and after showering they formed large whitish/yellowish heads, which I popped. There are many of these bumps- all where I shaved, and all of them have a hair or 2 comming directly out of the center. They are on the labia and public area under my belly button- none are inside the vagina. After they popped they looked almost like a hole, with a scab in the middle. I went to my GYN and she said it looked like a herpes outbreak and did a culture- which I am still waiting for. I then went to a dermatolist who also said it looked like herpes. Neither of them were sure and said we had to wait for the culture. I was put on Valtrex and a topical antibiotic cream and it is almost completely gone now (in less than a week). Since being on the meds, I have had an kinda of tingling sensation in my thighs and buttocks area. It is very sensitive to the touch- but does not hurt- it is a strange feeling. I read that cellulitis is a complication with folliculitis- but it is not red or hot. I just wanted your opinion because I have been stressing that this is herpes. Thank you.
Here's the problem: I was shaving my public area in the shower- during shaving it was painful- there was not a lot of hair there in the first place. Almost immediatley after getting out of the shower my pubic area became red and slightly raised. The next day it was significantly bumpier and after showering they formed large whitish/yellowish heads, which I popped. There are many of these bumps- all where I shaved, and all of them have a hair or 2 comming directly out of the center. They are on the labia and public area under my belly button- none are inside the vagina. After they popped they looked almost like a hole, with a scab in the middle. I went to my GYN and she said it looked like a herpes outbreak and did a culture- which I am still waiting for. I then went to a dermatolist who also said it looked like herpes. Neither of them were sure and said we had to wait for the culture. I was put on Valtrex and a topical antibiotic cream and it is almost completely gone now (in less than a week). Since being on the meds, I have had an kinda of tingling sensation in my thighs and buttocks area. It is very sensitive to the touch- but does not hurt- it is a strange feeling. I read that cellulitis is a complication with folliculitis- but it is not red or hot. I just wanted your opinion because I have been stressing that this is herpes. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 11, 2006 12:00AM
, Feb 11, 2006 12:00AM
It's hard to say from your description, but although herpes is possible, it's conceivable that these were blocked follicles. Since the culture was done on fresh lesions, it should be positive if it's herpes. If there's doubt, a herpes 2 blood test can help clarify matters if it's done in a few months. If the condition recurs, show it to the dermatologist as soon as you can for examination, and re-culture if necessary.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
