Is this Herpes?

[Worry Wort]

Well, let me start from the beginning. About 7 months ago, I started noticing pimples in my private area. They never formed blisters or sores, and are always on my vulva (in my pubic hair). I was worried so I saw a gynocologist (twice actually) and they both said that it is normal and I have nothing to worry about. These pimples would stick around for a few weeks and then go away. They would itch sometimes, but no pain.

About 4 days ago I thought that I was just getting the same type of pimples, this time it is around my underwear line, and I thought that it was just because of friction from my underwear. Well now I have a open lesion and a few pimples around that area. I read that folliculitis can form genital lesions. I am worried, even though the pimples look familiar to the ones i got before, the open skin is worrying me. Its not red, but it hurts when i touch it. The pimples are small and painless, and have hair coming out of the center. Also, I never noticed a blister in that area where there is an open lesion.

I have read both the symptoms for folliculitis and herpes and both seem similar. I have checked out pictures and I don't think that it looks like herpes, but I am still worried. My boyfriend of 4 years has never experienced anything like this. Also, I do shave my bikini line and trim my pubic hair. Can that have anything to do with this. I am so worried! PLEASE HELP!!

[scaredhelp]

I am very worried, and need some help...(if for nothing other than to sooth my mind)... I think I might have Folicus (sp?)... I have had those little red pimple things in my pubic hair.. I have acne (which is getting much better :D)... so I didn't think much of it... They woudl be there.. go away alittle.. come back alightly.. nothing that "really" worried me. so this sounds exactly like folicus.. but I also have noticed a bumb on the underside of my penis. I haev had this before.. it woudl stay for about a week or two.. than fade. The first time it happened, I thought it was from over exertion (too much sex and masturbating).. but I have one now, and I haven't been extreamly active latley. Is this somethign that I shoudl be worried about???? I dont' knwo much about STDs or other conditions.. and I'm definatly feeling very scared, (not really for myself... more for my girlfriend)... I am leaving for a trip to Ohio with my girlfriend, and will return the 2nd.. I plan on talking to my docter, but I want to knwo what you think about this so I haeva t least some knowlage... PLease help!

[needs_advice]

i'm posting one more comment on your thing int hehope the docotor will read it and help me or if some one could post it for me or somthing i will check the sight often to see if it has been checked. the only reason i ask this is because i'm 16 and have no visa or master card or i would gladly fork over themeasily 19 bucks but i don't wanna ask myparents for fear theyw ill ask why and i'm really scared right now and have no idea what else to do please can some one help or can the doctor please!!!!
if in any way i can pay u back if u do i promise i will do what ever i can

[needs_advice]

i don't know if the doctor will be reading this soon but sooner the better. i'm really freaked out i have had mild to bad acne for the last 6-7 years. just this last week i found a red mark at the bottom of the shaft of my penis where there are hair folicules. i play many sports and some like hockey i wear no underwear under my can. i have also had 1 or 2 zits on my pelvis before, but this one is at the bottom of my shaft, on my penis! it got red and enlarged then one day while i was looking at it i decided to pop it like a zit(it pussed a lil green then went to blood) this was like 2 days after i got it. it seems to be getting smaller and there is only one, but it is still red. i have only had it 3 days but i'm really freaked out is it a herpe or is it a pimple???

[freddiejones]

Dear worry...I've been dealing with the same issue of folliculitis in the pubic region.  I still do not know what caused this affliction but I can tell you not to mess with those little pimples because it will just make things worse and prolong the healing process.

My doctor gave me an antibiotic, Keflex, which has helped a lot and I've also been using Dial antibacterial soap.  Honestly though, I think one of the main things is to not think about it 24/7 and just let it run it's course.

Doctors see this stuff all day in their office and sometimes don't understand why their patients get all freaked out.  I understand your anxiety about having something going on "down there" but just be glad it isn't a STD/STI.

Take care

[Worry Wort]

I am not sure if the doctor reads this, but I just wanted to say thanks alot. I feel better about the whole thing. I really do think this is folliculitis, and if anyone has experienced anything similar please respond and let me know how you handled it.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

OK, I'll try.

Folliculitis looks like pimples.  Herpes looks like water blisters.  Herpes is in one cluster, which scabs over and goes away in a week to ten days.  Folliculitis can be widespread and lasts for weeks.  

If your condition is at your underwear line on both sides, then it's probably folliculitis.  If the skin is "open," it's probably because you rubbed off the top of a lesion trying to examine it.

I think you should show these lesions to a doctor, so you can get definitive reassurance.  I think you should also look into thinning or removing your bikini line hair, because that may be giving you the underwear-line folliculitis.  Creams, electrolyisis, and laser are all options.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff