Pimple or herpes

doc,

i asked the earlier question by the same title..here's a follow up question

i've been taking antibiotics for the 5th now (1 every 12 hrs...so this is almost my third day)...and the swollen groin gland i mentioned in my earlier question has NOT changed..it hasn't gotten worse or BETTER...

How long should the antibiotics take to work on this problem..assuming it is a bacterial problem like you suggested?

and if the antibiotics haven't healed the gland by now..does this suggest herpes?  how long should it take?

thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Glands can remain swollen for months, long after any infection has gone.  The persistence of the gland says nothing about herpes, one way or another.  Please check with the doctor who prescribed the antibiotic to re-examine and if needed re-culture the area if it persists after the pills are done.

Once again, this does not sound like herpes.

Thank you.

Alan Rockoff