Pimples on Buttocks

[Confusing Bumps]

I had protected sex 8 months ago (vaginal only) with a promiscuous women.  6 weeks ago I developed a "boil" on my right buttock.  I went to the doctor and he prescrobed antibiotics and it drained in about a week.  One week after being healed, I developed a "boil" on my right buttock.  I soon therafter developed several "pimples" that were sore to the touch all on my right buttock.  I tried to pop the boil and pimples (bad idea) and that slowed down the healing process.  Over the last 2 to 3 weeks the boil has redeveloped and has pretty much drained leaving a bruised mark.  Also the pimples have multiplied, they now cover much of my right buttock and a few near my waistline on my right hip.  It should be noted that these look and feel like pimples, not a rash.  I also have 3 or 4 on my left buttock.  Theses pimple feel like they are below the skin and some are painful.  They do not appear to be the classic type of herpes blisters, that you see in pictures on the internet - they are not clear fluid filled or appear on clusters.  The pimples have now been on my buttocks for over 3 weeks.

Out of pure confusion, I went and got tested for all types of std's (including type specific herpeselect).  I was HSV-1 positive (but I have had cold sores occasionally on my lips since I was young) (all other STD's were negative including HSV-2)  Could my pimples on the buttock be herpes?  I have had no symptoms in any other area of my genitals.  Could it be Folliculitis?  or a Staph infection?  Can the latter two spread across the buttocks in such a manner.  One other thing that is worrying me is that my GF developed a boil on her right buttocks about 2 weeks ago.  That has almost healed completely and she did not have to go to the doctor.  She now has one "pimple" near her waistline.  Does my GF's symptoms worry you or change your diagnosis at all?  

Finally, how can I treat my ailments?  

Thank you in advance for your response.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have folliculitis, not herpes.  My advice is to wash with an antibacterial cleanser (like Hibiclens, over-the-counter) and to apply bacitracin ointment to your nostrils every night, because that's where the staph germs hang out.  Also, leave the bumps alone and see a doctor for definitive diagnosis.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Confusing Bumps]

Just a correction to the above post:  the second boil and numerous pimples occur on my left buttocks not the right.  I am not sure if this will change your opionion or advice one way or another.  Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Not really.

Dr. Rockoff

[Confusing Bumps]

Thanks for the advice.  I would like to follow up with just a few more questions.  Many of theses bumps are itchy and they contain a yellowish greenish puss.  Also they seem to be spreading or at least new ones are appearing and ar now on teh top of my hip.  

1. Does this clarify anythign or change yoru opinion at all?

2. Can folliculitis or staph infections spread in such a manner?

3. I am begining week four with these itchy bumps - does this rule out herpes?

Thank you in advance for your response

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

1. Does this clarify anything or change your opinion at all?
Clarify--folliculitis.
Yes.

2. Can folliculitis or staph infections spread in such a manner?

3. I am beginning week four with these itchy bumps - does this rule out herpes?
Pretty much.

Please see a doctor.  Thank you.

Dr. Rockoff

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