Single boil/pimple on waistband - Herpes ?

I have a single raised spot on my waistband halfway between my navel and my hip. It's been 2 days and its still red. It's about the size of a pencil eraser. It hurts a bit as it presses against my belt. I had a similar spot (little bigger) in exactly the same location more than a year ago. The reason I know its the exact loaction is that the last time it pussed a yellow substance and the mark on my waist never went away (15+ months later). That time the raised spot lasted about 5 or 6 weeks and the mark never disappeared. I know it may not be a typical location but I was concerned it was herpes. I was tested several months later using both the Herpeselect test  and the UW Western Blot test for HSV1 and HSV2 and everything came out negative (this was 10 months after the lesion). My question is can I reasonably rule out herpes and if so what does this sound like. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds like a blocked pore, not herpes.  The fact that it's in the same place is more than likely coincidence.  I'd apply bacitracin daily, leave the spot alone, and show it to a doctor so you'll know for sure what it is and not worry about it anymore.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[pal777]

I forgot to mention that there are a few strands of hair in teh area where the raised spot is but I do not see any hair in the spot itself. Hope this helps.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No change in comments.

Dr. Rockoff

[workinhard]

Sounds like a engrown hair that is infected. I suggest washing it with soap and water and put a triple antibotic (antibiotic) cream on it with a band aid till it clears up.