Warts? Herpes? Very Scared

[Paranoid2002]

A couple of weeks ago I noticed a small bump that looked like a pimple in my pubic hair area.  I get ingrown hairs from shaving and waxing occasionally, so I didn't really worry.  Then I noticed two smaller bumps that looked the same. Not in a cluster, more like a straight line.  I had already scheduled my yearly pap smear so I figured the doctor could take a look at it then.  The morning of my appointment the two smaller ones looked more red than like pimples, but the bigger one looked the same.  During the exam she said she noticed I had "some irritation" and asked if they had always been there. I said no, but that I thought they were from shaving and waxing, and she didn't seem to think anything different.  She didn't suggest any extra tests or anything.  I began cleaning my whole pubic area with medicated wipes, and the smaller two are now completely gone. The larger bump is still there. It doesn't look like a blister, just like a bump.  I have read that herpes looks like water blisters, and these did not look like that.  But I am giving myself an ulcer worrying that it might be herpes. Please give me your opinion. Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think this does not sound like herpes.  Ingrown hairs sound more like it.  Apparently your doctor didn't think so either.  Therefore, I wouldn't worry.  

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[tellis]

so the big one, the one you're worried about, has been there for a couple of weeks now?

If that is correct, forget about herpes.  Herpes blisters (notice the term blisters, not bumps) last only a few days).  You do not have herpes.  You have irritation. Get a Herpeselect test though if you want to prove this out.  If it's positive, what you're concerned about would still not be an example of an outbreak.

Good luck and stop worrying. You're fine.

[jte777]

Bet it is  a result of shaving. Keep in mind that African Americans often have more problem when they shave due to the fact that their hair curls naturally, as do any other guys with hair/beards that curl a lot. Since pubic hair is very curly too, only makes sense that this may be part of the problem. Could also be folliculitis. From what I have read, herpes makes itself known much more acutely. Bet the doctor has good news for you so try to relax. :)

[Paranoid2002]

OK, so the "big one" which actually isn't very big, but was bigger than the other two that went away, is still there.  Could it be a wart?  Some days it appears to be going away or getting smaller, and then it's back to the same.  I know I should go back and have the doctor look at it again but I don't know when I'll have time to do that.