What am I looking at

Recently I had two large red bumps about two to two and 1/2 inches apart in the region above my penis (the pubic region).  They were not blisters but I fear that they might have been herpes.  While I have never knowingly had herpes nor noticed such bumps before and I have been celibate for quite a while, I thought they might be a recurrence.  I've heard that herpes do not have to be blisters that crust and fall off.  Rather, they can be just red bumps.  

The skin over these red bumps peeled off, (no crusting or open wounds were ever present).  Additionally, there were hair follicles growing in these bumps.

What are we (me) looking at and, if possible, what's the deal with the alarmist herpes web sites that say anything red can be herpes?  Where is herpes generally found?  Can if be in the region above the groing and below the waist?  Is the skin too thick there?

Thank you.  I am grateful for this website.  It is a great resource.



  

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jeff:

The hallmark of herpes is "grouped blisters."  What you are describing is neither blistery nor grouped.  Also, the hairs grwoing out suggest follliculitis, or :clogged  follicles," common in the groin.  I suggest leaving them alone and letting them get reabsorbed.  If they keep recurring, show your doctor.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff