another folliculitis or herpes question...

Hi,

I've looked *EVERYWHERE* on the internet and this forum for the answer to this question so I thought I'd ask. I've seen many forums that mention the difference between folliculitis and herpes, but none clearly distinguish the difference between the two - obviously if a doctor is able to visually identify one or the other, I would think there is a difference.

How can you tell you have folliculitis opposed to genital herpes? If you had bumps in the pubic region, what visually would distinguish the bumps from each other? Do herpes sores ever have hairs grow out of them? Are there even any clearly distinguishing differences between the two?

Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Folliculitis produces red pimples, which are scattered.  Herpes produces water blisters which are grouped together (and become scabs over time.)  Folliculitis lesions can have hairs growing out of them, herpes lesions don't.  Folliculitis lesions can last for weeks or months.  Herpes sores go away in 7-10 days.

That's for starters.  For definitive diagnosis, of course, you'll need to consult someone in person.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[akgirl23]

You know I am interested as well.  I am actually getting frustrated because I paid money for this site and nobody has answered my question.  I have some bumps on my inner thigh that I know isn't herpes.  The bumps are tender and red, then they go down in size and leave a purplish mark, kind of looks like a very tiny pin point pimple or others are flat and just kind of discolored.  My left leg seems to be healing and going away but not completely but my right leg has 4 or 5 spots...I am freaking out.  I go to the doctor today but I am very very nervous to what it could be.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sounds like folliculitis, not herpes.

Dr. Rockoff

[bigdawg177]

A related discussion, Is this one bump herpes, folliculitis, or skin infection?? was started.