confuse herpes with an ingrown hair...

So I have a bump on the left side of my vagina, a few centimeters above the hood of my clitarus, and close to my pubic area. It hurts, and its slightly red. At first I thought it was just acne from sweat, but it hurt too badly to be a piple... Now I'm worried its a herpe. But my partner doesnt carry the virus. I shaved about 4 days ago, so theres a chance it could be an ingrown hair... Though, I think i have a healthy vagina because it doesnt have a foul odor, nor do I have any discharges.
I've tried determining what it is myself, but there are some sites that say, a herpe can appear as an ingrown hair. The bump isnt a blister, but it is painful... please, help me out?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You are right because it can be either: an infected hair follicle or herpes sore. However since it appeared after shaving, it is more likely to be an ingrown hair. Keep the area clean and apply some warm compresses and topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.