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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
folliculitis or herpes
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
folliculitis or herpes
by hairy one, Sep 29, 2006 12:00AM
Im 39yrs old and have never had any problems with genital area until a few yrs ago.I have had an ongoing problem with folliculitis in the genital area for 3yrs.Originally w/scrotum and now on penis shaft.I can not seem to shake this no matter how well I practice good hygene.
I have seen a dermotologist.He diagnosed it as folliculitis and gave me some creams that seem to work and clear the matter up roughly after 7 days. I also visited my family doctor for a 2nd oppinion.He dismissed it as a staff infection and also gave me some creams to clear it up.Both doctors seem to think it is nothing to worry about and it is nothing uncommon. Could this be herpes instead?? The infected area consists of about 3-4 small blister type pimples.Hair does sprout out in and around the infected area and the infection is no larger than an inch of area. In times past I have had a swollwn lymph node in groin area that will accompany this.However not always. No other symptoms.
Over the past 5 years including times leading up to this,I have engaged in sexual intercourse with use of a condom.On a few occassions I have recieved unprotected oral sex.However no problems from this in the days afterwards that would seem alarming.
I have had extensive blood work done several times [annual physical with family doctor] and the results always come back good.
These breakouts originally started out 4 months apart.Now it is more closer to 10 months apart. After reading more about herpes im starting to worry that I might have been misdiagnosed??
could this be herpes instead??
please ease my mind..
I have seen a dermotologist.He diagnosed it as folliculitis and gave me some creams that seem to work and clear the matter up roughly after 7 days. I also visited my family doctor for a 2nd oppinion.He dismissed it as a staff infection and also gave me some creams to clear it up.Both doctors seem to think it is nothing to worry about and it is nothing uncommon. Could this be herpes instead?? The infected area consists of about 3-4 small blister type pimples.Hair does sprout out in and around the infected area and the infection is no larger than an inch of area. In times past I have had a swollwn lymph node in groin area that will accompany this.However not always. No other symptoms.
Over the past 5 years including times leading up to this,I have engaged in sexual intercourse with use of a condom.On a few occassions I have recieved unprotected oral sex.However no problems from this in the days afterwards that would seem alarming.
I have had extensive blood work done several times [annual physical with family doctor] and the results always come back good.
These breakouts originally started out 4 months apart.Now it is more closer to 10 months apart. After reading more about herpes im starting to worry that I might have been misdiagnosed??
could this be herpes instead??
please ease my mind..
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 01, 2006 12:00AM
, Oct 01, 2006 12:00AM
Your rash doesn't sound like herpes. You've seen two doctors who didn't think it was herpes. That should be enough, I think. Time to move on and ignore the folliculitis.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
It behaved very much like a pimple and when it popped blood and thick pus came out (just like a pimple) and then it faded and healed.
I recently got an other one that behaved in the same way. But it popped before I got a chance to go to a doctor. But I did manage to get a couple pictures:
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/amanda167167/x1pbglk-vqL4Bu9GqX3lF98kakzg4gAQ-3.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/amanda167167/x1pbglk-vqL4Bu9GqX3lF98kakzg4gAQ-1.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/amanda167167/x1pbglk-vqL4Bu9GqX3lF98kakzg4gAQ-3.jpg