hot tob rash or herpes?

I recently swam in a pool that was not kept up very well and also had protected sex with a new man the same the day. I started to get  lot of red bumps around my genitals about 2-4 days later. I'm scared they could be herpes after reading the stuff on the internet. I don't have any of them on my vagina just where i would shave around it. most of them are around hair follicules and i can pop them and puss comes out but there are two that are a little bigger  and i don't see any hair around them and they are just red. I tried to pop the two big ones but they wont pop and just bleed and now just irritated. I don't have any pain or itching for them and they don't look like ulcers or had any fluid in them. Even when popped they still don't hurt. Is this herpes or hot tub rash? I have appointment with the doctor in a couple of days but can't stop thinkin about this.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of hot tub folliculitis needs to be ruled out. It is an infection of the hair follicle with Pseudomonas bacteria and is most commonly seen in people who bathe in a contaminated spa, swimming pool, or hot tub.

I would suggest that you apply calamine lotion and a simple antimicrobial cream like Bactroban or Neosporin on the rash and keep the area clean. For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl can be taken. If the symptoms persist then topical steroids and 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.