std or ingrownhair

i discovered a sort of sore on my penis and im not sure if its an ingrown hair or a herpes outbreak.  I haven't been sexually active in over 3 months and it just appeared this week?

My question is, is it either a ingrown hair or herpes?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms two possibilities are there. The first is of boil and the second possibility is of herpes sore. A boil, also referred to as a skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus.

The only way of ruling it out is by getting yourself tested for genital herpes. Laboratory tests include: culture of the virus, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) studies to detect virus, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for presence of viral DNA. I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get it ruled out.

Till then apply warm compresses and topical antibiotics on these bumps and do not pick them up as it will spread the infection and cause scarring.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.