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Bumps down there...
Hi Doctors, thanks for your time. Four days ago I noticed a pink/red spot that was slightly raised on my pubic area (diameter of a pencil eraser in size). After 2 days, I decided (foolishly) to try to pop it. The bump had a little whitehead looking dot at its corner that seemed to be under the surface of the skin, but the "whitehead" was not in a hair follicle. When I popped it a small amount of whitehead-like material came out, (a ball a little bigger than a sharpened pencil point). I continued to apply pressure hoping that I could get more to come. It was painful the first time I popped it but it became increasingly more so as I continued to try to finish the job throughout the evening. In doing this, I cut my skin with my fingernail. Also, a small amount of clear fluid came out when pressure was applied, but not really any significant amount of blood. I should mention that the spot didn't have a superficial blister-like top.
What bothers me is the soreness I have experienced and a new bump that has shown up. When I went to bed the original bump was very sore, more than I would have expected, and while the discomfort has decreased some, the sore and surrounding area are still somewhat tender. I also noticed another slightly raised spot about the same size an inch or two away the next morning. It didn't have a head, just raised pink skin. Over the last 48 hours that spot has turned into two small red spots/bumps and at times that general area has itched. The original bump is just slightly raised now with a red scab center.
The only STD that I am not up to date with on testing is herpes (was tested about 6 months ago) and the only recent exposure I had was unprotected vaginal sex, a little over a month ago. I know this doesn't sound like "classic" herpes but I know that it can show up in many ways. Can herpes produce a "whitehead" material? Also, how suspicious does this sound, does it warrant blood testing and abstinence or can I put this fear to the side? Thanks!
What bothers me is the soreness I have experienced and a new bump that has shown up. When I went to bed the original bump was very sore, more than I would have expected, and while the discomfort has decreased some, the sore and surrounding area are still somewhat tender. I also noticed another slightly raised spot about the same size an inch or two away the next morning. It didn't have a head, just raised pink skin. Over the last 48 hours that spot has turned into two small red spots/bumps and at times that general area has itched. The original bump is just slightly raised now with a red scab center.
The only STD that I am not up to date with on testing is herpes (was tested about 6 months ago) and the only recent exposure I had was unprotected vaginal sex, a little over a month ago. I know this doesn't sound like "classic" herpes but I know that it can show up in many ways. Can herpes produce a "whitehead" material? Also, how suspicious does this sound, does it warrant blood testing and abstinence or can I put this fear to the side? Thanks!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This still doesn't sound like herpes or any other STD. The large majority of genital area skin problems have non-STD causes and are unrelated to sexual exposure. It is unlikely you exposed your recent partner to anything transmissible. If you continue to believe the skin is not normal, I suggest you visit a doctor or clinic for professional evaluation.
Hi doc, first off I want to thank you for your response earlier. It did a lot to ease my mind. I have two follow up questions I would like to run by you if that's alright. It's been two weeks since I first asked you about the symptoms I explained earlier. What is concerning me is that the skin in that area still hasn't gone back to normal. It stopped being painful a few days after I first posted but there is still a pink outline of skin where the bump once was. Is it suspicious or suggestive of herpes or an std since the area has yet to return completely to normal almost 2 1/2 weeks after I popped it? Second, as I mentioned before the bump released a small amount of a whitehead like substance when I applied pressure and the head of the little bump seemed to be under the skin, but the bump didn't have that mound like feeling under the skin that some pimples have and this is causing me to have doubts as well.I recently had protected sex with a friend of mine and I am now worried that I might have exposed her to something. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
This doesn't sound at all like herpes. You describe a rather typical bacterial infection like folliculitis or boils, perhaps a staph or strep infection. Three main reasons: 1) herpes lesions are quite superficial, whereas this sounds like a deeper lesion that welled up to the surface. 2) Location: Initial genital herpes almost always occurs at sites of maximum friction during sex, because infection requires the virus to be "massaged" into the tissues -- hence usually the penis in men, labia minor or vaginal opening in women. Initial herpes rarely involves the groin. 3) Initial herpes causes symptoms 3-5 days after exposure, rarely as long as 2-3 weeks, and never a month later.
I suggest local hygiene, i.e. wash frequently with soap and water and keep the area dry. If new lesions continue to appear, or if you develop a particularly large lesion, spreading redness of the skin in the area, or fever, see a doctor or clinic right away; an antibiotic prescription might be necessary. But from your description, I wouldn't be at all concerned about genital herpes, and I doubt this has anything at all to do with your sexual exposure a month ago.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
This doesn't sound at all like herpes. You describe a rather typical bacterial infection like folliculitis or boils, perhaps a staph or strep infection. Three main reasons: 1) herpes lesions are quite superficial, whereas this sounds like a deeper lesion that welled up to the surface. 2) Location: Initial genital herpes almost always occurs at sites of maximum friction during sex, because infection requires the virus to be "massaged" into the tissues -- hence usually the penis in men, labia minor or vaginal opening in women. Initial herpes rarely involves the groin. 3) Initial herpes causes symptoms 3-5 days after exposure, rarely as long as 2-3 weeks, and never a month later.
I suggest local hygiene, i.e. wash frequently with soap and water and keep the area dry. If new lesions continue to appear, or if you develop a particularly large lesion, spreading redness of the skin in the area, or fever, see a doctor or clinic right away; an antibiotic prescription might be necessary. But from your description, I wouldn't be at all concerned about genital herpes, and I doubt this has anything at all to do with your sexual exposure a month ago.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
