The short answer to your question is that this does not sound like an initial episode of herpes. To elaborate, what it does sound like is a pimple of other infected hair follicle. The are very common and unlike herpes lesions which tend to have clear fluid and last longer, folliculitis lesions tend to heal quickly, be pus filled, and indeed can be uncomfortable when they appear. Initial herpes lesions also, again as you point out, tend to be multiple rather than single. Take care. EWH