Could this be Herpes?

On Saturday morning, I noticed a pimple on the right labia of my vagina.  It itched when I first noticed it, then the itching went away and it was red.  It later filled with pus, busted, and now has healed completely (within three days).  It was sensitive, but not what I would call painful.  My question is does this sound typical of an initial herpes outbreak.  I have had no painful urination and no fever, although I have felt tired and drained (quite possibly from stress and worry!)  From what I have read, generally initial herpes outbreaks tend to last for at least two weeks, most of the time are accompanied by fever, and usually contain several blisters or sores, not just one.  Is this information correct, if not, please inform me of how the majority of initial outbreaks of herpes present themselves.  I guess my overall question here is Does this sound like herpes to you?  Thanks so much for your response!!!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

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