Herpes, Ingrown Hairs?

[Buddyl33]

I shave my penis and testicles on a daily basis when I am showering. On a rare occasion (maybe 2-3 times in the past 3 years, I have gotten what I would describe as redish areas over the hair folicle pores. They are only on the underside. Typically there will be maybe 4 max and they are tiny.

They are never blister like, and at best resemble a tiny pimple. They don't raise very much at all and sometimes a tiny head appears. These little things can get quite tender. They usualy heal within a week. What concerns me is sometimes the get a little scab at the tip sometimes. Is this herpes, or can an ingrown hair do this too? Would I have more outbreaks if it were herpes?

The reason of my concern is my gf and I had a recent bout of long and rough sex. One to two days afterwards she now has 3 tender bumps at the back of her vagina between it and her anus. They too are not blisterlike or oozing or anything like that. She did shave really, really well recently too. Please advise!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Both your symptoms and your partner's conceivably could be due to herpes, but are more likely due to minor infection (folliculitis) related to shaving.  But there is no reason you couldn't have both problems. Your partner's symptoms actually sound more typical for herpes, if only because I doubt she shaves between the vagina and anus.

I suggest you see a knowledgable health care provider when the problem is at its most active, i.e. when you and/or your partner have fresh lesions.  Alternatively, you both could have a blood test for herpes.  See numerous other messages on this forum about the proper blood tests; not all are accurate, especially in distinguishing HSV-2 (the usual cause of genital herpes) from HSV-1 (mostly cold sores, some genital infections).

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[Buddyl33]

I would say the are more to the side and rear of the vagina than the actual space inbetween the vagina and anus. If I recall when she had me look there were 2 small pimple type things one the left and one on the right. None looked fluid filled of any kind. Do all herpes sores fluid fill like a blister? I guess the fact that we actually have kinda similar symptoms at the same time is what freaked me out.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

With that information, I agree irritation/folliculitis are possible.  But I agree the coincidence is remarkable, and I can't exclude herpes in either one of you--just can't tell without exam, testing, etc.

Best wishes--   HHH, MD

[Buddyl33]

Ok so now she has a white spot on the skin just above her hood. It is blister like in appearance but not rasied. She also has 2 cold sores on the lips of her mouth. Basically I am really creeped out at this point. Is there really anything it could be besides Herpes at this point. If so since she has cold sores on her mouth is it more likely HSV-1 vs HSV-2?

Since there is no cure for this and symptoms are relatively mild in both of our cases, if indeed what it is, what is really the point of seeking medical attention?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

But it's probably a good idea.  Herpes remains likely for your partner, but I'm less certain about you.  If it is herpes, treatment is available to prevent outbreaks and, if you are not yet infected, to prevent transmission to you.  You don't say whether this relationship is likely to continue indefinitely, or whether either of you is likely to have other partners in the future--i.e., whether someday there might be concern about transmitting to others.

Whether you seek a definite diagnosis certainly is up to you, and it may not be necessary.  But saying you are "really creeped out" indicates you aren't really very blase about the possibility of herpes and might rest easier knowing for sure.  If a proper blood test for HSV-2 is negative, especially in both of you, you will know you don't have genital herpes that is likely to recur or to be transmitted to others; if one of you is positive and the other negative, you will be able to take steps to prevent transmission to the other; and if you both are positive, you can blow it off (i.e., no worries about back and forth transmission) and not worry much when symptoms appear.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[liz333]

I recently developed 3 small boils on my bum underneath but not on my genitals.  I have gone to my doctor and she is testing me for herpes. She mentioned that it looked like herpes but that it was unlikely.  She told me that there were no signs of herpes on my vagina and that it was very clean.  I have recently gone a little overboard with the shaver.  Out of the 3 people I have been with I have got in contact with two of them and they have no STDs.  The 3rd that I do not know how to contact was someone that I was with 4 or 5 years ago.  I have researched symptoms of herpes and have no other signs, other than these boils.  I will hopefully find out on Monday but I am terrified.  What is your opinion?

[yeahyeahyeah]

Okay i have bumps that look just like pimples in the 2 front flaps i have shaved the whole thing before but i also have bumber in the inner flaps but i have never had sex or oral and ive had these for a long time?? HELP

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

To liz333:  As I have said many times on this Forum, I usually can't compete with a doc who has actually examined someone.  I don't know how to interpret "looked like herpes" but that herpes nevertheless is unlikely.  Why are so many people shaving around the genitals these days?  It seems to cause more problems or questions than it is worth....  Anyway, wait for the test results.  Good luck.

To yeahyeahyeah:  If you have never had sex, then whatever you have isn't an STD.  If the bumps look like pimples, that's probably what they are.  On the other hand, pimples should persist more than a week or so.  If the problem continues, see a health care provider.  Best wishes.

[7081]

I've been having little bumps on my vagina for some time now. Everytime they comes to a head. I don't know what they are. But I've never had sex and no skin to skin sexual contact. I nerver kissed anyone either. Could you help me in anyway. I looked at pictures of ingrown hairs and they look much like what I have. But I'm not saying thats what they are, b/c i dont know myself. Plz help me.

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