Herpes or just a rash? Please help

[concerned1980]

I'm concerned if rash/bumps are an STD.  I’ll get tested tomorrow but results take days and I’ve been freaking out all weekend.

I had full STD tests in March and was fine. I hadn’t had sex since then until last Thurs night with an escort (I'm not proud, but want to be honest). Vaginal sex only, with a condom, once, no foreplay, no lube, for 15 min.  I was drunk but the condom was on.  

I showered 5-6 hrs after.  Didn't notice symptoms then but wasn’t looking.  12 hrs later, I showered again and trimmed my pubic hair (electric razor - I do once a month). I saw several patches of red bumps in my pubic hair area above the penis.  Some single bumps, some patches of a few. Varying degrees of red, with a couple flesh colored. Kind of flat and some look like very small pimples. On the penis base, where the shaft begins, there is one small bump and a couple very small whiteheads. The vast majority is in the region with hair, above my penis. No pain, cracking or discharge.

1) Does this sound like herpes or an STD? I've read it's unlikely since appeared within 24 hrs - is that 100% true? Also heard herpes wouldn't really show up in the pubic hair area?
2) If not, is it just a rash? I haven't seen a sex rash there before. If so, when will it go away?
3) If I need testing, can I just go to a Labquest clinic for blood/urine, or should a dr. look?

Thank you so much for your help. I'm really worried so appreciate your answer.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Herpes rarely occurs in the area you describe.  Red bumps in the pubic hair area most likely are folliculitis (hair follicle infection) and are often brought on by shaving. Also, herpes symptoms cannot show up 12 hours after catching it--never.  Of course the way to know is to see a personal health care provider.

1) Nope, doesn't sound like herpes or any other STD.

2) Aside from folliculitis and confidence it isn't herpes, I will not speculate about the cause.

3) See a provider and accept his or her advice about testing for herpes or other STDs.  From your description, I doubt it is necessary.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[concerned1980]

Thanks, Doctor.  Just to clarify, it was 18 hours after sex that I first saw the signs - is that still absolutely too early for herpes to show up?  Just wanted to make sure.

I plan to follow your advice and see a provider as well.  Thanks again.  I really appreciate the time and advice!

[Jeremy44]

Just incase he doesn't respond, it is absolutely too soon for those symptoms to show up. If indeed you had herpes, it would not be caused from the sexual encounter 18 hours prior.

[concerned1980]

Thanks for letting me know, Jeremy.  Much appreciated.

The doc today agreed it was not herpes.  He diagnosed it as molluscum contagiosum.    This is still confusing since the symptoms showed up the day after sex, but the ASHASTD and other sites all expect a much longer incubation period.  Still, I'm thankful it was nothing worse.