Was it herpes?

[Johnbelvin]

When I was in college (about 11 years ago), I had a rash of bumps on my groin area that was in the pubic hair region, scrotum and thighs.  However, this rash was also in my armpit, ankles and upper chest though not as prevalent in these areas as the rash was in my groin.  I suppose that the armpit and ankles rash could have been unrelated to the groin rash but they seemed similar.  The best I can remember, the bumps were fluid filled but were slightly milky and seemed to be focused on my hair follicles.  These scabbed over and I have no scars from the rash.  I also had swollen lymph nodes in my groin.  I thought this was jock itch at first and went to a college physician who noted I had some "infected hair follicles in my groin area" (in his words) and then asked if I had been sexually active and suggested I had herpes.  I had not had sexual intercourse at that time in my life but had received oral sex with my girlfriend. I did not have any test done while I had the rash.  A few years later I decided to have a herpes blood test done.  It came back negative for HSV-1 and HSV-2.  This was comforting  to hear but the more I learn about herpes, the more I wonder what else could have caused my rash years ago.  It still makes me concerned that I have HSV.  I have never had a cold sore and have not had a rash in my groin since this happened.  Should I still be concerned?  Would having another test be a good idea?  Any idea what could have caused the rash if not herpes?  I really appreciate your help.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help. EWH

[Johnbelvin]

Thanks for the reply.   I looked up folliculitis and this looks exactly like what I had.  Thank you again for easing my mind and helping me figure this out.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You need not be concnerned.  What you describe is an excellent description of folliculitis.    Folliculitis occurs when the pores in your skin get plugged.  This allows that normal bacteria that are present on just about every-one's skin to grow and cause what is essentially a pimple.  Some of these just appear as red bumps which may or may not be  tender while others go on to actually form pimples.  In either case, they can be accompanied by swelling of nearby lymph nodes (FYI, swollen lymph nodes are a totally non-specific indicator that your body is reacting to something.  That something causing the swollen node could be folliculitis, an STD, or even athlete's foot).  In some instances, if you look closely you can see a hair coming out of, or nearby the bump- this too is typical of folliculitis).  Your herpes blood test confirms that this was not HSV.  I would not worry and I see no need for further testing at this time.  EWH