What is this

[eddy4763]

Hi, I am an 18 yr old male who recently had a new partner. We have had unprotected sex. About two weeks ago I had a red bump in my pubic region and went to my doctor. He Diagnosed me with folliculitis and prescribed me duricef. I had swollen lymph nodes as well, which he said was due to the folliculitis. On monday a small cluster of itchy, but not painful, bumps appeared right below the infected follicle, they looked like blisters. I went back to my doctor and he said it was the same problem, folliculitis, so he prescribed me bactroban to put on. He told me that it wasn't worth any testing from what he saw. It is now seven days later and the bumps have turned purple and two more little itchy bumps have appeared and my lymph nodes are still swollen. My doctor says that the discoloration is not a problem and should stop worrying. I did, but after the two new bumps appeared I am worrying once again. These bumps are in my pubic region and the two new bumps are right next to the cluster of grape looking bumps, which do not itch anymore by the way. Is this herpes or is it that I have spread whatever I have by scratching? Please help me, I am worried.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Most docs are pretty well able to distinguish herpes from folliculitis.  Genital herpes rarely occurs in the pubic area or other hairy areas; and folliculitis always does.  Herpes lesions start blister-like, with clear fluid that turns to pus; follicultis starts with a deeper red bump that goes directly to a pimple-like lesion with pus.  In general, herpes leions are superficial, "on" the skin; folliculitis starts with a bump "in" the skin.  Enlarged regional lymph glands are common in folliculitis.

Bottom line:  Sounds to me like your doctor probably is right and that herpes is unlikely.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[eddy4763]

I would also like to add that the cluster of purple bumps have in no way popped or become ulcers, and the two new bumps aren't red and have no hair down the middle of them, just like the cluster of bumps below them.

[eddy4763]

I' am sorry, but i forgot to add that my lymph nodes have been swollen since i got the folliculitis three weeks ago

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Still sounds like your doc was right:  folliculitis, not herpes.

HHH, MD

[eddy4763]

Update... the little purple bumps that I mentioned fell off today and left a little pink section, but not painful. I guess the bactroban did have an effect on the blisters, and from what I heard antibacterials dont have any effect on herpes so with that and your response I am at ease Thank you so much Dr.