possible Herpes

[ny8323]

Hi Dr.,

I'm a 23 year old man.  Five and a half weeks ago I had an encounter with a man that I didn't know very well. He performed unprotected oral sex on me for a short time, and our naked bodies definitely came into contact. About 6 days later I noticed a red bump in my pubic hair about two inches above the base of my penis. I also noticed some red pumps on my thighs and some under my knees. I went to the dermatologist and she told me that I had ingrown hairs. I can see hairs coming through most of the bumps on my legs, but I've also read that herpes is often misdiagnosed as ingrown hairs. It has been very hot where I live and I sweat quite profusely. I should note that I also have cystic acne on my chest and back.

Anyway, the bump in my pubic hair healed for the most part after 3 weeks, however at almost 5 weeks it's still red and has not disappeared. I noticed two days ago that I have another small red bump right to the side to the one is still visible. These bumps haven't caused me any pain or itching and they haven't formed into blisters, popped, or scabbed over. Also, I haven't had any bumps/problems on my actual penis. Does this sound like herpes to you? I know the only way to know for sure is to get a herpes blood test, which I plan on doing when I get back to the United States in a few weeks.  Thank you so much in advance for any advice.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This is also inline with folliculitis.  Persoanlly, I would not re-test.  EWH

[ny8323]

Thanks Doctor. I didn't mean to say that the original bumps lasted for 8 weeks, they disappeared at around 4.5 weeks but the area stayed red for about 8 weeks. There is redness around the white bump at the moment, but at the moment there is only one.


What makes me nervous is it reappeared in exactly the same spot..and about 4 weeks after the original two bumps went away. I've "educated" myself on herpes via the internet and it seems like this is in line with herpes. But, I trust your opinion.

Do you think I should get tested anyway? It's been almost 10 weeks since possible exposure. Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Herpes typically resolves rathe rquickly while folliculitis lesions can persist. there is still little here to suggest you have herpes.  EWH

[ny8323]

Hi Dr. Hook,

Thanks a lot for your advice.

After about 8 weeks, the spots where the two bumps were located are still slightly red.

I noticed 2 days ago that there is now a white bump virtually on the same spot. It's not causing me any pain.

I'm worried again that maybe it might be a recurrent outbreak. Would one occur so soon?  Would the original bumps have taken so long to completely go away if it were herpes? Thanks so much for any advice in advance.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum. What you describe certainly sounds more like ingrown hairs (the medical term is folliculitis) than herpes.  The location is typical for folliculitis and not typical for herpes and the contact you describe was low risk for acquisition of herpes.

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.  Typical locations for folliculitis include the pubic hair area and thighs.  It is not unusual for folliculitis lesions to heal rather slowly, leaving behind red marks for weeks.

The best way to prevent folliculitis is to use a washcloth of loofah when you bath you help remove old, dead skin and keep your pores open.

I hope this comment is helpful. EWH