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Is This Herpes?
Posted on
Fri, 7 Dec 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 7 Dec 2018
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : is this herpes?
Brief Answer:
The lesion does not seem typical of herpes lesions
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I've checked the pictures...
The appearance of the lesion is not typical of herpes.
To determine the cause it is important for us to know what symptoms does it cause, is it painful or burning sensation?
How long has it been there?
Do you have itchiness in the area?
Is the lesion oozing or bringing up secretions?
How many lesions are in numbers total?
Have you had herpes previously or other sexually transmitted diseases?
Have you had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months?
If you are sexually active do you have random partners, one or more?
Any lesions in other areas of the body like legs, tummy, arms or mouth ulcers?
Do you feel lumps in the groin?
If it is herpes it causes small fluid-filled lesions clustered together in a red background and they are painful to a burning sensation. It is related to unprotected intercourse, it is sexually transmitted and if your partner has herpes, you have higher chances to have it also.
By what I could see it seems more like folliculitis, inflammation of the hair root (it is self-limiting, should go away in 7-10 days with no specific treatment) but the answers to the above questions will clarify it better.
Waiting to hear back from you with the above information.
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
The lesion does not seem typical of herpes lesions
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I've checked the pictures...
The appearance of the lesion is not typical of herpes.
To determine the cause it is important for us to know what symptoms does it cause, is it painful or burning sensation?
How long has it been there?
Do you have itchiness in the area?
Is the lesion oozing or bringing up secretions?
How many lesions are in numbers total?
Have you had herpes previously or other sexually transmitted diseases?
Have you had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months?
If you are sexually active do you have random partners, one or more?
Any lesions in other areas of the body like legs, tummy, arms or mouth ulcers?
Do you feel lumps in the groin?
If it is herpes it causes small fluid-filled lesions clustered together in a red background and they are painful to a burning sensation. It is related to unprotected intercourse, it is sexually transmitted and if your partner has herpes, you have higher chances to have it also.
By what I could see it seems more like folliculitis, inflammation of the hair root (it is self-limiting, should go away in 7-10 days with no specific treatment) but the answers to the above questions will clarify it better.
Waiting to hear back from you with the above information.
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
How long has it been there? 1/2 days
Do you have itchiness in the area? yes but not burning
Is the lesion oozing or bringing up secretions? no
How many lesions are in numbers total? just that from what i can see
Have you had herpes previously or other sexually transmitted diseases? no but i did have a presence of cold sore - presumably hsv1
Have you had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months? no but after use of condom sometimes fluid off condom might touch the penis
If you are sexually active do you have random partners, one or more? random usually
Any lesions in other areas of the body like legs, tummy, arms or mouth ulcers? i have kinda ulcer in cheek - like it painful ot touch, theres no other lesion but on my buttock theres a bit of irritation, like red spots, but only painful if i sit down.
Do you feel lumps in the groin? no
Do you have itchiness in the area? yes but not burning
Is the lesion oozing or bringing up secretions? no
How many lesions are in numbers total? just that from what i can see
Have you had herpes previously or other sexually transmitted diseases? no but i did have a presence of cold sore - presumably hsv1
Have you had unprotected intercourse in the last 3 months? no but after use of condom sometimes fluid off condom might touch the penis
If you are sexually active do you have random partners, one or more? random usually
Any lesions in other areas of the body like legs, tummy, arms or mouth ulcers? i have kinda ulcer in cheek - like it painful ot touch, theres no other lesion but on my buttock theres a bit of irritation, like red spots, but only painful if i sit down.
Do you feel lumps in the groin? no
Brief Answer:
Very likely it is foliculitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the answers to the questions. By what you explain this lesion is not herpes. Very likely it is foliculitis, inflammation of the hair root. Generally no treatment is required. it will fade with time. If the lesion doesn't improve in the next 3-4 days or you notice new lesions you will need medical advise again. Please try to not squeeze the lesion.
The red spots in the buttock area are a bit strange to me. Have you had them for how long? Do you get involved in anal intercourse, you receiving anal intercourse?
And the ulcer on the cheek is it inside the mouth or outside on the skin and for how long has it been there?
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
Very likely it is foliculitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the answers to the questions. By what you explain this lesion is not herpes. Very likely it is foliculitis, inflammation of the hair root. Generally no treatment is required. it will fade with time. If the lesion doesn't improve in the next 3-4 days or you notice new lesions you will need medical advise again. Please try to not squeeze the lesion.
The red spots in the buttock area are a bit strange to me. Have you had them for how long? Do you get involved in anal intercourse, you receiving anal intercourse?
And the ulcer on the cheek is it inside the mouth or outside on the skin and for how long has it been there?
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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