Herpes or Ingrown Hair? That is the Question

When a woman is showering or shaving, she may notice a new bump around the genitals or anal area. Men might also discover one or more of these bumps during grooming tasks. The bump is filled with fluid and might be painful. Determining whether it is an ingrown hair or herpes is essential to know how to address it moving forward. 

The first thing a person should do is read an ingrown hair vs herpes similarities and differences guide. With this information, they can better determine what they are dealing with. What information might be contained in this guide? 

Symptoms

One reason many people struggle with figuring out if they have herpes or an ingrown hair is that the two conditions share many similarities. Both conditions appear as red bumps, which often become inflamed and itch. The bumps appear in the same general location, making things even more confusing. 

An ingrown hair appears as a pus-filled blister. It will be only one bump and may have a shadow in the center of the bump. This shadow or dark mark is the hair growing underneath the skin. An ingrown hair typically resolves on its own within a week. 

Herpes lesions also appear as bumps, but they may be internal or external. The bumps are filled with fluid and often appear in clusters. There is no shadow in the center, and herpes takes longer than a week to disappear. The person may have body aches, a fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Pain when urinating and an unusual discharge from the genitals are other signs of herpes. 

Causes

Ingrown hairs appear after a person attempts to remove hair on the body. The shortened or removed hair leaves behind a new follicle with a sharp tip. This tip may grow into the skin rather than normally. People often refer to ingrown hairs as shaving bumps or razor burn. 

Herpes, in contrast, is transmitted during sexual activity. HSV-2 is responsible for the blisters present in the genital area. HSV-1 is another form of herpes that is responsible for cold sores and is spread through mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-genitals, or other contact. 

Distinguishing Between Ingrown Hairs and Herpes

Ingrown hairs tend to be large, red, and painful. Sweat can lead to the follicle becoming clogged and infected. Any pus coming from an ingrown hair will be white. Spots that appear after a hair removal treatment are usually ingrown hairs, and they will resolve in approximately one week. 

A herpes outbreak is usually preceded by sexual activity with a new partner. However, this condition can lie dormant for years with no symptoms, so a person should look for the other symptoms listed above when determining what they are dealing with. A herpes outbreak can take four weeks to clear up. 

Treatment

Treating an ingrown hair typically involves keeping the area clean and applying warm compresses multiple times daily. Avoid popping the cyst and don’t use any hair removal method until it resolves. Treating herpes isn’t as easy. 

A person who suspects they have herpes should see their doctor for an oral antiviral to prevent shedding and future outbreaks. A cold compress will help relieve the redness and pain, and many people obtain relief by soaking in a lukewarm bath with Epsom salt or tea tree oil. The sores must remain clean and dry, and they should never be touched or scratched. 

Every person should know how to distinguish between ingrown hairs and herpes. With an accurate diagnosis, they can determine the proper treatment. If help is needed, schedule an appointment with a medical professional. Doing so will provide peace of mind, as the individual knows precisely what they are dealing with.