How do you tell the difference between herpes and ingrown hair?
Herpes sores appear in clusters, often with a tingling or burning sensation. Ingrown hairs typically have a visible hair at the center and are single, pimple-like bumps. Herpes blisters may be fluid-filled with yellowish discharge, while ingrown hairs often produce white pus.
Herpes Vs Ingrown Hair: Differences And Treatment
Sometimes, it is difficult to differentiate between ingrown hair (folliculitis) and another sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes. Is there a way to distinguish between the two?
There are several types of skin irritations, including herpes, ingrown hairs, and others. This article will explain their differences. Besides covering herpes treatment, it will also explain when to seek medical attention.
Herpes vs Ingrown Hair: Key Symptoms
Bumps or blisters on the genitalia are never welcome. They can form for several reasons, some more serious than others.
Ingrown hairs and genital herpes can cause bumps or blisters in the genital region, so knowing the symptoms can help you treat them properly.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2)
HSV-2 is most commonly responsible for genital herpes, but HSV-1 (the virus that causes cold sores and oral herpes) may also be responsible. In an outbreak of herpes, painful blisters or sores can appear in, on, or around the genitals, anus, or inner thighs. The mouth can also be affected by herpes blisters.
Herpes infection symptoms include:
- Before the appearance of sores, there may be tingling, itching, burning, or other sensations.
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- General achiness
Common Symptoms of Ingrown Hairs
The most common cause of ingrown hair is a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. Bumps that form around ingrown hairs can resemble genital herpes blisters. Hair follicles individually become infected with ingrown hairs.
A person with curly, thick, or coarse genital hair may experience frequent hair growth if they shave or wax frequently.
There are several symptoms of ingrown hair, including:
- Fluid-filled bumps that appear to be small and reddish
- Pimple-like bumps
- An itching sensation
- A red or sore area that is inflamed or swollen
- Squeezing or breaking an ingrown hair can result in white pus.
How to Tell Herpes Apart From Ingrown Hair
A small dark spot or visible hair is usually present at the centre of an ingrown hair, making it easy to distinguish it from a herpes blister. Dark spots will not appear in the centre of a herpes blister.
Both can be fluid-filled, and the edges of both may appear reddish and painful.
Herpes blisters don't have scaly, flaky skin on the top of the bump, while ingrown hair is usually covered in scaly, flaky skin.
Suppose you are unsure what caused a blister on or around the genitals. In that case, a healthcare provider can perform a simple examination and even order basic lab tests to determine the cause of the blister.
Herpes vs Ingrown Hair: Symptom Comparison
| Feature | Herpes | Ingrown Hair |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Painful fluid-filled blisters in clusters | Single bump, often with visible hair |
| Sensation Before Bumps | Tingling, burning, or itching | Usually, there is no sensation beforehand |
| Discharge | Clear or yellowish fluid | White pus if opened |
| Healing Time | 2–4 weeks | A few days to 1 week |
| Cause | Viral (HSV-1 or HSV-2) | Hair growing back into the skin |
| Treatment | Antiviral medication, pain relief | Warm compress, avoid squeezing |
Other Conditions That May Cause Genital Sores
In this article, we have discussed symptoms of the herpes virus infection and ingrown hairs.
However, there are other possible causes of skin rashes and outbreaks in the genital area:
- Public lice (crabs)
- Lichen planus
- Allergic reactions
- Jock itch, ringworm, or other fungal infections
- Syphilis
Treatment Options for Herpes and Ingrown Hair
Herpes blisters and ingrown hairs can both be uncomfortable.
It's important to note that even though the sores appear similar, they must be treated differently.
How to Treat Genital Herpes
Herpes cannot be cured.
However, some medications can reduce outbreak frequency or shorten blister duration.
Pain or discomfort may be relieved with other medications.
- Pain relievers are available over the counter
- Antiviral ointments or topical medications that may shorten the outbreak's duration
- Acyclovir (Sitavig), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are popular antiviral medications for frequent outbreaks.
Herpes blisters should never be popped.
This will preserve healing. It may aggravate pain and irritation. Herpes blister fluid can also spread the infection to other body parts.
How to Treat an Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs resolve on their own in a few days. Applying warm compresses daily to the affected area will speed up the healing process. Please don't squeeze or scrub the bump to prevent increased pain and irritation.
Tell your healthcare provider if the bump does not resolve after a few days or if it gets larger or worsens. Your symptoms may have another cause.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herpes vs Ingrown Hair
Can ingrown hair look like herpes?
Yes, ingrown hairs can resemble herpes blisters. However, ingrown hairs usually appear as isolated bumps with visible hair at the center, while herpes blisters form in clusters and may be preceded by tingling or burning.
How do I know if it's herpes or an ingrown hair?
Herpes typically causes multiple painful sores in a group, and they can take 2–4 weeks to heal. Ingrown hairs are usually single bumps over a hair follicle and clear up in a few days. If you're unsure, consult a healthcare provider.
What does ingrown hair look like in the pubic area?
It appears as a red or pink bump that may be filled with white pus and sometimes has a hair trapped inside. It may itch or be tender to the touch.
Do herpes blisters always appear in clusters?
Not always, but herpes blisters often show up in groups. If you see several small, fluid-filled sores in the genital area, it could be a sign of herpes.
When should I see a doctor for genital bumps?
See a doctor if you're unsure of the cause, experience pain, or if the sores don't heal within a week. Testing can confirm whether it's herpes, an ingrown hair, or another condition.
When to Speak With a Healthcare Provider
You should consult your healthcare provider if you don't know what's making your genital area hurt or if you're concerned about STDs.
You can consult with a Mobi Doctor if you need help.
Mobi Doctor is a virtual clinic that provides online consultations and 24/7 support for people with health problems. You can talk to our experts about any health problem, whether an infection, an injury, or a mental health issue. We offer tailored advice and support from our team of doctors and experts.
