I have a hx of hsv 2. Had sex with someone who doesn't. 3 days later he had fatigue/muscle aches but was also traveling and on little sleep. 5 days after he has a lesion (hard bump with translucent top) in his left pubic area. He never had any tingling, burning, or itching. No clusters, nothing on penis or scrotum. Zero pain. You can see a dark line or hair inside the bump. (I'm not sure if it is a blister...) I had no symptoms at the time of our encounter and was taking high dose suppressive therapy.  He does have HSV 1, so I am wondering if this gives him some protection and that's why it's only one bump and not painful... Ingrown hair or HSV 2? It looks like an infected hair follicle, but the timing is suspect.

This certainly sounds far more like an ingrown hair of folliculits than it does herpes, to me.  No question.  HSV 1 likely does not give him protection against HSV 2, no.  The high dose suppression should over a great deal of protection against transmission.  Were condoms used for the sexual encounter?---

No condoms. 2 days of heavy intimacy which was more exposure but also maybe more friction rubbing too to create the ingrown hair. I have him Valtrex to start yesterday so wondering if that is masking further symptoms.

Also curious if the left pubic area would be a suspect location for initial outbreak? How often have you seen this for first outbreak? Thank you

Normally, first outbreaks in men are on the shaft of the penis.---

Thank you. I messaged on your website regarding a virtual visit asap. I would love to show you pictures.

Last question i promise... if he has HSV 1, is he less likely to present with symptoms? Could that be the reason there is only one bump and no pain?

That is also possible, yes.  People who have HSV 1 and acquire HSV 2 are less likely to have symptoms than those who do not have HSV 1.---