Hello, I have not done anything particularly risky but I had a red bump on the base of my penis a couple weeks ago that went away in a few days with no scabbing or evidence. I have another similar bump now a little lower- upper scrotum area. Both areas have a lot of hair. I suspect the incident a couple weeks ago could have been condom irritation at the base pulling hairs but  condom use could not explain today's bump. The only other information is I attempted some electric trimming down there a few weeks ago, well before both incidences.

You may not be able to tell for sure, but GENERALLY speaking, herpes lesions are small water blisters, often on red base, often in groups.  They are normally tender but not always.  Ingrown hairs would have a hair coming out of the center, or imbedded under the skin but still present in the center.  Herpes lesions would normally break open and make an ulceration and then scab while ingrown hairs would normally not do either of those things.  Is that helpful?  Can I answer any other questions about that for you?---

Thank you. I cannot see the hair if that’s what it is, but if it goes away without bursting or scabbing, that would indicate it would probably have been an ingrown and not herpes?

More likely, yes.  If you are concerned about the bump, you could also see a clinician and have it swab tested.---

Thanks much!

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