Hey Dr Sue — Herpes Or Ingrown Hair, Is There A Way For Me To Tell?

Good question!

We often forget that your external genitals are skin, so they can have all the same issues you can have with skin on other parts of your body. This includes razor burn for people who shave. It can also include ingrown hair.

While there are some similarities between ingrown hair and herpes, there are also some important differences.

There can be pain associated with both. But the pain levels will be different. Herpes sores in the genital area tend to hurt with movement, like walking. Ingrown hairs are usually less painful and hurt only when directly touched.

One big difference between herpes and ingrown hairs is how many bumps you see, and what the bumps look like.

I know that it can be hard to see the area. There may be hair in the way, or it may involve some contortion or use of a mirror, but if you can get a clear look at it, that might help you figure out what it is.

Ingrown hairs usually are just one bump. Herpes tend to present in clusters of bumps.

Ingrown hairs are below the surface, and sometimes you can spot the hair in the middle of it. Herpes are blisters on the skin, and they can open.