Contents:
- Medical Video: Pimple, Ingrown Hair, or Herpes?
- How to distinguish genital herpes and pubic zits
- 1. Different characteristics
- 2. Different causes
- 3. Different treatments
Medical Video: Pimple, Ingrown Hair, or Herpes?
The appearance of small white red or lumpy lumps on the genitals is a typical symptom of genital herpes. This sign is often difficult to distinguish and some even think it's just a pubic zit. So, it's important to really understand what is the difference between small lumps as a sign of genital herpes or just zits on your genitals.
How to distinguish genital herpes and pubic zits
Although it has a very similar shape, but if you look at it again, genital acne and genital herpes are two different things.
1. Different characteristics
Pimples on the genitals
Just like pimples in general, pimples that appear on vital organs are also identical to red bumps and there is white pus or clear liquid inside. Acne can appear one at a time, as well as at the same time.
Acne may itch, but usually it won't hurt much unless you get sudden friction or pressure. No need to worry, acne in vital organs will usually disappear in a matter of days.
Genital herpes
Symptoms of the herpes virus can appear at any time, regardless of how long it will take since the virus begins to enter the body. That is, you may not feel any symptoms even though the herpes virus has attacked.
The main sign that usually appears is in the form of a red or white lump containing clear liquid resembling a boil in the vital area, mouth, and buttocks. In contrast to acne, blisters or lumps of herpes will usually hurt even if not touched, especially when it has broken. The texture of herpes blisters tends to be softer compared to zits.
However, this typical symptom does not come alone. You will also notice the onset of headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and high fever.
2. Different causes
Pimples on the genitals
Acne is actually a normal skin condition due to clogged pores by oil and dirt. In other cases, small lumps of acne on the genitals can also be caused by allergies to a clothing material, after shaving or pulling pubic hair; and the presence of bacterial and fungal infections in the hair follicles.
All of these things can cause one or more small resilience in the genitals, until finally itchy.
Genital herpes
If acne is more synonymous with dirty and unhealthy skin conditions, genital herpes differs 180 degrees. Yes, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is spread by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus, namely:
- HSV-1, often referred to as oral herpes because it spreads through saliva and wounds in the area of the mouth that has been infected. This virus can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2, usually develops around the genitals through sexual contact. This virus is the main cause of genital herpes.
Every couple who has unprotected sex is at risk of contracting genital herpes. In fact, condom use sometimes does not guarantee you are free from the herpes virus.
3. Different treatments
Pimples on the genitals
You don't need to worry because usually pimples in vital organs can heal within a few days. The key is to always adopt a healthy lifestyle and always maintain the cleanliness of all body parts. Especially the genital area that may often be missed.
In addition, you can help with the loss of acne by cleaning it using warm compresses with soap containing benzoyl peroxide. With a note, be more careful when rubbing the skin in the genital area and avoid rubbing it too hard even on the vaginal lips.
Genital herpes
Meanwhile, genital herpes is rather difficult to treat with home care. Medical treatment using oral and topical antiviral drugs plays an important role to help inhibit the spread of the herpes simplex virus. For example valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir, and acyclovir (Zovirax).
You are encouraged to routinely take the medication according to the rules and avoid having sexual intercourse for a while, until the treatment of genital herpes is completely completed. Because if not, you are still at risk of transmitting this virus to your partner.
Avoid squeezing lumps or herpes lesions because it will trigger severe pain and make the virus more easily spread.
