A 18-year-old member asked:
Does genital herpes and folliculitis look a like?
6 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Walesanswered
Emergency Medicine 43 years experience
No: Folliculitis tends to focused around base of hair follicles - in many cases after shaving closely. Genital herpes can start with small blisters - not centered around hair follicles - can progress to shallow, painful ulcerations. Each requires different treatment.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph De Santianswered
Family Medicine 30 years experience
Rationalizing Rashes: Folliculitis is a pustular inflammatory reaction in a hair follicle with bacterial invasion secondary to microtrauma or glandular hyperactivity, such as that seen with shaving or acne. Genital herpes is viral and blister-like involving more than just the follicle, but can become secondarily infected with bacteria and could appear like a folliculitis. A physician exam will help distinguish them.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ronald De la Penaanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 31 years experience
Sometimes: Herpes is the "great imitator" and may be confused for folliculitis or other skin changes. Any genital lesion should be presented to a physician for evaluation.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Fisheranswered
Dermatology 33 years experience
Genital herpes: Signs of genital herpes tend to develop within three to seven days of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Genital herpes infections look like small blisters or ulcers (round areas of broken skin) on the genitals. Each blister or ulcer is typically only 1 to 3 millimeters (1/32 inch to 1/8th inch) in size, and the blisters or ulcers tend to be grouped into "crops.".
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph Woodsanswered
Pathology 29 years experience
They can be similar.: Genital herpes can present as vesicles, pustules, or erythemetous (red) ulcers that are painful. Folliculitis is an infection of staph. Aureus that can present as domed, yellow pustules with a narrow red margin.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Christopher Guzikanswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Yes and no: At the beginning they may look alike. Genital herpes will often cluster and form a group of fluid filled vesicles. Folliculitis will form small pus bumps around each hair follicle.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 22-year-old member asked:
What does genital herpes look likes?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kenneth Chenganswered
Family Medicine 32 years experience
Clear blisters: Genital herpes has the appearance of blisters on a red base. Generally, these are painful and occurs in clusters. Consult with your doctor if you see these as treatments are available.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
How I can differentiate genital folliculitis from genital herpes?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Vance Harrisanswered
Family Medicine 38 years experience
Clear fluid: Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle and there will be small pustules or redness around the hair follicles. Herpes is not just around the hair follicles and usually is a small blister filled with clear fluid and a surrounding red base.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
What are signs of genital herpes vs folliculitis?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Last updated Apr 5, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.