SPRING PROMO: FREE ONLINE VISIT. START FREE VISIT

How To Tell the Difference Between Herpes and Ingrown Hairs

Reading time -
6
min

Found a bump? This sometimes is a cause for concern, but a lot of the time it's simply an ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs are common and are a leading cause of nasty, sometimes painful bumps. Ingrown hairs are caused when a hair weaves itself into the skin, and then starts to grow back out in a way that causes the hair to twist around and grow back into the skin. This causes an infection and a bump. Ingrown hairs are easy to prevent and treat. First, let's get the difference between ingrown hairs and herpes out of the way.

What is Herpes?

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and is caused by contact with someone who is infected. Herpes is not transferrable through non-sexual contact. Herpes comes in two forms, one affects the mouth, and the other affects the genitals. Genital herpes is known as herpes simplex 2 (HSV2).

Genital Herpes Symptoms

Genital herpes symptoms include sores on or around the genitals or rectum, itching, discomfort, or pain. It's important to note that many people who have herpes have no symptoms and don't know they have it. Herpes is contagious both when there are symptoms, and when there is no symptoms.

The appearance of genital herpes can vary greatly, but can be described as a cluster of blisters which are red, and often itch. These blisters can burst and become very painful. Herpes can be spread through sexual contact with an infected person, if they have an outbreak.

Herpes is easily diagnosed with a simple blood test if you suspect you have it. If you have active sores, they can be swabbed and tested.

What is an Ingrown Hair?

An ingrown hair is a hair that has not been properly exfoliated and has grown back into the skin. They are common, they look like a little red bump, and they can be painful and annoying.

Ingrown hairs are caused by improperly exfoliated hair. Many people believe that shaving causes ingrown hairs, but it is simply the improper removal of hair that causes ingrown hairs. When you shave, you are cutting the hair off at the skin level, so the hair is still protruding into the skin. When you exfoliate, you are removing the dead skin cells and any other junk that is caught in the hair at the root.

Ingrown hairs are much more common than you would think. They are caused by all types of hair removal (shaving, waxing, tweezing, and depilatories). Ingrown hair bumps can be treated in a number of ways. They are easily treated, but if left untreated, they can become infected.

Can Ingrown Hairs Pop?

Yes, ingrown hairs can pop. Popping a pimple is not always a bad thing, but popping an ingrown hair is almost never a good idea. The main reason for this is that ingrown hairs are under the skin. If you try to pop one, you're going to be digging a hole into an active infection. The result? An even bigger bump, spreading of the infection and possibly scarring.

Popping ingrown hairs is one of the worst things you can do to them. It doesn't matter how big the bump gets, how much it hurts, or how many times you've tried to pop it. Never pop an ingrown hair. If you want to get rid of it, exfoliate it. Bacteria and pus will build up around the hair and cause it to become inflamed. Exfoliating will remove the extra skin and help the hair to grow back normally. You can exfoliate an ingrown hair with a washcloth. Just rub the washcloth in a circular motion over the bump.

How To Tell the Difference Between Herpes and Ingrown Hairs

Herpes sores are clusters of blisters on or around the genital or rectum area. They are red, and often painful. It's important to note that many people who have herpes have no symptoms and don't know they have it. Herpes is contagious both when there are symptoms, and when there is no symptoms.

Ingrown hairs are small red bumps on the skin. They are often painful and can be found anywhere on the body. They are caused by improperly exfoliated hair.

1. Judge By Appearance

You can usually tell if you have herpes or an ingrown hair just by looking at it. Herpes sores are clusters of blisters and ingrown hairs are red bumps that are under the skin rather than sitting on top. Ingrown hairs can vary in appearance, but most people can identify them by the fact that they are a bump under the skin rather than on top.

2. Judge By Location

Herpes is most often found around the genital or rectum area. It is also found on the mouth and face. Ingrown hairs are found just about anywhere that hair grows, but typically in areas where hair grows in dark or thick, such as the beard or mustache area, as well as the genital areas. Location can be used as a general rule to tell the difference between the two, but it is not guaranteed.

3. Judge By The Pain

Herpes causes a stinging, burning pain that can be quite uncomfortable. When you have an ingrown hair, your skin can be tender. The tenderness is usually worse than the pain caused by herpes, but it does depend on the location and size of either the ingrown hair or herpes cluster.

4. Judge By Time

Herpes outbreaks can occur at any time. Ingrown hairs are caused by improperly exfoliated hair, so it's more likely to appear after shaving. If your ingrown hair is occurring in the same spot, it's possible that you have a scar that you're not aware of, but in that case, it should still be tender to the touch.

If you are getting these bumps a day or two after shaving, they are more likely to be ingrown hairs. If you are getting them in the genital area, they could be either herpes or ingrown hairs. Herpes is more common in this area, but it is possible that you have ingrown hairs. If you are unsure, your best bet is to see a doctor.

5. Judge By Treatment

Ingrown hairs can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. Herpes needs to be treated by a doctor. There are medications that can be taken to lessen the severity of future herpes outbreaks, but there is no cure for herpes.

It is important to note that while they both cause pain, they are not the same thing. If you are unsure, it is best to see a doctor. If you are getting herpes outbreaks on a regular basis, you should also see your doctor.

Herpes is caused by a virus and is spread from person to person by direct contact. It can be passed on even if you don't have an outbreak. There is no cure for herpes, but it is possible to manage it with medication. The medication will not cure herpes, but it can help you to manage it.

Ingrown hairs are caused by improperly exfoliated hair, and are not contagious. Ingrown hairs are often caused by shaving, and can be treated at home. Ingrown hairs can be painful, but herpes clusters are often more painful and uncomfortable. If you are sure that you are getting ingrown hairs, you can manage them at home, but if you are unsure, it is best to see a doctor.

Conclusion

Ingrown hairs are small red bumps on the skin. They are often painful and can be found anywhere on the body. They are caused by improperly exfoliated hair. Herpes sores are clusters of blisters on or around the genital or rectum area. They are red and often painful. It's important to note that many people who have herpes have no symptoms and don't know they have it. Herpes is contagious both when there are symptoms, and when there is no symptoms.

If you are getting these bumps a day or two after shaving, they are more likely to be ingrown hairs, but the only way to know for sure is to have a doctor look at them. If you don't think you've gotten the bumps from shaving, you should see a doctor to get tested for herpes.

Hair Loss?
No problem

Let’s help you Rise Again
Start Your Assessment

Got ED?
No problem

Let’s help you Rise Again
Start Your Assessment
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive a weekly newsletters with insightful tips and resources

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.