Could This Be Herpes or an Ingrown Hair?
I’m a 22-year-old woman, standing at 5'1" and weighing 168 lbs, residing in Florida. For the past week, I’ve noticed a bump that appeared a day or two after shaving. I’m inclined to think it might be an ingrown hair. Interestingly, it doesn’t cause any itching, though it was somewhat sensitive to the touch initially. After I removed the hair adjacent to it, the bump began to subside over the following days. I haven’t experienced any additional symptoms. Normally, I don’t encounter ingrown hairs, which is why this situation is causing me some worry. The bump feels like it's beneath the skin and hasn’t spread to any other areas.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 9:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
The bump you are experiencing is likely an ingrown hair, especially since it appeared shortly after shaving and has been gradually subsiding after hair removal. While it's understandable to worry about new symptoms, ingrown hairs are quite common, especially in shaved areas, and they typically resolve without complications.
Explanation:
An ingrown hair occurs when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of growing out of the follicle. This can result in a raised bump that is sensitive to touch, but it may not always itch. The fact that you've noticed improvement after removing the hair suggests that it was indeed an ingrown hair. Herpes lesions, on the other hand, typically present with significant itching, pain, or additional systemic symptoms, which you do not have.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Monitoring: Keep an eye on the bump. If it continues to improve and does not show signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, or spreading), it is likely healing normally.
-
Practice Gentle Shaving: To prevent future ingrown hairs, try using a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Consider using aloe vera or a shaving cream designed for sensitive skin to reduce irritation.
-
Warm Compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the area several times a day can help soothe the skin and may promote the hair's release if it's still trapped.
-
Examine for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for any signs of complications such as increased pain, swelling, or pus. If you notice these signs or if the bump does not improve significantly in the next week, consider seeking care.
Overall, while ingrown hairs can be annoying, they are usually harmless. If you have any lingering worries or symptoms change, feel free to ask for more guidance.
Related Questions
My Relationship with Milk Consumption
For nearly two decades, I have predominantly relied on milk as my primary source of hydration, consuming around five liters daily. Although I recognize that this reliance might not be the healthiest choice, my low appetite has perpetually left me underweight. In the past, I attempted to transition to drinking water; however, I noticed a concerning drop in weight along with persistent fatigue. My inquiry is whether there exists a more nutritious method to obtain calories without resorting to solid foods, and ideally, without incurring high costs?
When Can I Expect to Drive Again?
I’m a 35-year-old who suffered a spiral fracture in my right leg affecting both the fibula and tibia. Five weeks post-surgery, I've begun my rehabilitation journey, having undergone physical therapy for three weeks now. I’ve noticed that my leg is beginning to regain sensation, with improved control over my ankle and feeling returning to the sole of my foot. Given this progress, what is a realistic timeframe for when I might be able to drive safely once more?
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?