Are Raised Skin Colored Bumps On Pubic Area Suggestive Of HPV?

Posted on Wed, 14 Oct 2015

Question: I had unprotected sex with a girl and now have raised skin colored bumps on my pubic area. I'm freaking out. Could it be HPV?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Incubation period for HPV infection is 2-4 months.When was you exposure?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.

HPV over pubic area is comparatively rare than over the parts of external genitals following an unprotected sex contact. Moreover warts will take not less than 2 months to appear. As you had not mentioned the date of your last sex contact I am not able to contribute more. It could be due to some non STD skin condition also. Are you married? How long are you having the lesion? Do you have any other symptoms like itching or pain? If you could upload the picture we can discuss further.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (16 minutes later)

The first time we had sex was late july and then again like 3 weeks ago. Not married, dont sleep with a lot of individuals. No pain or itching except what i believed to be hemorrhoids last week, but since cleared with the use of topicals. The bumps are small, smooth, skin colored and are at the base to the lower pubic area.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Warts unlikely. HSV 2 infection has to be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.

They do not seem to be due to warts. STD tests within 4 weeks duration following an exposure are not reliable. How long you are having these lesions? Are they present since your 1st contact or after the second contact?
Herpes Simplex 2 lesions have to be ruled out. Folliculitis is the other possibility.
Consult a Dermatologist for further help.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (22 minutes later)

they have been there for a week or two. Cant recall after first encounter. Perhaps an infection after shaving the region?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Folliculitis is more likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Herpes infection can persist for up to 2 weeks and not more than that usually. But it can not remain in the vesicular stage for weeks. So a close inspection by a Dermatologist only could pave way for further diagnosis along with investigations. If you acquired the same after shaving, then consider a possibility of hair folliculitis. With a course antibiotics you will become alright. Consult your Dermatologist and get well soon.
Dr S.Murugan

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D