Embarrassing Question - Olathe,KS

have you researched ingrown hairs? I know they look like that when they get infected...just a thought!

Get thee to a doctor! It might be something minor, but it could be something you need to address now.

go to the doctor! Do not wait..do not pass go! It's always better to address needs as they arise, rather than wait & not know what you're dealing with!

Gosh I hate to say this, but it sounds like herpes to me. You don't always get it from sex. Cold sores and herpes are the same thing, just in different areas. I suffer from herpes also (well, suffer isn't exactly the word since I haven't had an outbreak in forever). Something as simple as a cold can cause enough stress in your body to make you breakout. Go to the dr. Find out what is wrong with you. Good luck!

I only saw one person mention this, but it was the first thing that came to my mind - HPV, which is genital warts. I still can not believe how little information is out there when it is so common. It's a virus that causes warts. They can come and go, with or without treatment. See your ob/gyn, but DON'T worry, until you have something to worry about! Good luck.

It is probably an ingrown hair. Don't let these other women scare you. How can someone know exactly what it is without seeing it. . . . . ? If I were you I would get to the doctor before it heals and have it looked at. Just so that I didn't freak myself out about it.
I get bumps like that(expecially after shaving), I have only had one partner in my life and know that it is just an ingrown hair.
But, again, to ease your mind go to the doctor.

My son had "blister" like things in his anus ... and it was a for of strep. Apparently the strep bacteria can infect parts of your body other than your throat.

I say go see your Dr.--don't worry, I am sure they have heard and seen many things--no need to feel silly about asking if it is causing pain.

I'm sorry to say, it does sound like herpes. See as doctor as soon as you can to be tested. Being tested is the only way to verify this and the "sore" must be present to be tested.

But don't worry! If it is herpes, it's not the end of the world.

So Carrie, you need to take this question to someone who can tell you definitively - your ob/gyn...

If it makes you feel any better, when I was around 19, I had a sore and was positive it was Herpes, but guess what? It wasn't. So you won't know until you see your doc.

Good luck.

it could be a palup- just a puss pocket. Go to the doc! It can get so bad that you cant walk! Plus in the off case it is Herpes you can get meds to clear up a break out.

I had one when I was about 12 years old. I obviously don't remember what it was called because it was so long ago, but I hurt very badly. I wound up having to get it surgically removed. So you might want to get it checked out. Another thing, is if you (i know this sounds gross) run a little bath of warm water then try to pee in the bath, it doesn't hurt as bad as trying to pee on the toilet. I remember when I went to the doctor for mine, they said if you get one, you will most likely get another one sometime in your life. So be prepared to keep getting them every few years. Thank God I haven't had another since then because they are very painful! Goodluck

Although it might sound unusual because your first occurance happened before you have ever had sex but it sounds like herpes. A cold sore and genital herpes are the same thing just in different places of the body. And just like a cold sore, genital herpes usually pops up when you are stressed or sick. A cold sore (herpes) can be spread to the genital area buy oral sex with a partner that has had a cold sore (not necessarily at the time) or from mouth to hand to genitals (by partner or self). I am by no means a doctor but I did get this information from an OB/GYN. Hope this helps.

Hi Carrie. I know it's difficult to deal with, but that does sound like herpes to me. I had one outbreak about 15 years ago and then never again. It is very painful, and you should definitely see your doctor asap for a dianosis and some medicine. Good luck.

try to use a razor and shave that area only.apply hot wash cloth,c if it helps.

Hello Carrie,
This could be a problem of cross-contamination. If you've ever had a cold sore on your mouth, you could have touched it, and even simply going to the bathroom you could have brought the virus down there. Go to your OB/GYN and have it checked out. They see all this embarrassing stuff all the time, but until you know for sure what it is, you should avoid sex. The pain you're feeling indicates that you probably do have a version of herpes. Don't fret, there are a couple of different kinds. You're doctor can tell you more.
Good luck,
L

It could be just a boil, I have gotten these and the doctors prescribed the acne medicine and said I have to take it the rest of my life for them to stay away. It basically comes down to a very large pimple. It comes from sweat and such, I have found for me it doesn't matter what kind of underwear I wore they came, so I went wout and take that medicine (tetracycline(sp) not sure how it is spelled) and as long as I remember to take the medicine I don't get any. If you have anymore questions my personal email addy is ____@____.com

I know what you mean! It is probably herpes, but not the STD type. Do you get cold sores on your mouth? The same thing happened to me. Go to your Gyno. the next time it happens and have it tested. He can tell by looking, but will scrape it and look under the microscope to tell for sure. He told me that it is common for this to happen to women because the virus actually shows up a day or two before we feel the bump. We can spread it to our genital area by blowing our noses or touching our face and then our private area to wipe or wash. It's that simple. He then can prescribe Valtrex or something like it. You keep it on hand and take it at the very first sensation that you might be getting another. It will keep it from erupting if you catch it in time or cut the duration drastically. I only have an eruption if I am VERY stressed or sick. I had four in one year, but then average about once a year.

What a joy it is to be a woman...want to through this out to you but also stress the need to be seen by a Dr. My mother had a spot like that and hers turned out to be HPV...It really could be a number of things. Please see your Dr and get a correct diagnosis. BTW, congrats on the virgin thing! Way to go!!!

I would get an appointment made with your doctor ASAP, especially when you have one of those sores. The only way they can determine if it's herpes is if you have symptoms. I had a friend go through the same thing and it ended up being herpes. I'm not saying that to scare you but you should go as soon as you have another sore. I hope this helps.

Try looking up boils. Sounds like it may be similiar. Good Luck. J. R

first of all there is nothing to be embarrased about. be proud that you respected yourself enough to wait to have sex.

S....from your description of the sore, it does sound like herpes. but i can't be sure.

PLEASE go to the doctor, to have it diagnosed and treated.

It might possibly be an ingrown hair that is infected. Dont be afraid to ask your OB because they have heard of worse problems than that.

As a Registered Nurse I will tell you that you must see your OB/GYN immediately if nothing else to get pain relief. But to answer your question regarding the problem did you know it is possible to get herpes from sources other than intercourse? Your sore does sound like herpes and if you have an outbreak during a pregnancy you will need to have a C-section as it will not be safe for the baby to exit via the vagina. However, you can deliever vaginally if the herpes is not active which was obviously your experience if you had a natural birth. Please seek medical help.

See your doctor!!!! It is probably nothing. Sometimes when people get sick and especially have fever, they will get "fever blisters", but just to be on the safe side and to give yourself piece of mind, go visit your doctor :o)

I agree with the others, I have had a few of these as well. I have heard them called boils, ingrown hairs, cysts, etc. A few of them I ended up having to have the dr. lance because they were so painful and wouldn't go away. They also screened it for staph to make sure it wasn't any kind of infection. If it's bothering you I would definately head to the dr., it hurts a little for them to rupture them but feels better quicker then the pain it causes every day. Good luck :)

Hi Carrie!
I think what a lot of responders are refering to are carbuncles. They are like boils and can be extremely painful. As almost evferyone here as urged you to do I will as well.. please go see either your OBGYN or your family doctor to determine what this is and to start treatment. Good Luck!

I had something similar and was certain that it had to be an STD... but it wasn't! There is a medical term for it that I can't remember now, but it's basically an infected sweat gland. I was prescribed a topical antibacterial gel and now use an antibacterial soap. it has definitely helped!

It definitely sounds like herpes. I too had an outbreak suddenly when I was in a very long term monogamous relationship. I have no idea how it happened. Where it came from, who knows, but when your immune defenses are down, or highly stressed, the outbreaks can happen. Just see your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. There is a subscription they can give you at the first sign of an outbreak that can shorten the length of it. Painful, yes!!! I also take a vitamin called Lysine to help prevent outbreaks and acidophilous. Don't forget to simply take regular pain meds for the pain, it helps.

Have you been screened for HPV? It is the most common std in women and could have been passed through your husband if he has had partners before you. Almost 50 percent of women have it but don't discuss it - however you should see your OBGYN, it could be nothing but you need to find out. My friend did get herpes through a unclean waxing parlor last year in LA. Go be tested and you will feel better.

Hi-
I do not have this problem, but I do know that the herpes virus can be transmitted from the mouth to the genital area. I am referring to you having the cold sore, and if you went to the bathroom after touching your mouth it could have spread to that area. Any time that your immune system is weakened a dormant virus, like herpes, can become active and you will develop a sore. If you have never had a cold sore on your mouth I can assume that you came in contact w/ the virus from another person, i.e. touching something they drank from and then inadvertantly touching the affected area. If none of these could be the case then you should see your ob/gyn. to treat the problem. Either way you will need to be seen. Hope this helps.

If you have cold sores on your mouth or in it you can spread them to your vaganial area the ones you get on your mouth are a different strain than you get from sex however they are still Herpes family and are spreadable so go see your Doc and if you don't want baby to catch the virus avoid kissing and sharing utensils and drinks with him if and when you have these sores on mouth.After my delivery with baby 2 I developed very painful vagainal area hurt to pee had a herpes teat done it was negative went several times to test it turned out to be a cyst from giving birth and tearing one was removed the other is still there so you may need to get looked at.

I would definitely see a Dr about these sores. Have you ever had a cold sore, especially sometime before the first sore you noticed? It is possible to transfer the virus of a cold sore (which is a herpes virus, just not the same type, there is type 1 and 2) to the vaginal area. If you have touched a sore on your mouth, then used the bathroom, or came in contact with the vaginal area in any way, it can be spread. You need to find out what this is, not only for your own protection and peace of mind, but for your husband as well.

Hey Carrie, a friend of mine had something similar and went to the doctor. They just looked at it and told her it was herpes...it broke up her engagement because each thought the other was cheating. It ended up being poision ivy from a float trip, but she didn't find out for several years when it happened again and she went to her new doctor who actually ran tests and found out that she did not have the virus at all. So, I would actually make them check for the virus, not just look at the sore and then, if you don't think it is the herp, get a S. opinion. Even doctors can just go with the easiest diagonosis, even if it isn't the correct one! Don't stress. The ladies have come up with tons of alternatives to the common assumtion!

Hi Carrie. My name is C. & I am 47 years old. I believe I know what you have and it is indeed of the herpes virus, not necessarily an std, but some the same sort of virus when you get a canker sore in your mouth. I had those when I was in highschool. I did go to the doctor, he gave me an antibiotic cream and I think an oral antibiotic as well. What helped me most when urinating was either pouring warm water over myself while urinating or, as disgusting as it sounds, sitting in a tub of warm water while doing the deed. I know it doesn't sound very clean, but I really do know the pain you are talking about, and it was the only way I COULD go without crying!!! don't worry, i've only had it reoccur once or twice since then... and i'm sure the same will happen for you. good luck, i hope this helps reassure you and get you some relief. As to being a virgin until 23 - WAY TO GO GIRL!!!!! you should shout that!

It does sound like the symptoms of herpes. Once you get herpes it lies dormant in your system until you get stressed out or sick and then it will pop up again. call your Dr. to get it checked out and if it is herpes there is a medication you can take. good luck!

Like most have said - go to your OB/GYN and have it checked out. You can in very rare instances get the herpes virus in ways other than sex. I had a similar sore when I was 22, did online research and couldn't believe that it might be herpes! My OB/GYN confirmed it. We figured out that it was probably contracted from a shared toilet when I lived with a large group of people in college. I have only had one outbreak in the 15 years since then. One thing that helps is the supplement Lysine. If I ever feel any kind of a tingle or burning coming on, I will start taking some Lysine.

Go to the gynecologist. It does sound like herpes. You can get herpes from receiving oral sex from someone who gets cold sores. I would get it checked out so that you can rule everything out.

carrie,
It sounds like to me it is herpes,you can catch it when it is present on your mouth and is open and your hand touches it, and then you touch yourself and spread. but, I'd just go to the doctor and quit worrying about it until I talked to him. Then you will know. No one will be able to guess what you really have until you just go see the doc.
good luck
D. e.

Check with your doctor. It sounds a lot like herpes, and I should know because I was diagnosed with it. Being told I had herpes hit me like a load of bricks. Educate yourself. This virus can remain "dormant" for a long time and not show itself, that is how people transfer it unknowingly. They think it's just something that cleared up on it's own. It is very manageable and in many cases "flare-ups" are infrequent and easily treated. I've only had spots flare-up three times in the past 5 years and it's been when I've let myself get run-down, over-stressed, etc. It's not the end of the world, if that's what it is (though it was devastating to me when I got the news). Good luck.

Hello Carrie,

While you may have been a virgin until you were 23 (bravo by the way), did you ever receive oral sex from another? The reason I ask is because Herpes Simplex 1(cold sores, generally affecting the mouth and nose vicinity), can become Simplex 2 (genital), if the person performing the action has a cold sore, or even one in process at the time. Scary isn't it. Has your husband ever had an occurance or break-out?

Another potential option could be that it is an in-grown hair, especially if you shave that area.

I agree that you should have your Dr. check it out. I do know that sometimes people get boils in odd places. That is one place that I have heard of them getting them. The only way to find out is by the Dr, though. People can also get boils under arms, under their breasts, in between the fat rolls on their tummy, any place that has the chance to be warm and moist. Have it looked at and let us know!!

It may not be an STD but Herbies also referred to as a fever blister is the same thing as what is down there. At some point in your life you may have had a cold sore and accidently touched it then touched downt there. It will now show up down there because that is the point of contact whenever you are stressed or perhaps have a severe cold. Just think back in your life and see if you can think of a time you had a cold sore. And just because you are a virgin, you might have foreplayed with someone that had one also on his face and came in contact with his hands. It is embarassing, but a lot of people have them, just because it is so contagious when they are in the form of a cold sore. Good luck, I know it hurts tremedously

Hi Carrie,

I definetly think you need to see your OB. I had a scare like that too and it ended up being a strep infection. Yes, you can get a strep infection there and it is INCREDIBLY painful! Since you have been sick it is possible that you broke out with it down there too. But you need to be seen so that you know for sure and the Dr will give you medicine for it. The possiblities are endless so go and that way you can put your mind at ease! Good Luck!

It could be what's called a Bartholin's cyst. They can be really painful. They are not sexually transmitted. It is like an abscess that is fluid or pus filled. If it gets too large it will need to be drained. Check with your OB/GYN. As a precaution, I would also get checked for herpes, just to air on the safe side. Kudos to you for staying a virgin!!! That is not something to be ashamed of !! Be proud!! Good luck!!

i think you've already gotten the same response i'm going to give but there is type of skin infection that is actually pretty common in women involving the sweat glands and hair folicles where you end up with boils, sores, over-sized pimples, whatever you want to call them. Using antibacterial soap helps, taking a really hot, epsom salt soak each morning (just a couple minutes) helps, and there are oral and topical meds you can get. Last I knew the orals can cause photosensitivity and the topicals work okay. Some people get it worse than others and sometimes the underarm area can be involved too (places with sweat!). Have it checked... they will likely lance the sore and culture anything that comes out. That will determine herpes, HPV, and common non STD related skin issues. Don't be embarassed, don't worry, and remember it's likely that lots have had the same problem! Good luck.

IT could be an ingrown hair. I know lots of women who have had them including myself and they do kinda look like a herpe or boil. I would have the doc check it out, if not for anything else but to ease your mind.

Carrie,

You sound like a nice lady, not a naive lady. Anytime there is something unusual that appears on the body, it is best to have it looked at by a physician. Being a virgin at 23 years of age is wonderful!! It's not wierd at all. It sounds as if you are a pretty together person. Please see you doc about the sores so that you can be certain what they are or are not. You have a baby that depends on you now, and you want to take good care of yourself so you can be here for her a long, long time. God bless you and your sweet family.

Not embarrassing, just delicate. GO TO THE DR, preferably the OBGYN. You could have type II herpes which is not the bad, sluty kind to put it bluntly. My husband has type II herpes and gets cancker sores in his mouth all of the time. His sister gets them and so did his Mom before she passed away. So, it ran in his family. I think every one at sometime in their lives has had a cold sore which is infact type II herpes, we just don't call it that...we call them cold sores. That is most likely what you have and instead of it poping up on your mouth or in your mouth which is where bacteria love to live, they have popped up on your vagina...also another place where bacteria love to live. Get a piece of mind and go to the gyno. He will give you something to clear it up in a couple of days.

M.

I have never heard of anything like your case, but I too would contact your OB/GYN and see them. Don't be embarrassed. It is your body and you should feel comfortable. Remember there are people out there with worse things. Trust me my husband worked in an OB clinic during studying courses and trust me your OB has seen it all just about. Good luck to you and let us know what happened. Don't forget things are so easy to get these days. My fingers are crossed for ya!!

Carrie,
I hope I can help you feel a little better. It sounds like you have the same thing I had when I was pregnant. They were two small bumps next to each other. First they were raw and over time they seemed to slowly heal. My doctor removed these during labor since I was numb and sent it off to the lab. Unfortunately he completely forgot and never got results. However, he told me it was nothing to be worried about and he knew that it wasn't Herpes. I'm sorry I don't have more info. This is just to put your mind more at ease.

Carrie, this could also be an infected Bartholin's gland. I had never heard of it until my daughter got one. And, it is very painful. Search for Bartholin's gland and you will see what I am talking about. But, definately see a dr.

don't be embarrassed. Check with a doctor but it could be that you have the stomach form of herpes. The one where you get sores on your mouth and your's is just showing up in another place.
That all said. I would go see a chiropractor who practices in homeopathic medicine because they may be able to see if your body is reacting to something else.
If you would like to know a chiropractor email me.
Oh and it is not weird that your have only been with one person. That is a blessing to your husband and you.

Had you had oral sex before? Herpes can be transmitted from the mouth to the genitals. Herpes in the mouth is commonly referred to as "coldsores". It could also be possibly transmitted during self- or mutual masturbation. A herpes outbreak generally lasts about 10 days. It looks and feels a lot like a coldsore--but it's worse just because of the location. Until you know for sure what this is, don't have sex, or any physical genital contact, with your husband until it is fully cleared up.

OK, don't panic. It sounds like irritations. Go to the Dr. if it makes you feel better.

You can also buy some over the counter yeast infection cream and instead of inserting it, put it right on the spot. The cream will help it go away and help it not hurt so bad. Also, get some of that feminine powder and put on your underwear. That will help keep the area dry and not hurt as bad.

Carrie,

I know it can be embarrassing. I had a similar situation, but eventually felt comfortable enough to discuss with my friend who is a nurse practitioner. If you have more than one outbreak, it is probably a form of herpes. Everyone carries the herpes virus. Some get active outbreaks of herpes around the lips or nose. Some can get it in the genital area. I get it 2-3 times per year on the lip, but have had it a few times in the genital area. She told me you can use Abreva. It's OTC at Walmart. It will numb the area for a few minutes, but will shorten the length of the outbreak. Stress is usually a big factor in outbreaks. I hope this helps some. Hang in there.

It could be an ingrown hair. Just relax, and ask your OB/Dr. Self diagnosing will only worry you more. Take care.

Carrie I am not a huge expert on this subject but I do believe there are other types of herpes than just Vaginal Herpes, canker sores are a type of herpes, I would suggest talking to your OBGYN, they would be the best person to ask, just make sure that they know that this also happened prior to intercourse.

Sorry to say, but it sounds exactly like herpes to me. I've had herpes for 34 years -- long before I was diagnosed. Yes, it is very painful. Do not be embarrassed. Call your doctor, get in and get it confirmed. There are medications, both oral and cream that will relieve the pain and clear up the outbreak in a few days.
It is common for herpes to arise when stressed or your immune system is down.
It is not the end of the world but it does need to be addressed, so you can be more comfortable.
Good luck. vl

given your situation of one partner I doubt this is herpes but urge you to get it checked out. if you can't afford regular dr, you can go to Family Planning clinic and they charge you based on sliding scale based on income your family makes. I went there when a poor student in college in the 80s, small town in wyoming, and they still had awesome staff. it's worth investigating. further even if this is not herpes it could still be contagious. another option is to look into getting medicaire coverage which also looks at income.

if you have a medical plan, then an Urgent Care would be easiest to address since they have evening and weekend hours (spouse can watch your son while you go to dr). there is one way south in olathe but I can't recall where, one at Oak Park Mall, and another one in leawood KS. probably others I don't know about. google your city and state plus the term urgent care.

good luck.

Although rare, its possible that you contacted herpes without sexual contact. I would have your GYN check it out. Its best to go now so they can perform a lab test to see if it is the herpes virus.

Way to go Carrie! I was a virgin until I met my husband too, and that is the best way to do it!!! One and only.
So now, you have a great reason to go to the doctor and find that answer from someone that can really tell you for sure what is it that you have and give you the relief you need.
Even if any other mom tells you what it is, they won't be able to give you what you need to fix the problem, so go ahead and ask the doctor!
Best of luck and hope you find relief soon,
Mariana Abadie
www.MykdisFirst.com
www.MaiaCreations.ecrater.com

It is embarrassing... I used to get them, myself. I haven't had one for a few years (knock on wood) but they were terrible! I had them 3 or 4 times in my vaginal area, had them checked out twice by my OBGYN, and then started getting boils elsewhere on my body. I had those twice in my underarm and twice on my inner thigh. Those, I had taken care of by my family doc. The ones in my vaginal area, I was told they didn't know what they were and they did nothing for them. The ones on my underarm and thigh, my doctor drained them and put me on an antibiotic. Please, get them checked out. It may be nothing more than a painful nuisance, but you'll feel better knowing that. Oh, and my family doctor suggested I use an antibacterial body wash or bath soap (instead of those that are made to make you smell fruity or flowery or whatever) to avoid getting future boils. It's worked for over 2 years, now.

Go see a doc, herpes is like having a cold sore down there, and you are better off getting checked. and I doubt that your cold had anything to do with it.

Dont be embarrassed but do talk with your doctor about it. This is your vagina youre talking about and its very important to keep it healthy!! Something could be very wrong or it could just be something little but dont worry about it when you always have the option to see a doctor. Your doctor can determine whether or not it is something to indeed be worried about!
--S.

You have described a classic textbook case of herpes. I remains dormant until a trigger, like sickness kicks it back up, then you will see the sores. It is a lifetime STD, comes and goes, but a very common and manageable one. Do not have sex within 2 weeks of a sore or you will give it to your partner. Read up on it, and keep in mind when you become pregnant to tell your OBGYN, there are risks to your baby if you have an active case at delivery time.

Oh, and - being a virgin at 23 is something to be PROUD of, not embarrased about! I respect and honor you for it!

Carrie, I get things like that too sometimes when my immune system is down due to a cold or something. I had my doctor check it out and she said it was just a cyst. She did some testing and it wasn't any kind of STD. But, I really think you should have your doctor check it out. It could be any number of things. Good luck!

Carrie,
I've battled staph infections and what you describe sounds just like it. I too have only been with my husband and so an std was highly unlikely (which I would think would be the same for you). They are very painful and can become worse. However, a topical antibiotic cream (like you used) can heal it. But they can also spread if they drain and another small cut anywhere on your body becomes infected too. Apparently staph is all over your body and it can flair up in anyone - some are just more susceptible. Go see your doctor (I would say your primary care physician as it is most likely not a gyncecological problem) and you'll probably need an antibiotic to really knock it out. Staphylococcus is not something you want to let go untreated - it can be very serious.
Good luck and take care!
M.

I was a counselor in an STD clinic for almost 10 years and what you are describing does sound like a herpes sore to me. Of course, without seeing it, it is impossible to tell. I recommend going to your OB/GYN immediately before it heals so that it can be accurately diagnosed. Herpes sores look like open canker sores and are usually painful. They generally last about 7-10 days and then clear up, they can return at any time and are able to be spread just before they appear (while the virus sheds), while they are there, and just after healing (while the virus sheds). Often, sores appear when your immune system is already weakend by a cold/flu, etc.

One thing I can share that a lot of people do not realize is that STDs can be spread even when two people do not have intercourse. ANY type of sexual contact between two people can spread STDs, like herpes sores. Herpes sores can also be spread from lips (common canker sores) to the genital area. So, if you ever had any type of oral sexual contact before you had intercourse, you could have gotten the herpes virus then and just been very lucky that it hasn't come back before now. Don't be embarrassed. Our society really hasn't been very proactive at educating people about these types of things. All you can do is see your MD to find out what it is and take steps from there. Good luck!

Hi Carrie,
I hate to say you have herpes. It is soooo painful. I too was a virgin til I was 20. I thought I was the last one!! If he has a "cold sore" (more than one or a cluster is actually Herpes) (I worked for a dentist) He can pass it to you about anywhere. It is viral. Easy to catch, and pass along. I totally freaked when I found out I caught this. I get them up in my nose if too much drainage, kleenex use etc, also my lip once in a while, and vaginal area. It attacks the weak places. If you have intercourse sometimes that brings it on (weakens the vaginal area) When I have my period it seems to pop up then too. It is horrible. The only thing I have found that works is either taking a daily pill (from dr.) to ward off breakouts and the best for me is L-lysine. It is in the vitamin area of most anywhere. I take it only when I feel it coming on. I take 3 or 4 when I get up and 3-4 at lunch etc. It almost always makes it go away or it doesn't amount to much. When it blisters, you are very contagious. I wouldn't bathe with kids either. Not sure if it is passed that way no one has ever answered that question. I had problems remembering the daily pill. It might have been 2 a day. Acyclavir I think it is called. My husbands dad had cold sores on his mouth and passed to my husband face and it was passed to my vaginal area. Wish we had been more informed or it wouldn't have been passed on. Sorry you have this problem. Stress brings it on, caffeine I hear does, your period etc. I heard it stays at the base of your spine until breakout. Weird. I have looked up a lot about it. Try the L-lysine. It worked for me, and my husband. J.

I have a friend who gets boils in that area once in awhile and sounds like you may have one too. Her doctor told her that it is a form of a staff infection, but don't know what causes it. She gets these a few times a year. Please go to the doctor and find out for yourself because only a doctor can tell you exactly what is going on with your body. Take care and see a doctor while it is happening so he can see for himself.