most helpful answer based on the information in your posting it does not seem likely that this would be herpes let alone a genital herpes. the most likely cause would be a contact dermatitis (how in the world would you get poison ivy here anyway? ). it could be some residual chemicals in a laundry detergent soap dryer softeners or even the elastic band of your under-clothing. many things. instead of benadryl (which can cause some sensitivity reactions itself) a trial of hydrocortisone may be helpful. there is really no way to medical prove as specific cause if it is a contact dermatitis. herpes on the skin is painful. it is composed of groups of tiny water-filled blisters that rupture. the area surrounding these tiny blisters is red and irritated. it can itch but pain and tingling would be a more common symptom. there are certainly other considerations so i am pleased you are seeing a medical provider for a hands-on examination. hello i spent the last 3 months having herpes like symptoms and after a series of tests / doctors it was finally discovered that i had an e. coli infection on the skin around my genitals. it was very painful caused similar symptoms as herpes with tingling ulcers etc. but easily addressed with antibiotics. i would encourage your doctor to not only test for herpes but to swab for a bacterial or yeast infection as it may be something more benign than what you think it is. don't get too overwhelmed by what you read on the internet until you have something properly diagnosed. i know it can be months of agony but hang in there.
could it not be herpes? . i had a small itchy itchy itchy path about an 1-2 inch away from my bikini line on my inner thigh. i thought it was poison ivy so i put on benadryl cream and it seemed to stop the itching but the bumps raised and were somewhat sore but i don't know if that was due to friction they then scabbed and the itching started again. i havent had sex in 2. 5 months and have been with the same guy for over 3 years. i'm going to get a blood test next tuesday. . any advice?