Encountering unsightly or uncomfortable bumps can be disconcerting. This is especially true when they appear in particularly sensitive areas and when you’re unsure what the cause is.

Two of the most common causes of bumps in delicate areas are ingrown hairs and herpes. Both conditions can cause pain and irritation and may let off discharge if the pustules are ruptured. They’re both relatively minor conditions, but while ingrown hairs will usually resolve themselves, herpes usually requires professional treatment.

Here’s how to tell the difference between ingrown hairs and herpes by their symptoms and appearance. Read on to discover their causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor.

Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair happens when the hair is cut too close to the skin or when your regular hygiene routine is disrupted and oil and other debris are allowed to accumulate on the skin. It can also be caused by some hair removal techniques like waxing and shaving, as well as plucking. Sometimes, though, it just happens naturally due to an odd growth pattern.

Blocking or irritating the skin like this can make it difficult for the hair to penetrate the surface of the follicle and cause it to become trapped. This can lead to minor irritation and infection, which causes the formation of small acne-like bumps. You may or may not be able to see the hair inside the pustule as a thin, dark line (depending on the hair’s color and thickness).

Though it’s possible to have multiple ingrown hairs at once, they are usually fairly isolated and minor. They’re not likely to reoccur unless the cause is repeated; they do not have a set pattern of appearance.

Ingrown hairs are unlikely to be serious and usually resolve on their own in a few days to a week. To speed up the process, you can wash the area with gentle soap and exfoliate to clean the debris and make it easier for the hair to emerge.