How can I tell the difference between folliculitis and herpes? My partner and I recently had sex for the first time, and neither of us has known of any STIs or STDs. I noticed red bumps on my vulva when I was in the shower about nine days after we had sex and right after I had my period. They cleared up in about six days, and I never had any open sores and the bumps never crusted over. They were a bit itchy, but I never had painful urination, and they never really hurt. I don t think it was herpes, but I would like to be sure.