Nervous beyond belief

[chizz]

Hi there. I am very worried and anxious and it's affecting my life. I had unprotected sex on october 31st, 2008 with a girl. About 2 weeks later, i noticed a tiny, small red bump on the base of my penis. The area was a little bit red, but that's it. There was no pain, itching, ect. I kinda scratched it, and it turned red, but did not bleed. After that, it went away in about 3 days. Since then, my genital area has not had any rashes, or pimple like growths, but they have been more itchy then normal. Yesturday, i discovered the same pimple like tiny bump on the exact same spot. I scratched it and the exact same thing happend. I called the girl that i had sex with and she took a herpes test and it came out negative. I'm so worreid about what this could be, it's making me sick to my stomach. I'm going in this week to have a dermatologist look at it, but does anyone have any ideas about what it might be? Thank you so much.

[chizz]

thank you so much for replying. i'm almost positive that it is not herpes, however as you suggested, i must make sure. Based on those symptoms, is there any other STD that it could be, to your knowledge? Thanks again, i sincerely appreciate your help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be folliculitis,contact dermatitis,rash due to friction rub with clothes, dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic),excessive sweating causing sweat dermatitis or balanitis(due to an underlying infection (bacterial and fungal as well as other organisms) .Even herpes cannot be ruled out as it is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner.

You may try calamine lotion on the bump.You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics.You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the bump. If the bump is itchy,you  can take some antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.

If the lump persist then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Herpes has to be ruled out.

I sincerely hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.