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Upper inner thigh rash

Dr.
As you can see by my previous posts I had a herpes scare that was handled by the STD specialists. Unfortunately, the day before my final confirmatory testing results, I slept with a different woman who had also given me anxiety in the past. This time I used a condom for the most part (no penetration without one). Anyway, Dr. Hook advised me to do more testing and move on and I see the wisdom of his advice. The pattern of overtesting has contributed to my anxiety. Anyway, confounding my herpes fears the past few months is the fact that my job requires me to hike long distances and go many days without bathing in the woods. I have been confused my irritated hair follicles a couple of times recently thinking they are herpes. Since my last most protected possible exposure, I have dillegently observing the genital area. Yesterday (day after a 9 mile hike and a few days no shower) I noticed a linear pinkinsh red rash vertically formed about an inch and a half long in the fold of skin between my right inner thigh and growing area. To the right on the leg are a couple of small pinkinsh bumps, I am almost positive they are irritated hair follicles. To the left closer to the genitals is some slightly pinkinsh skin also somewhat linear in form. On the fold of skin between my left upper inner thigh and genitals is a similar line that is faintly pinkish like healed skin. I noticed this a few weeks ago and it was present when I got examined 2 weeks after exposure at Planned Parenthood. I think I had the healed looking pinkish lines on both sides then. I think maybe I have been chafing in this area on both sides and just now noticed it now that it is irritated on the right side and my anxiety is high. The skin was more or less painless but now feels a little raw after examination. All logic tells me a linear rash in a fold of skin without bumps except for maybe irritated hair follicles 3.5 weeks after exposure is indeed chafing and not herpes. I remember Dr Hansfield saying symtoms do not show up after 3 weeks; is this your experience? Anyway you opinion is appreciated.
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Avatar universal
I'm no Doctor, but I do know Chafing.  The greatest thing a doctor ever introduced me to was powder down there :)

I have sensitive skin and I'm a big guy.  I also get hot easily and I'm extremely active.  Those combos dont go well...  But I tell you what - chaffing in the Marine Corps as well as hiking, running, even ocean swimming can be hell and scary.  

You're describing it.  Basically raw lines of skin...  you gotta keep those areas dry and clean.  

1. Powder
2. Good Hygene
3. Try a tight fitting type boxer brief or some sort of spandex underwear like Under Armor with powder.  
4. Always hike with powder.

Dont stress :)  You're chafed!  And it could've got infected a bit, that's all.
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242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Chafing, not herpes.  Herpes doesn't start weeks later, isn't on both sides, and many other reasons.  Diligently exmining your genitals is as bad an idea as excessive testing.  See a doctor if you need more advice.  Get counseling if you can't move on.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff
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