possible Std . . .

[btg3000]

ok this is the situation, a few weeks ago i had a break out on my penis. my best description would be that the skin, on the side of my penis facing the scrotum, appears prune-like and very dry. also there are red tiny dots in the area( not pimple size, very very small, like if you tap paper with the end of a pen. it itched like crazy and i came up with two possible reasons, herpes (probably not herpes 2, probably herpes 1) or a yeast infection. when i went to the doctor, he told me he did not believe it was herpes, he basically said its nothing to worry about and gave me some cortisol. i personally was relieved when he said this and thought it was a rash or a fungal infection, and with the fact that i have had NO scabbing of any sort lead me to stray away from HSV. so i took the cortisol along with OTC anti fungal cream, (which i had been taking anyway because i thought it was fungal) and symptoms went away with no scabbing. the thing is, was it the meds or was it just going away on its own. it took about a week for it to go away and it went away for about 2 weeks. currently it seems like i have a more mild version of what i had before however there is little to no itching, but recently i have been research HSV since i have had it in my eye for 4 years now. the one in my eye scabs and recurs every 6 months like clockwork, and for the 1st time about a month ago it did not scab but it was swollen, and itching was minimal.i figured maybe my body was getting used to it a little. and yes i have been involved in risky sexual activities. i ask what is your opionion

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

They appear to be very small. HSV manifests as vesicles. That is they contain fluid and may appear to be shiny and fragile. I do not think this is your case. This appears to be a rash or mild skin irritation secondary to sexual activity or to manipulating the area. Just observe the area for any changes in character and appearance, Avoid touching or picking on the area as this may only further irritate the skin.

[btg3000]

just an update on how small the little red dots are, i cannnot see them jus looking at my penis, i have to stretch the skin to seem them at all. also today almost all of the physical symptoms seem to have gone away.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

I meant HSV not HPV. That was an error there. Yes, HPV or warts do not seem to be the case. I meant that HSV or herpes may actually still be a differential here. A burning and tingling sensation are usually associated with HSV. They are clusters of vesicles on top of a red base. With a positive history of HSV type 1 infection of the eye ( is this correct?) , this may increase the likelihood of autoinoculation in the genital areas. Although possible, this is not very frequent.

At this point, the skin condition responded to the medications. This may suggest that it could be a dermatitic rash  ( eg xerotic or irritant dermatitis ).Continue to observe the area and check for any blisters or change in the character of the skin. I know you are still worried however, just continue with the medications as indicated. At this point, no further intervention is necessary.

[btg3000]

No it doesnt appear to be HPV, warts and many in that family don't have symptoms like this. warts dont itch, its fleshy risne skin. most of the pics out there on the net are mislabeled and severe cases (people with an immune system problem). also it comes and goes somewhat rapidly, warts dont come and go like that so HPV and it family is ruled out.warts last for months, u gotta either chop it off, burn or freeze, or wait a really long time for it to go away if it does. i honestly would not even think much of it if it was warts, warts is a joke for men, its only for women that a close relative of warts (another memeber of the HPV family) causes cervical cancer. HPV is out of the question, even if i have it, its not whats giving me these symptoms . . .

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

With a significant sexual history , I suggest that STD's have to be ruled out first before other conditions like folliculitis and dermatitic skin conditions are considered. I suggest that you have this assessed by your urologist since HPV may still be a differential here. HPV appears as vesicles that are usually clustered together and these vesicles may have a burning and tingling sensation. Was this similar to your skin condition?

Refrain from any sexual activity until this has completely resolved.