Risk

[displacedsurfer26]

Hello Drs:

I appreciate any feedback that can be offered. I have had an incident getting a massage. On the occasion, I was given a standard massage with hands against my bare skin. I was asked if I wanted anything additional from them and I declined. My concern surrounds having a massage on my bare skin from an individual that would provide such a service.

I would not be concerned at all; however, several days later I developed a small lesion on the outside portion of my outer thigh about three inches below the buttocks. I actually woke up because it was painful and it was a painful open sore for about a day and then scabbed over. Now, it it a somewhat painful scabbed over circle with a diameter or about 2 cm.

Is there any possibility that I need to be concerned about a STI that can be transmitted via skin to skin contact?

Do I need any testing (with in mind I am married and would need to inform her if there was a realistic possibility)?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I'll be pleased to comment.  The activities you describe are effectively no risk for any STI, including HIV.  While person's may argue that IF a person had a syphilis or herpes , there is a THEORETICAL risk of infection but the fact is that infections transmitted this way are not seen.  I would not be worried at all if I were you.

As for the lesion you recently experienced on your leg, it sounds very much like a boil or folliculitis, not a STI of any sort.

I hope these comments are helpful to you.  EWH

[displacedsurfer26]

Thank you, I assume this means no follow up testing is necessary?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct. EWH

[displacedsurfer26]

Hi Dr., I apologize for the follow up questions.  While I understand reviewing pictures is likely a fruitless endeavor, the images of chancres I have seen resemble the lesion on my leg.  Would a chancre develop a scab over the course of a day?  How atypical would pain associated with a chancre be?  Does this change any recommendation for testing?

These will be my last questions.  Thanks in advance.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Chancres typically do not scab and are typically painless. No change in my assessment or advice.

With this I will conclude this thread. There will be no further comments. EWH