Very worried about body fluid contact through broken skin

[Broken_Worried_Skin]

Hi there, and many thanks in advance for your help. I am a happily married 29 year male who was incredibly stupid and had a lap dance at a friend's batchelor party several days ago. I did not touch the lady involved but she did rub herself (through thin underwear) over my groin for approximately five minutes, which was covered by my underwear and jeans.

I know the risks for this are low however I have a significant concern: I have psoriatic lesions over my hands, several of which are cracked and open, and several in my groin and shaft of my penis. Though I did not notice any large amount of wetness transferred onto my jeans, could she have transmitted some contaminated vaginal fluid onto my jeans which could have worked its way onto my penis through my clothes. Or could infection be transmitted later when I went to the toilet through contact with my hands when I undid my fly either directly into the blood stream through open breaks on the skin on my hands, the lesions on my penis as I took it out through the fly, or through the mucous membrane on my uncircumcised penile head which my hands touched.

I am very worried as in one week my wife and I are due to go on a honeymoon, several years late in coming due to various reasons. I am deeply paranoid about infecting her with a viral illness such as HIV or herpes, as I believe these agents can live for a period of time outside the body, or with something like syphillis. Shall I stop having intercourse with her until I get tested, or do I need to use protection on our honeymoon. This will be difficult to explain but I will gladly do it if it will protect her.

I am finding it very difficult to concentrate on anything else at the moment, and would greatly appreciate your advice.

[Broken_Worried_Skin]

Dear Prof. Hook,

Many thanks for your advice - as you correctly diagnosed I am indeed very guilty about what I did, but hopefully shall put that to good use in the 'not to do again box' after your reassurance.

Best wishes, and thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

STDs are not transmitted through clothing nor by transfer from another person's genitals to one's ands and then on to their genitals.  While your psoriasis might theoretically increase your susceptibility if exposed, you were not exposed and have nothing to worry about from the exposure you describe.  I wonder if your concerns are in large part a reflection of an element of guilt regarding your exposure.

You have no reason to worry about infecting your wife through unprotected intercourse from the events you describe.  Have a nice honeymoon.  EWH