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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Do I have an STD?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Do I have an STD?
by Canuck_Male, Jun 10, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Doctor,
In late January of this year, 2003, I developed a rash on my penis (glans), which followed unprotected sexual intercourse from what I “believe” to be an STD free partner. I promptly visited my doctor who acknowledge the existence of the rash and took a topical swab for further testing. An antibiotic cream was also prescribed (Viaderm-KC), which turned out to be very responsive. In fact, my rash cleared up within a few hours of applying the cream.
The results of my test were 100% normal and my GP had specifically reassured me that the rash did not resemble common symptoms of other typical STDs. No other symptoms were experienced, other than mild irritation that I had attributed to the antibiotic cream. Specifically, no cold symptoms, blisters, pains, discharges, or changes in energy level were present.
I moved on with my life and abstained from unprotected sexual activity. Now, five months later I developed a similar rash again. This time, however, I did nothing and simply washed it vigorously in the shower. Although, a slight tingle remains, it is all but gone after a day of doing nothing.
I am uncircumcised, however I ensure that the area in question is cleaned daily with soap and water. I don’t believe that this rash was a result of cleaning related irritation.
Finally, I have tested my blood sugar and it is fine and I am without any diabetes symptoms. Please tell me if I could be dealing with a semi-dormant STD or any other information that could help me understand what I am dealing with.
Thanks
In late January of this year, 2003, I developed a rash on my penis (glans), which followed unprotected sexual intercourse from what I “believe” to be an STD free partner. I promptly visited my doctor who acknowledge the existence of the rash and took a topical swab for further testing. An antibiotic cream was also prescribed (Viaderm-KC), which turned out to be very responsive. In fact, my rash cleared up within a few hours of applying the cream.
The results of my test were 100% normal and my GP had specifically reassured me that the rash did not resemble common symptoms of other typical STDs. No other symptoms were experienced, other than mild irritation that I had attributed to the antibiotic cream. Specifically, no cold symptoms, blisters, pains, discharges, or changes in energy level were present.
I moved on with my life and abstained from unprotected sexual activity. Now, five months later I developed a similar rash again. This time, however, I did nothing and simply washed it vigorously in the shower. Although, a slight tingle remains, it is all but gone after a day of doing nothing.
I am uncircumcised, however I ensure that the area in question is cleaned daily with soap and water. I don’t believe that this rash was a result of cleaning related irritation.
Finally, I have tested my blood sugar and it is fine and I am without any diabetes symptoms. Please tell me if I could be dealing with a semi-dormant STD or any other information that could help me understand what I am dealing with.
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 10, 2003 12:00AM
, Jun 10, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
Without seeing the lesion, it is impossible to say what it is.
There are a variety of genital lesions that are possible. Infectious etiologies of genital ulcers include: herpes, chancroid (Haemophilus ducreyi), granuloma inguinale (Calymmatobacterium granulomatis), syphilis (Treponema pallidum), HIV-specific ulcers (acute HIV infection or late HIV), and lymphogranuloma venereum (Chlamydia trachomatis).
They can be properly evaluated and diagnosed by viral cultures, gram staining or blood tests.
If the lesion is indeed herpes, then a remitting and recurring pattern would not be uncommon.
You may want to consider a referral to a dermatologist for another opinion.
Without seeing the lesion, it is impossible for me to be more specific.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Without seeing the lesion, it is impossible to say what it is.
There are a variety of genital lesions that are possible. Infectious etiologies of genital ulcers include: herpes, chancroid (Haemophilus ducreyi), granuloma inguinale (Calymmatobacterium granulomatis), syphilis (Treponema pallidum), HIV-specific ulcers (acute HIV infection or late HIV), and lymphogranuloma venereum (Chlamydia trachomatis).
They can be properly evaluated and diagnosed by viral cultures, gram staining or blood tests.
If the lesion is indeed herpes, then a remitting and recurring pattern would not be uncommon.
You may want to consider a referral to a dermatologist for another opinion.
Without seeing the lesion, it is impossible for me to be more specific.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
