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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Burning sensation in my left testicle
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Burning sensation in my left testicle
by ml1209, Jan 17, 2004 12:00AM
A tingling and burning has developed in the area of my left testicle about 23 days ago. In the first few days there was a redness on the skin of my scrotum, but no lesions or sores developed. Eight days after the initial sensation I went to an STD clinic and had a nurse examine me. He said it did not look like Herpes (which is what I suspected). He thought I had no more than underwear rash. Two weeks later, with the sensations persisting, I returned to the same clinic for another exam, this time with a different nurse. He, too, said there was nothing unsual on my skin. But with my claims to a burning sensation, he admitted to being stumped. They both prescibed Benaydryl or a similar cream. (Which I did not apply because I wanted to "wait it out").
My suspected exposure to herpes was four weeks ago. Since then I did a full STD panel, including a herpes blood/antibody test. Everything came back negative, including the herpes test.
Yesterday, I went back to the lab for another herpes blood test (which is at the four week mark after exposure). I am still awaiting the results.
During this whole period there has never been any lesions or sores. I checked myself almost every evening, and the visual inspection did not match what I was feeling, namely the skin looked normal. The sensations seem to emanate from one particular spot on my left testicle - a burning (or a "coolness").
My research on the web about herpes, and my calls to the CDC hotline gave me varying information. Websites say a herpes outbreak can have no visble signs. But some CDC personnel say on the phone that a tingling and burning will indicate an onset of sores or lesions from between 8-72 hours.
Let me add what my exposure was like: I had vaginal intercourse with a latex condom, and did not perform oral or had oral sex performed on me. At no time did I have unprotected intercourse.
With my pending results from the second herpes blood test, my question is this:
Can this still be herpes, or do my symptoms point to something else?
My suspected exposure to herpes was four weeks ago. Since then I did a full STD panel, including a herpes blood/antibody test. Everything came back negative, including the herpes test.
Yesterday, I went back to the lab for another herpes blood test (which is at the four week mark after exposure). I am still awaiting the results.
During this whole period there has never been any lesions or sores. I checked myself almost every evening, and the visual inspection did not match what I was feeling, namely the skin looked normal. The sensations seem to emanate from one particular spot on my left testicle - a burning (or a "coolness").
My research on the web about herpes, and my calls to the CDC hotline gave me varying information. Websites say a herpes outbreak can have no visble signs. But some CDC personnel say on the phone that a tingling and burning will indicate an onset of sores or lesions from between 8-72 hours.
Let me add what my exposure was like: I had vaginal intercourse with a latex condom, and did not perform oral or had oral sex performed on me. At no time did I have unprotected intercourse.
With my pending results from the second herpes blood test, my question is this:
Can this still be herpes, or do my symptoms point to something else?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 18, 2004 12:00AM
, Jan 18, 2004 12:00AM
If the repeat blood test for herpes is negative, which I expect it to be, then I think you can set aside concern for that diagnosis. The information you got from the CDC is correct: please note that, "tingling and burning will indicate an onset of sores or lesions from between 8-72 hours." You haven't had sores or lesions.
Your symptoms point to fear of herpes, not to herpes or to any other disease I can think of. Once the new test rules herpes out, you ought to ignore the symptom, which will likely fade away on its own in time.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Your symptoms point to fear of herpes, not to herpes or to any other disease I can think of. Once the new test rules herpes out, you ought to ignore the symptom, which will likely fade away on its own in time.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
The test was done four weeks after potential exposure. I will test myself again after a total of 12 weeks after potential exposure.
So, given these test results, should I breathe easy now?
Thank you.
Dr. Rockoff